It is essential to clean your area rug regularly to prevent dust, dirt, and grime from accumulating and causing damage to the rug. Regardless of whether you’ve placed your area rug in a high-traffic or low-traffic spot, it’s crucial to follow a routine cleaning schedule to maintain its beauty and longevity. To guide you through the process, we spoke with Stephanie Booth, a home cleaning and organization influencer based outside of Atlanta, Georgia.
What to Consider Before Getting Started
Before starting the cleaning process, it is vital to read the care guide and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations. This will help to prolong the beauty and life of the area rug and prevent voiding any warranty that may be in place. As Booth explains, “This will ensure that you are using the right cleaning methods and products for your specific rug, which will ultimately lead to better results and a longer lifespan for your rug.”
Stephanie Booth’s Tips
Booth emphasizes the importance of considering the size of your area rug when cleaning it. She states, “The size of your area rug will dictate how you go about cleaning it. For larger rugs, it may be necessary to use a carpet cleaning machine, while smaller rugs can be cleaned with a vacuum and a washing machine.”
How Often to Clean Area Rugs
The frequency of cleaning your area rug depends on various factors such as traffic, pets, and whether anyone wears their outdoor shoes on the rug. For high-traffic areas, Booth recommends:
- Vacuum daily to remove dirt and debris
- Spot clean as needed to address any spills or stains
- Deep clean every other month to maintain the rug’s cleanliness and appearance
For low-traffic areas, Booth suggests:
- Vacuum two to three times a week to maintain cleanliness
- Spot clean as needed
- Deep clean at least twice a year to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating
What You Need
For small to mid-sized washable rugs, you will need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Washing machine
- Stain remover (optional)
- Laundry detergent
- Drying rack or place to allow for the rug to air dry flat
For large washable rugs, you will need:
- Vacuum cleaner
- Carpet cleaning machine
- Stain remover (optional)
- Cleaning solution recommended by the carpet cleaning machine manufacturer
How to Clean an Area Rug
To clean small washable rugs, follow these steps:
1. Take the rug outside and shake to loosen any embedded dirt. 2. Vacuum to remove any remaining dirt that may be trapped in the rug’s fibers. 3. Pretreat any stains with a stain remover of choice and blot with a dry white cloth to remove as much stain prior to washing. 4. Follow the care label on the rug for proper wash water temperature. If you no longer have the tag, wash in cold water, on a gentle cycle, to be on the safe side. 5. Lay flat to air dry. A drying rack or bench is a great option. This will prevent visible creases from forming when drying over a clothesline. To clean large washable rugs, follow these steps:
1. Remove furniture from the rug. If you’re not able to, slide plastic wrap or aluminum foil under the feet of the furniture to prevent color transfer. Vacuum to remove dirt. Pre-treat any stains with a mild stain remover and blot with a dry white cloth to remove as much stain as possible prior to washing. Follow the user manual usage guidelines for the carpet cleaning machine of choice and use the recommended cleaning solution for best results. Replace furniture or remove protective wrap used under the feet of the furniture after the carpet is dry.
Tips and Precautions
Booth emphasizes the importance of following the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations and using the right cleaning methods and products for your specific rug. She advises against using cleaning methods or products not recommended by the rug manufacturer, as this can cause damage to the rug and void any warranty. “When spot cleaning, don’t scrub stains—this can damage the fibers and change the texture of the area you scrubbed,” she explains. “Don’t use multiple cleaning products one after another when trying to remove stains, as this can cause a chemical reaction between cleaners, causing permanent staining and damage,” she also warns. Additionally, Booth notes that any dry-clean-only rugs should only be cleaned by a dry cleaning professional, as these types of rugs are made with materials and dyes that are susceptible to damage caused by water-based cleaning methods. “These types of rugs are made with materials and dyes that are prone to damage from water-based cleaning methods,” she explains. “They require specialized cleaning methods and equipment to prevent damage and ensure their longevity,” she adds.
