Area rugs are an important part of any home’s function and decor. Not only do they bring comfort and warmth, they can also provide an interesting accent or even pull an entire room together.

As anyone who has decorated a home before knows, it’s not easy to find a rug you love that is also the right colors, dimensions, and materials for your space.

So when you do find that perfect rug, you want to make it last.

We recommend a deep cleaning once or twice a year to keep rugs fresh and free of allergens, odors, and stains. The best cleaning method depends on the rug, so use this guide to determine how to clean any rug in your house.

Antique and Oriental Rugs

That Persian rug you snagged at an estate sale? We strongly advise you leave the cleaning to the professionals. Same goes for that delicate, handwoven, heirloom rug. If it’s expensive (or impossible) to replace, the risk of damaging or discoloring fibers is just too great.

That doesn’t mean you should skip cleaning altogether. Dust mites, body oils, and spills can also speed up your rug’s deterioration, and your number one goal is to preserve the rug for as long as possible. Have these rugs professionally cleaned once a year.

Wool Rugs

If your wool rug is oriental or antique, see above. If it is a less expensive and more durable type of wool rug, however, you can clean it yourself. Here’s how to get out dirt and stains that have settled deep in the fibers.

Tools: You’ll need a vacuum, bucket, soft-bristle brush or sponge, and towels. A garden hose and wet/dry vacuum will also come in handy if you have them.

Cleaning solution: Combine mild dish detergent, a capful of gentle laundry detergent, or store-bought rug shampoo with a bucket of cold water.

Step 1: Shake out the rug and vacuum both sides. Brush out any remaining pet hairs.

Step 2: Spot test your cleaning solution on a small area to make sure colors won’t run.

Step 3: If possible, take the rug to a driveway, patio, or cement area. Apply the cleaning solution with your sponge or brush. Don’t soak the rug, but apply enough solution to work up a lather. Let sit 5 minutes.

Step 4: Rinse with buckets of water or a garden hose until the water runs clear.

Step 5: Remove as much water as possible using a wet/dry vac, brush, or towels.

Step 6: Let dry completely before bringing back inside. Use fans and/or hang to dry if possible.

Cotton Rugs

Follow the instructions for cleaning a wool rug if your cotton rug is especially large or bulky. For smaller cotton rugs, you may be surprised to learn that you can toss it in your washing machine!

Tools: A vacuum and a washing machine.

Cleaning solution: Gentle laundry detergent.

Step 1: Shake out the rug and vacuum both sides. Brush out any remaining pet hairs.

Step 2: Wash with cold water on the delicate cycle.

Step 3: Hang or lay flat to dry. Let dry completely.

Jute, Sisal, and Coir

Natural fiber rugs woven from grass, sisal, rush, coir, and jute can be safely cleaned at home. While regular vacuuming will go a long way with these loose weave rugs, you may need to treat stains from spills and dirt.

Tools: Vacuum, soft-bristled brush, towels,

Cleaning solution: Baking soda or dry-cleaning powder or b

Step 1: Shake out the rug and vacuum both sides.

Step 2: Sprinkle with baking soda or dry-cleaning powder and let sit 10 minutes.

Step 3: Gently brush to clean the fibers

Step 4: Vacuum again to remove all baking soda or dry-cleaning powder.

Step 5: Treat any spots by dipping your brush in soapy water and gently scrubbing the stain. Rinse with water and dry thoroughly with a towel, fan, or hair dryer.

Synthetic Rugs

Common synthetic rug fibers include nylon, rayon, and polypropylene. These types of rugs will typically have cleaning instructions on the tag, which you should definitely consult, but in most cases the following method will do the trick.

Tools: Vacuum, soft-bristled brush, garden hose, towels. 

Cleaning solution: Mild dishwashing liquid.

Step 1: Vacuum the rug on both sides and shake it out.

Step 2: Take the rug to a driveway, patio, or cement area and spray with a garden hose (or douse with buckets of water) until saturated.

Step 3: Scrub gently with soapy water.

Step 4: Rinse thoroughly with your hose or buckets of water.

Step 5: Let dry completely, using fans if possible.

Make Your Rugs Last with the Right Care

There are several steps you can take right at home to extend the life of your rugs. Beyond weekly vacuuming and an annual deep clean, try rotating rugs once or twice a year to even out any fading caused by sunlight. And be gentle when you vacuum; you can place a nylon screen over delicate, antique rugs and vacuum over the screen to prevent damage from the spinning brushes.

Most importantly, you can call on the experts when needed. If your rug needs special care, or if it has stains that won’t come up with a gentle scrub, please reach out. Our team is specially skilled at safely and effectively cleaning rugs and carpet. Contact us today to learn more.