Ready to give your area rugs a fresh start?
Here’s how to wash your area rugs so they look brand new.
Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty Images
Knowing how to clean area rugs can protect your investment and ensure they last.
Photo:Katarzyna Bialasiewicz/Getty Images
Fortunately, regular rug cleaning can minimize the mess.
Considerations Before You Get Started
Put down the carpet cleaner and thescrub brush!
Here’s what it’s crucial that you think about before you clean yourarea rug.
First, look for the manufacturer’s care instructions or material information.
Also, the size of your area rug may impact how (and where) you’ll clean it.
Take a moment to test any cleaning products you plan to use on a small, inconspicuous spot.
Apply it with a clean white cloth, and scrub to ensure the colors don’t run or bleed.
How Often to Clean Area Rugs
Regular maintenance can help keep your area rug cleaner longer.
Give Your Rug a Good Shake
Take smaller area rugs outside for a really good shake.
(Consider wearing a mask while you do it to avoid breathing in all that dust and dirt.)
For rugs that aren’t colorfast, stick with water-free cleaning methods as much as possible.
Speed the Drying Process
Clean your area rugs on a breezy, sunny day.
Place them outside on adrying rackor drape them over a railing to help speed drying.
These are some of the most common stains and how to remove them from your area rug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Even the best vacuums often leave some evidence of your pets behind.
Run a rubber squeegee over the area rug to attract and pull the hair out.
Spray lightly on your rug, allow it to dry, then use a vacuum to remove the fur.
Vacuuming helps remove trapped dirt, but avoid using water during a deep clean.
Power washing is a great way to remove dirt, debris, and pollutants from an area rug.
Vacuum your carpet first, then take it outside and lay it on a large, flat surface.
