Guide

How To Clean Your Rugs

How To Clean Your Rugs

Area rugs; they make your house a home. Whether you’re aiming for a style that’s cozy and nostalgic or chic and elevated, putting down an area rug is an easy option that makes a big styling impact to any room. They’re also extremely functional, helping you protect your floors from dirt and damage. 

But while rugs are an excellent design feature, they require regular care to keep them looking nice and clean, especially if they live in a busy, heavily-trafficked section of your home. However, the kind of care your rug needs depends on the specific type of rug it is. 

Don’t worry, we’re sharing our in-depth guide to cleaning and caring for your rugs so they can continue bringing joy to your home for years to come. 

General routine rug care

Regular vacuuming 

Rugs tend to accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, so it’s important to establish a regular cleaning routine to keep them fresh. Generally speaking, many rugs can benefit from vacuuming about once a week to remove loose dust and dirt (or more if your rug is in a heavily trafficked area and/or if you have pets whose shed fur might be collecting through the day).

However, rugs that are made of delicate materials like wool may require more gentle care. For these kinds of rugs, consider shaking your rug out outside or sweeping them with a broom to loosen any trapped debris, then using a gentle vacuum without a beater bar (we recommend Miele Suction Only) to protect and preserve your rug’s delicate fibers. 

Invest in quality rug padding 

Rug padding helps keep your rug in place and reduces friction, extending the lifespan of the floor piece. They’re also a good idea for adding some extra cushioning underfoot! 

Spot cleaning 

If you’re facing an accidental spill or accident, you have to act quickly to avoid staining. For many spills, a small spot cleaning is generally enough to lift the mess. But for some spills, you’ll need a specific plan of action.

For general spot cleaning:

  1. Mix a small amount of dish soap with water. 
  2. Use a clean cloth to gently dab the stain with your dish soap mixture. Be sure to blot, not rub, since rubbing can push the stain further into the rug’s fibers. 
  3. Use another damp, clean cloth to blot off the soap residue, then allow the area to dry completely. 

And what about those tough spills? Here are some targeted plans of action:

  • To remove red wine stains from your rug: Mix two parts hydrogen peroxide with one part dish soap, then gently blot the stain with a clean white cloth until it lifts. You can also use club soda, vinegar, or baking soda. 
  • To remove coffee stains from your rug: Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and allow it to absorb. Then, blot gently with a solution of dish soap, vinegar, and warm water to remove the stain. 
  • To remove pet stains from your rug: Pet stains often require a special cleanser to remove the stain and any odors. Look for an enzyme-based cleaner that is specifically designed for pet stains, making sure that it will work with your rug type. 

Deep cleaning

We focus on the highest quality materials, so we don’t sell any machine washable rugs. Instead, we recommend deep cleaning by an expert. 

Consider using professional cleaners who have the equipment and expertise to refresh your rug without damaging it. Let us know if you need a referral!

Special Cleaning Instructions For Different Kinds of Rugs

While regular maintenance is important for every kind of rug, it’s important to remember that not all rugs are created equal. You should take the time to get to know your rug’s specific care needs so you can properly maintain them and extend their lifespan. 



Rug Type

Care Notes 

Cleaning Method

Deep Cleaning 

Wool and Wool Blends

Durable but sensitive to heat and chemicals. Avoid using hot water and chemical cleaners that may cause shrinkage.

Vacuum regularly with no beater bar. Spot clean with mild detergent and water.

Professional cleaning is recommended. 

Synthetic (Polyester, Nylon) 

Durable and easy to maintain; often resistant to stains and pets. 

Regularly vacuum, and spot clean with mild soap and water. 

Use a gentle detergent and allow to fully air dry. 

Natural Fibers (Jute/Sisal) 

Very absorbent natural fibers that are prone to staining. Avoid getting wet. 

Vacuum regularly to get rid of dirt and debris. To spot clean, use a dry-cleaning solution and minimal water. 

Professional cleaning is recommended. 

Conclusion 

Establishing a regular rug cleaning schedule is a great way to keep the whole house feeling clean, especially if you have pets or plenty of traffic. Get to know your rug’s specific cleaning instructions so you can properly extend its life. 

Looking for rugs? Have care questions? Get in touch with us here at Home Carpet One! We have plenty of beautiful area rugs and a knowledgeable team that would love to help you curate the home of your dreams. 

Photo by Sean Valentine: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tabby-cat-on-black-and-white-textile-4085101/

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