How to clean your rugs
Tips on how to clean rugs
When purchasing a rug, it's essential to check the cleaning instructions from the store beforehand. This helps ensure the rug will be suitable for your lifestyle and the way you plan to use it. Consider factors such as heavy foot traffic, children, and pets, as well as where you intend to place the rug and whether it's a long-term investment. Additionally, think about whether you have the time to maintain the rug properly, as all rugs require care to stay in good condition.
This guide will help you understand how to care for your rugs to prolong their life and keep them looking their best. It's likely that at some point, your rug will get a stain. The advice below will save you from needing professional help and allow you to act quickly, as most stains need to be addressed immediately to keep your rug looking new.
How to clean a wool rug
In a perfect world if we had time I would take a wool rug outside and beat out the dust and dirt to keep it looking brand new, however in modern times we want to get chores done quick so a vacuum cleaner is ok if there is no beater bar as they are too harsh. Wool rugs are an investment so you want to take of them. Although shedding is normal for a wool rug over vacuuming will make it worst so bear that in mind.
Wool rugs should not be machined washed, hand-washed, steam cleaned, or wet shampoo as wool is porous and holds the water for a long time causing mold or a bad smell in the rug. I recommend light vacuuming or beating the rug outside if you have time and spot cleaning where there are marks. This way the beauty of the rug will last.
To remove most stains blot with a white cloth or paper kitchen towels to remove most of the stain but do not rub the stain.
Mix a little dishwashing liquid in warm water and blot with the cloth until no more stain shows on the cloth.
Blot dry with kitchen paper towels.
If the stain is removed you can dry the rug with a fan or hair drier on a cool setting.
If the stain is more difficult to remove you can try a carpet stain remover for wool rugs and follow the instructions but be careful not to use any stain remover as this will be too harsh for your wool rug.
How to clean a cotton rug
Cotton rugs are lighter than some rugs and more flexible. If the cotton rug is colorfast or neutral in color it can be machine washed on a delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. The rug should be shaken or vacuumed before washing to remove as much as possible of the dust and dirt. The rugs that are not colorfast should not be washed in a machine and taken to the dry cleaners instead.
To clean a large cotton rug that won’t fit in the washing machine I recommend doing it by hand, follow the instructions below.
Vacuum the rug on both sides or beat the rug outside with a broom or carpet beater to remove dust & dirt.
Wash the rug outside with warm water mixed with a little mild detergent remembering to test the rug first.
Use a soft bristle brush to gently rub in the soap suds and rinse after with cold water using a hose.
Or if you have carpet shampoo you can use this but always test a small corner first for the color run.
Remove as much as possible of the water with a large towel.
Hang your rug to dry over a rack or fence do not dry the rug in a machine drier as this will harm the fibers.
To spot clean a stain on a cotton rug you can use a mild solution of liquid dishwashing soap with warm water or a carpet shampoo stain remover.
First, blot the stain to remove as much as possible with a white cloth or kitchen paper towels.
With a sponge work from the outside in of the stain, the mix of warm water & a mild liquid dish detergent or the carpet shampoo gently blotting and not scrubbing the stain
Repeat until the stain has gone and rinse off the excess soap suds with clean cold water and a clean sponge.
Blot dry with kitchen paper and leave to dry.
The rug can be dry cleaned by professionals if needed.
How to clean jute rugs
Jute rugs are simple to look after. They can be vacuumed in the same direction as the weave on a low setting. They can also be shaken outside to remove dirt & dust. Jute rugs stain easily with liquids so it is important to get it right when trying to remove a stain. Small amounts of water are fine but you can’t saturate the jute rug in water.
To remove a stain first blot with a white cloth, or kitchen paper to remove as much as possible.
For stubborn stains dab with a white cloth dampened with club soda and gently blot
If this does not work try the same method with a mild soap or a stain remover specific for this type of rug and follow the instructions.
Dry with a fan or hair drier to avoid water stains. The stain may fade with time
How to clean a sisal rug
Sisal rugs collect dust and dirt in their natural fibers so if the rug isn’t too big give it a good shaking outside, & for larger rugs beat it outside with a carpet beater or a broom. Vacuum your Sisal rug from time to time with the vacuum hose or without the vacuum beater bar not to damage the rug.
Sisal rugs don’t like water so try not to get it wet and use in areas that are not humid, however, if the rug did get wet dry it naturally in the sun if possible or in a sunny room, but do not leave it in the sun too long as this will fade the rug.
How to remove stains from rugs that are 100% Sisal bear in mind that some rugs have a blend of other fibers & may be easier to clean & there may be instructions on the label of the rug.
Blot the stain with Kitchen paper towels until the stain doesn’t show any more on the paper towel & you have removed as much as possible.
First, try soda water dabbed on a white cloth to remove the stain and keep blotting until it disappears.
For stubborn stains mix the same quantity of warm water with white vinegar and add a little mild dishwashing detergent.
Then using a spray bottle spray onto the stain lightly and blot gently. then when the stain has disappeared with a damp cloth gently remove any detergent.
Try not to get the rug too wet and always blot it with the kitchen paper.
Let it dry naturally and if a smell of vinegar remains shake baking soda onto the area that smells and leave it to absorb the smell.
Finally, vacuum the soda away. Repeat with the baking soda if needed.
If you are concerned about removing the stain seak a specialist rug cleaner
How to clean a polypropylene rug
Polypropylene rugs are made to withstand high traffic and take dirt and spillages,& are easy to clean. Regular vacuuming with strong suction is necessary to keep the rug life longer removing dirt spoiling the appearance of the rug. They can also be brushed if it is an outdoor rug.
A really good clean with a carpet cleaner or steam cleaner gives excellent results however test a small corner first with the solution to prevent discoloring.
Hose the rug on both sides outside with mild soap and left to drip dry is another great option.
To remove a stain remove any excess liquid off the stain with a white cloth or sponge & dampen it with cold water, dish soap and blot it.
If this doesn’t work try a stain remover but test a little first on a corner for discoloring.
Polypropylene rugs are treated to be stain resistant so try to tackle any dirt or stains before they set in.
How to clean a Polyester rug
Polyester rugs are easy to care for and to clean. To extend the life of your rug remove dirt & stains right away not allowing the dirt to absorb into the rug. A good shake outside is a good way to remove the dirt if the rug isn’t too big, or large rugs give them a beating with a carpet beater or stick to get rid of dust and dirt. Vacuum your rug often especially if it is in a high traffic area. For shag polyester rugs vacuum with the suction head.
To remove stains from a polyester rug blot with a cloth or kitchen towel to remove as much as possible of the stain.
Use warm water with a mild washing soap blotted on the stain with a sponge do not rub in.
Repeat with the sponge clean until the stain has disappeared.
Rinse with a clean sponge soaked in clean water until the soap has gone and let the rug dry.
Carpet cleaner works well too if you have this machine and the time but remember to clean as soon as the stain has happened.
How to clean a Viscose rug
The viscose rug is a delicate rug and needs careful maintenance to keep its beautiful shimmer.
The rug can be damaged by moisture so is best cleaned with a vacuum using the nozzle attachment or using a hand brush to lightly brush in the same direction as the weave. The rug should be in a light traffic area, therefore, kept clean.
To remove a stain this needs to be done with extreme care as water can cause more stain and weaken the fibers.
Take a white cloth and lay it over the stain and weigh it down with a heavy object leave such as books.
Leave it for 24 hours and do not touch
If the stain has not removed you may need to repeat
For very stubborn stains make a solution of one part dish soap or white vinegar with one part cold water.
Spay the solution lightly on the stain then blot dry. Take note that water is damaging so it needs to be sprayed on not poured on.
Dry the area with a cool hair drier, do not use a fan as this will cover too much of the delicate area.
If the stain is stubborn I recommend a professional rug cleaner to help advise.
How to clean a faux fur rug
I recommend hand washing the rug if it is small enough to handle, however, some can be machined washed. If you want to machine wash the rug you need to follow the label carefully and only do this if stated on the rug's label if not play safe & hand wash the rug.
Wash the rug in cold or lukewarm water with a mild hand washing soap.
Work with your hands by rubbing the areas where there is more dirt or stains.
You can also use the same method to just spot clean a stain if you do not want to wash the whole rug.
Rinse in cold water or rinse the area if you are spot cleaning until there are no more soap suds.
Shake off as much water as you can and if the rug is small enough roll it in a large towel to remove most of the water.
If the rug is large shake off the water outside or over a bath leaving it to drip dry flat if possible not to make it out of shape until it feels damp. Preferably on a clothes rack where there is good ventilation.
Reshape the rug carefully with your hands making sure not to over pull the rug and damage it.
When the rug feels damp bush gently with a faux fur brush or a dog brush that has mental bristles.
The rug should not be dried with heat so do not put it in the washing drier or dry with a hair drier as this will destroy the fibers of the rug.
The rug can also be dry cleaned by professionals.
How to clean a sheepskin rug
Sheepskin is self-cleaning and repels dirt naturally so a good shake outside is a good way to remove dust. Brushing revives to a fluffy look and stops it looking flat, so purchase a special sheepskin brush. The rug if it is large can be gently vacuumed to help keep it clean. If you immerse the sheepskin in water, it will remove the lanolin that naturally repels the dirt, so I recommend avoiding this, especially with chemical cleaning solutions added.
If you do stain your sheepskin with food, coffee, wine you do not want to remove it with a chemical cleaner as this will remove the natural oils of the sheepskin. The best way is with cornstarch or potato starch as this is a natural cleaner and will not remove the natural oils.
To remove the stain do not use chemical stain removers.
Blot as much of the stain with a white cloth or kitchen paper towels
Dampen the stain with warm water using a cloth not to put too much water.
Cover the stain in the potato starch or corn starch and gently rub onto the stain using the cloth or a sponge and leave the starch to dry.
Remove the starch by brushing it away and then shaking off the excess starch.
The stain should be removed however if it still appears repeat the process.
How to clean a cowhide rug
When you purchase a cowhide rug you may think it is tricky to clean, and the good news is they are simple to maintain and clean. Cowhides need a good shake or beating from time to time to remove all the dust that collects in the fibers. This will help to prolong the life of the rug. Vacuuming the rug regularly is important to keep it looking in the best condition. Use the vacuum without the beater bar or use the suction hose. Vacuum in the direction of the hair fibers. Avoid soaking your rug in water as it will cause the rug to go out of shape.
To remove a stain, get to work on it immediately not to let it set in
Blot the stain with a white cloth or kitchen towels until the stain no longer shows on the cloth or kitchen towel.
Blot the stain with a white cloth or sponge soaked in warm water and repeat until the stain has disappeared.
Do not use soap or detergent unless is specific for cowhide and if so blot with clean water to remove the soap.
Blot the damp area dry with kitchen paper.
Cowhides can be put out in the morning sun when it is not too hot as this will freshen the rug and kill bacteria. Do not leave it too long as this will cause the hide to fade and dry out.
