Are you trying to learn how to clean the rugs in your home? If yes, you should check out this area rug cleaning guide by clicking here.
When designing your dream home, it can cost anywhere between $200 and $2,000 per room to design it right. After decorating and perfecting the final details, you want to make sure that beauty lasts. A spilled glass of wine could ruin your beautiful rug with a stain you can’t get out.
With this ultimate area rug cleaning guide, you’ll have everything you need to soak up the mess. That way, you can achieve perfection throughout your beautiful home again.
Otherwise, learning how to clean a throw rug can help you extend its lifespan. If you don’t think it’s dirty, pick up a corner and let it drop. Did a small cloud of dust puff up?
That means it’s time to get cleaning!
Keep reading to discover the six tips you need when learning how to clean a throw rug.
1. Vacuum Up
Before you start deep cleaning, you’ll need to gather the right materials. You’ll need:
- Vacuum
- Rubber gloves
- Rug shampoo
- Bucket
- Sponge
- Scrub brush (soft-bristled)
- Garden hose
- Squeegee
- Liquid dish soap
Then, thoroughly vacuum the entire area rug. That includes the front and back of the rug, even if a stain is only on one side. Over time, dust, dirt, and crumbs accumulate within your rug.
You want to make sure you’re vacuuming both sides for a thorough deep clean.
Some vacuums have a “rug” setting. Using a vacuum with less airflow will ensure you don’t suck the rug into the vacuum. It’s also less harsh on the rug fibers.
During this pre-cleaning step, you can also take any smaller rugs outside to shake them out. That way you’ll spend less time vacuuming, which can help you avoid damaging the rug.
2. Test a Cleaner
Instead of hiring a professional who offers area rug cleaning, learning how to clean a throw rug yourself can benefit your entire family. Doing it yourself, you’ll know exactly what types of cleaners and products are used on your rug.
If you have young children or pets, this can provide peace of mind that no one’s using harsh chemicals within your home.
Before you start using a cleaner, make sure to test the rug for colorfastness. If you don’t have a rug cleaning solution at home, mix two teaspoons of mild dish soap in a bucket of water. Make sure to avoid using hot water, which could cause the rug to fade or the fibers to shrink.
Using a towel, you can then dab the solution onto a small corner of the rug.
See if the rug fades or if color transfers to the towel.
If the rug’s color doesn’t fade or run, continue to the next step.
3. Scrub & Sit
The average cost for throw rug cleaning is $160. Instead of wasting money, these tips can help you save so you can spend that cash elsewhere.
Using a sponge or the soft-bristled brush, scrub your area rug cleaning solution into the rug. Brush firmly using a light amount of pressure. Keep brushing until you start seeing suds.
Use more solution if you need to complete a deep-clean.
Don’t soak your rug with water if it’s wool, jute, or antique. Instead, grab a microfiber cloth and dampen it with your solution. Then, lightly dab the rug’s surface without saturating the rug.
Then, let the rug soak up the solution for several minutes.
4. Hose It Down
Next, you’ll want to thoroughly rinse the cleaning solution out. Take the rug outside and hose it down using a garden hose. Make sure the water doesn’t contain any soap suds before shutting the hose off.
If it’s a wool, jute, or antique rug, make sure to rinse it by hand using a blotting method. You’ll want to use fresh water. Then, lightly apply a microfiber towel, blotting water into the rug. If it’s a cotton rug, you can also machine-rinse it using cold water on the gentle cycle.
5. Remove the Water
Now that your rug is dripping wet, it’s time to dry it off.
You can hang the rug up to dry or lie it flat, face up. Then, prop the underside using risers to improve the air circulation. You can also rotate the rug to make sure it drives evenly.
Let the rug dry completely before you bring it back inside.
Once you’re inside, turn on a few fans. This will promote air circulation to ensure the rug dries evenly.
You can also use a squeegee to remove excess water from your rug. Press the squeegee into the rug and drag it across, pulling out as much water as you can.
Want to replace your rug instead? This beautiful selection of Dash and Albert rugs can ensure you discover high-quality, stylish rugs to add to your home.
6. Vacuum Up Again
Once the rug is completely dry, go over it with a vacuum or soft-bristled brush. Vacuuming your rug a second time will refresh the fibers. Otherwise, the fibers might become compacted during the washing and/or drying stages.
Your area rug cleaning process is almost complete!
Next, take the rug back to its designated room, lay it out, and arrange your furniture accordingly.
To maintain the beauty of your rug, make sure to clean it regularly. After all, your rug will accumulate dirt, dust, and crumbs with time. Leaving the dirt and dust unattended can cause your family to develop allergy issues.
Instead, keeping your rug clean will allow you to use it for many years to come.
Now you have the perfect spot for play-wrestling, fireside snuggling, and Netflix marathons within your home!
Throwing Down With Your Rug: An Area Rug Cleaning Guide
A beautiful area rug can complete an entire room, making it look cozy or adding that last dash of color. Rugs are also a place to play, build forts, or watch a Sunday night game.
With these six steps for area rug cleaning, you can keep your favorite rug clean and ensure it’s long-lasting.
Visit the Tutorials & DIY section of the blog for more at-home tips! Thanks to Dash & Albert for contributing!
