Home decor lovers know the value of a beautiful area rug, and all that it can bring to a room. It can elevate the ambiance and aesthetic, add a layer of comfort, and even protect your floors. Protecting your floors, however, comes at a price... that price being the dirt, dust, spills, and stains that they acquire over time. Thankfully, cleaning an area rug can be a simple, hassle-free process so long as you have all of the right tools, and know the steps to cleaning it. That’s why we’re here! If you have a rug that needs cleaning, or are thinking of investing in a new area rug but are unsure of how difficult it might be to clean, then keep reading as we dive into everything you need to know about cleaning area rugs!

Understanding the Importance of Rug Cleaning

The first question that might come to mind concerning cleaning rugs is: why can’t I just vacuum my rug? The short answer is that you can (and should) vacuum your rug regularly, but that vacuuming won’t get it completely clean. Even with brush attachments, the vacuum might miss heavy dirt or debris, and it doesn’t have the suction power to pull of stains from the rug’s fabric. Additionally, allergens can become trapped in your rug, and for anyone with allergies or sensitivities, vacuuming might not be enough. If you deep clean, the life of your rug will be extended, and so will the enjoyment that you get out of it.

Easy to Clean Solution: Washable Rugs

Purchase washable rugs if you're looking for a low-maintenance option. Because these rugs were made to withstand machine washing, cleaning them is incredibly simple. Always check the care label before buying a washable rug to ensure it can go in the washing machine. Once you have one, all you need to do is wash and dry it in a washing machine according to the manufacturer's instructions, and your rug will come out looking clean and new. You can also easily deep-clean or shampoo these rugs without having to worry about damaging their fibers, making maintenance much easier on all fronts!

For more information about washable rugs, you can read this article.

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How to Clean an Area Rug at Home

It's not at all difficult to clean an area rug at home without having to call any professional cleaning services for backup. However, you'll need a vacuum cleaner, some gentle dish soap, a brush with soft bristles, and some absorbent clean towels.

To remove loosened dirt and dust, vacuum the rug on both sides. After that, combine a small amount of dish soap or detergent with a large amount of warm water, and scrub the rug with the soft-bristled brush in a circular motion. Clean the soap residue with some fresh water, then pat the surface dry using the towels. It is best to let the rug air dry in a room with plenty of ventilation, or to hang it in the sun.

Click for more tips on cleaning a Persian rug.

How to Deep Clean an Area Rug

To get the rug truly clean, start by giving it a thorough vacuuming. You can buy or rent a carpet cleaner for deeper and more thorough cleaning. Follow the instructions the manufacturer provided after adding water and an appropriate rug-cleaning solution to the container. After you've finished, give the rug ample time to air dry completely so mold won't form.

How to Clean an Area Rug by Hand

Hand washing a large rug can be time-consuming but ultimately worthwhile. After vacuuming the rug, spot-clean any stains with a gentle detergent solution, a soft brush, or a cloth, depending on the stain. Next, scrub the entire rug gently with the solution, and then rinse it off with a cloth that has been dampened. After you’re done, pat it dry and then let it air dry.

How to Clean an Area Rug with a Carpet Cleaner

A carpet cleaner can provide deep cleaning for your area rug. After you have finished vacuuming the rug, use the carpet cleaner per the instructions provided by the manufacturer. In most cases, this involves first adding a cleaning solution to the machine and then passing it over to the rug to be cleaned. Following the cleaning process, it is essential to completely dry the rug to avoid the growth of mold and mildew.

The biggest drawback that most décor lovers think about when considering adding a rug to their décor is the maintenance. Rugs have to be cleaned regularly and can hold onto stains much easier than traditional flooring – but if you know the steps to keeping your rug clean, then this isn’t something you have to worry about! Whether you opt for a machine-washable rug, or you choose to clean your rug by hand, as long as you have this guide in mind you’ll be good to go.

If you need any other style or maintenance tips, be sure to check out the other posts available on our blog!