Read on for a full tutorial on how to clean an area rug the DIY way. You can follow the mixing instructions on a store-bought rug cleaner/shampoo (Bissell makes a good one. Also try beating the rug with a broom handle while you’re holding it in the air. If you see puffs of dust coming from the rug, keep beating it. You agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the manner described by our Privacy Policy. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Avoid soap, which can become trapped in rope fibers and leave a white residue. It’s also important to have your rug cleaned by a professional such as our team here at On the Spot Carpet Cleaners every six months to a year depending on how frequently it’s used. Lay it out upside down. For stained or seriously dirty rugs, though, you’ll need to clean the rug more aggressively by using a rug shampoo. Area rugs are a terrific alternative to wall-to-wall carpet, namely because they're easier to remove and clean. Not only are they easy to maintain, but they are also resistant to fading and they are quick to dry too. Over time—especially if they’re in high-traffic areas within your home—these rugs will pick up dirt and need to be cleaned. To actually wash the rug, it can be laid on a clean patio or porch area outside and wet with a garden hose. Blot: Push out as much excess water as you can using a squeegee and moving in the direction of the rug nap. In this case, you can use your bathroom. Dip the bristles of the scrub brush into the solution and rub them into the carpet. But just like other household furnishings, area rugs need proper care to … Last Updated: January 7, 2021 Dip a sponge in the water, squeeze out excess moisture, and blot the cleaner onto the rug, working in sections until you've covered the entire surface. Area rugs are a great option to give your decor an elevated touch. If the rug isn’t visibly dingy (or noticeably foul-smelling), try this test: Simply pick up a corner of the rug and let it flop down onto the floor. To maintain an area rug, at least once a month flip it upside down and vacuum the back of the rug. Scrub, rinse and blot an area before moving to the next. Sprinkle baking soda onto your rug and let it sit on your rug before vacuuming every 3 months. References. If it doesn’t, proceed to the next step. Wash the Rug and Apply Shampoo With a safe shampoo chosen, pull out the garden hose and give your rug a good rinse. To prevent 1 side of a reversible area rug from getting worn down more quickly than the other side, turn area rugs over once per year. Connect with a carpet cleaning professional. This article has been viewed 25,926 times. I have done that with a wool area rug and it came out fine tho took a long time to dry. Using a sturdy brush with a stout handle, work the … The rug should be vacuumed well and then turned upside down and vacuumed again using the vacuum’s beater bar, which will shake loose much of the dirt that has become embedded in the rug fibers. Step 2 – Lay Rug Face Down. Thoroughly rinse the rug with a garden hose, making sure the water is clear of soap suds before you finish. Driscoll received her Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health in 2016. Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids based in northern Colorado. They're also less of a commitment, and it's easy to switch one out if you get bored or want to redecorate. Buy a squeegee at any hardware store or a large supermarket. Let the rug sit for five minutes before rinsing it off. If it's synthetic or wool you can use woolite, a soft brush and a hose outside. How To Clean An Indoor Outdoor Rug – Indoor-outdoor rugs are perfect additions to any home as they can be used indoors and outdoors any time. If possible, … of clear dish soap for every gallon of water. And a big part of that maintenance is regular cleaning. The moment all of the dust is gotten rid of, you must clean your rug thoroughly to get rid of any remaining dirt or dust that was loosened from the dusting or as indicated in step 3. Most braided area rugs can be run through the washing machine. It gets very heavy when wet and you have to have somewhere to lay it off the ground outside so it can dry. Lay the rug flat to dry. Use a garden hose to saturate the carpet before applying the shampoo. There are 21 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Flip the rug back right-side up once you’ve vacuumed the underside. Use a bristled brush to gently work the soap into your area rug, following the nap of the material. Or, you can add a couple of capfuls of mild liquid dish soap to a bucket of warm water. Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. If a little cloud of dust floats up, a cleaning is in order. Using a soft brush, dab the rug with the soap solution, scrubbing its fibers. A lounge chair or an outdoor table should be fine or you can also use a portable clothing rack, or anything that keeps it off the ground. (This is important, as it allows you to get the dirt that's compacted over the years at the bottom of the rug/fibers to get washed away.) They sure add a warm and cozy vibe to your home. Turn on your vacuum cleaner and push it back and forth across the top surface of your rug to suck up loose dust and debris. Area rugs can impart color and warmth to your decor, soften tile and ceramic flooring, add style and charm to a space, and protect your hardwood floors from scratches and moisture damage. How to Clean an Area Rug. Rinse the soap out of the rug using a garden hose or buckets of clean water. Not everyone will be able to take their rug outside. Eventually, the time comes when your area rug or removable carpet needs more than just another vacuuming. If possible, one of the best ways to clean a larger area rug is to take it outside. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. However, turn off the vacuum’s beater bar so you don’t inadvertently tear fibers off of the rug. Massage them into the fibers well (without fully saturating the carpet) and follow up with a cloth to help blot excess moisture. Parts water the trick to squeeze excess water as you can add a couple of of... To lay it off the vacuum ’ s saturated the task of cleaning them may more. 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