You may think you know the basics of how to clean a rug, but when was the last time you gave your rug a true cleaning? (Not like a “swept or vacuumed a few crumbs” or “spot cleaned a wine or coffee stain” cleaning.) Can you remember the last time you genuinely deep-cleaned your rug? If you don’t know the answer to that question, then instead you should be asking yourself how to clean a rug properly, because if we’re all being honest with ourselves here…it’s probably been far too long.
A spotless rug is always going to look better in your space than a filthy one, but deep-cleaning your rug is not purely a matter of aesthetics; it’s also a matter of health and safety, for both humans and pets. According to the American Lung Association, “carpets and rugs may trap pollutants and allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, cockroach allergens, particle pollution, lead, mold spores, pesticides, dirt, and dust. Toxic gases in the air can stick to small particles that settle into carpets [and] these pollutants may become airborne during renovations, vacuuming, or even walking on the carpet.”
Ali Hafezi Mashhadi, vice president of the Los Angeles–based Babash Rug Services in Los Angeles, paints a rather un-pretty picture to AD. “You’d be surprised to hear that clean rugs are constantly absorbing indoor air pollutants, and even fumes from gas fireplaces and steam produced while cooking.” We’re scared to even ask about those cockroach allergens. All this to say, it’s high time how to clean a rug made it off your “I’ll get around to it” list and onto your actual cleaning to-do list.
But fear not—and don’t let this scare you away from rugs in general. You don’t have to relegate every square inch of your flooring to hardwood, tile, or polished concrete (or linoleum, but you weren’t going to do that anyway, we hope). Washable rugs are more popular than ever, and they aren’t the only answer to all the ills a rug can harbor. Even if you don’t already have washable rugs as part of your decor, knowing how to clean a rug at home is stress-free, as long as you have the right info. There’s no need to hire professional rug cleaners for the task—unless your rug is extremely delicate; for example, an antique rug, Persian rug, or Oriental rug, or in some rare cases where the rug presents unique challenges, which you’ll find with some fabric types. We’ll talk more about that later—for now, read on for expert-approved cleaning tips on how to refresh well-worn wool rugs and synthetic rugs alike, so they look as good as they did when you first unrolled them.
What is the best way to clean my rug?
Regular cleaning with a vacuum cleaner and prompt spot-cleaning can go a long way when it comes to helping area rugs look their best and last for years, but every rug needs a little bit more TLC from time to time.
The type of rug you own will determine how you maintain and clean it, says Scott Johnston, owner of Carpet Care of the Carolinas in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Natural fiber rugs have to be treated differently than a synthetic rug. No question,” he tells AD. Johnston explains that wool rugs should only be cleaned with a cold water process, which protects the fibers from damage or distortion. “You can be much more aggressive when cleaning synthetic rugs, as they can handle hot water and stronger cleaning solutions,” he says.
For some rugs, professional cleaning is your best bet. “In general, Persian and Oriental rugs, as well as rugs made of silk or viscose, should only be professionally cleaned,” Mashhadi warns.
What tools and supplies do I need to clean an area rug at home?
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to have on hand to complete a successful DIY area rug cleaning:
- Rug shampoo (or mild dish soap)
- Bucket
- Soft-bristle brush or sponge
- Water
- Rubber gloves
- Garden hose
- Wet-dry vacuum
How do you deep-clean an interior rug?
When it comes to cleaning your area rug, it’s always best to check the manufacturers’ guidelines, often found on the care label on the underside of your rug. Otherwise, the process is quite similar to carpet cleaning. After a spot test (more on that below), here’s the best way to clean wool rugs, shag rugs, and mats.
Step 1: Clear furniture and objects off of the rug (and take it outside, if possible)
According to Johnston, rugs should be taken out of the home for proper cleaning. “We use a lot of water while cleaning to assure proper soil removal,” he says. “They also have to be dried quickly and properly to assure colors do not fade or run.” Make sure you tackle this DIY project on a sunny day so rain doesn’t threaten the cleaning process. To avoid making a bigger mess, place your rug on a tarp, drop cloth, or large piece of plastic instead of directly onto the ground.
Step 2: Remove dirt and debris
“A great way to prevent stains from happening in the first place is to vacuum your rugs weekly,” says Anjuli Bernstein, senior designer on the Patterson Flynn design team. “Make sure to use a suction only vacuum, rather than a rotating brush. This is highly effective for removing dirt particles before they sink in, while also remaining gentle on the rug’s fibers.” Thoroughly vacuum the rug on both sides. You want to make sure every last bit of debris is gone. Using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar is most effective for this task. If you have pets, use the brush attachment to get lingering stray hairs.
Step 3: Mix the cleaner
Don’t use carpet cleaner or carpet shampoo on your rugs, as the chemicals may be too strong and damage the fibers. Instead, use a rug shampoo, like Bissell Pro Max Clean and Protect, as the cleaning solution. Follow directions for mixing the solution with water.
Alternatively, use mild dish detergent mixed in a bucket with warm water (for synthetic fibers) or cold water (for wool rugs). Do not use hot water, as it can shrink the rug or cause fading.
Step 4: Do a color test
Before you start scrubbing, make sure the cleaner doesn’t cause the dyes or colors to run. Test the solution on the corner or another small area of the rug to make sure it is colorfast. If the color doesn’t bleed, it’s safe to move on to the next step.
5. Wash the rug
Using a sponge or soft-bristle brush, work the cleaning solution into a lather on the rug. Let the cleaner sit on the rug for a five minutes before you start rinsing. Anything less than that and you’ll shortchange the cleaning process. Give it those five minutes to set in and start lifting away dirt.
6. Rinse the rug
Rinse the soap out of the rug using a garden hose or buckets of clean water. Make sure all the cleaning solution is completely washed away from the area rug and that the runoff water is crystal-clear.
7. Remove excess water
At this point, you’ll want to get rid of as much excess water soaked into the rug as you can, so that it will dry faster. You can use a wet-dry vacuum if you have one, or run a squeegee in the direction of the nap.
8. Let the rug dry
Lay the rug flat and allow the top of the rug to air dry completely. Then, flip it over to let the bottom side dry. Fans can help speed up the process. Make sure the rug is fully dry before you return it to the room.
9. Vacuum or brush out the rug
During the cleaning process, threads and fibers can get compacted and squished. Revive them by running a vacuum over the now-dry rug, or brush with a soft-bristled brush.
How do you clean area rugs made from fibers like jute?
“You absolutely do not want to get jute or sisal rugs wet,” Mashhadi warns. “They will more than likely start browning.” Instead, he recommends regular vacuuming and gently dusting the rug. For a deep clean, follow these steps.
Take the jute or sisal rug outside and shake it or use a rug beater. Since these rugs have an open weave, the dirt and dust should come out.
If your jute or sisal rug has a stain, skip the dish soap solutions. Instead, place the rug flat and apply dry rug shampoo, Arm & Hammer Dry Carpet Powder Cleaner, or plain baking soda. Then let absorb for a few hours. Afterward, vacuum it up.
Hang the rug up to air it out. If you’re taking it outside to full dry, make sure it is a sunny day, as the UV rays work as a natural disinfectant and deodorizer.
Bring it back indoors and vacuum, disengaging the beater bars. Keep in mind that vacuuming in the direction of the rug fibers will restore the material and keep it looking like new.
How do you deep-clean a rug by hand?
Be sure to pay extra attention to stubborn stains. Instead of a store-bought stain remover, Johnston recommends using a light soap and water mixture for spills. “Do not use too much, as the soap can build up and cause more soiling,” he warns. Johnston notes that hydrogen peroxide can be used on blood, red wine, pet stains, and clay mud. Pour hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle and mist the rug lightly, then wait between six and eight hours before you dab it clean. You can also use fresh club soda for lighter stains.
Those who need to wrangle pet stains from an area rug should consider reaching for Rocco & Roxie Professional Strength Strain & Odor Eliminator. AD tested it to get out a (surprise) accident that was weeks old, and the yellow stain came out of a wool rug in seconds.
For a Persian or Oriental rug, which is typically a hand-knotted wool rug that has densely woven rug fibers, clean with caution. First, check the care label for instructions. “More often than not, small spills turn into huge restoration projects because people use chemicals that can permanently alter the feel of the pile, cause colors to bleed and so forth,” says Omri Schwartz, general manager of Nazmiyal Collection, an antique rug purveyor in New York City.
You can then shake the rug and beat out the dust. To spot-clean, apply a small amount of water with a sponge and scrub gently. “Before you do anything, test a small area first to see what happens,” Schwartz says. “When cleaning a [Persian] rug at home, never use chemicals and the harshest solution that you should use is a tiny drop of dish washing solution.” Once the area is clean, dab the Persian rug with clean water to remove soap. Elevate the rug and let air dry. “At the end of the day, if you are not sure what to do, or how to proceed, reach out to a reputable expert before doing anything,” he notes
How do you clean a large area rug at home?
Cleaning a large rug can be laborious, but this DIY project is typically doable for homeowners without calling in the professionals. Ideally, you want to move the area rug outside and follow the steps above. You can do this with the help of a partner; that process is made easier if you roll it up and carry it out together.
If a backyard is not an option, place a large waterproof tarp in the middle of the living room, then relocate your area rug onto the flat surface. The cleaning tips will be similar. First, apply rug shampoo or a solution of mild dish detergent to the rug (sparingly). To remove the sudsy solutions, apply damp towels to absorb the soaps. Because you will not be hosing the soap off indoors, make sure you have a shop vac on hand to absorb the excess water. To air-dry, lift the area rug and place on top of something that helps with air flow, like some chairs (as long as they are not upholstered). Standing fans will help with the process. Once the rug is dry, return to its original spot and vacuum.
My Grandma would beat her rugs clean with a broom. Does this method work?
“Beating out a rug is a great way to dust your rug,” Johnston says. “It works!” He points out that dry soils are a rug's worst enemy, and getting rid of them is important. He suggests hanging the rug over a clothes line or something similar, and using a straw broom or a large leather belt to beat the rug. “You will be surprised at how much debris gets knocked out of it,” he says.
How often should I clean area rugs?
“Rugs filter and trap dirt, gasses, dust mites, bacteria, mold, viruses, dead skin cells, pet debris, and other pollutants between their crevices, then release them back into the air,” Mashhadi says. “And then there’s the obvious tracking of dirt from one’s feet.” Which is why regular maintenance is so important. Weekly vacuuming, more if it’s a heavy traffic area, should be a great place for most homeowners to start.
As for deep-cleaning, there’s no need to clean rugs on a specific schedule—though, you should definitely clean your rugs if they are visibly dirty or have an odor. “I recommend deep cleaning your rugs once or twice a year, [and] homes with pets, allergies and heavy traffic may need to clean their rugs every six months,” says Debbie Lovett, owner of Plan B: Cleaning.
What are some good rug preservation and maintenance tips?
“For damage prevention, rotate your rugs every few months so that the wear distributes evenly,” says Lovett. “Use rug pads to extend rug life and stop any slipping. Have doormats to catch dirt before it makes its way to the rugs.”
Lawrence Bradley, founder of GO-2 Enterprises, takes it a step further. “While it may seem inconvenient, even in my own home, enforcing a ‘no shoes indoors’ policy is crucial for maintaining a clean environment. Shoes track in a multitude of outdoor contaminants—dirt, dust, pollen, and chemicals—that are best left outside your living space.”
What kinds of rugs should you not attempt to clean at home?
As noted, some rug types should not be cleaned at home, like Oriental or Persian rugs; this is all the more true for older rugs, as age only makes fabrics more delicate. Hand-knotted and shag rugs may also present difficulties for home cleaning. Then there are also fabric types that may warrant professional rug cleaning, such as silk or viscose fiber (faux silk, essentially) rugs.
“Engaging a professional carpet cleaning company is an essential step in comprehensive rug care,” says Bradley. “However, the importance of hiring the right professional cleaner cannot be overstated. I urge you to consult Google reviews or seek recommendations from trusted sources. Improper techniques or substandard equipment can leave residue in your carpets, ironically attracting more dirt over time. A skilled professional ensures a thorough and effective cleaning that protects your investment.”
How to clean a shag rug at home
Once the height of style, and now a welcome piece of home decor when styled just right, shag rugs present more of a challenge in terms of cleaning than they do in terms of styling. But you can clean most shag rugs yourself at home, you just need to use care. And critically, in most cases, don’t use liquid cleaners on shag rugs. Start the process by vigorously shaking or hanging then pounding the rug to remove loose dirt, crumbs, and other particles, then vacuum it thoroughly on both sides, using a canister vacuum with the hose or a high pile setting—and no beater bar! Then, for a deeper cleaning, use a dry carpet shampoo, sprinkling it all over the rug, working it in with a soft brush, letting it sit for an hour or so, and then vacuuming it up completely. And remember, some shag rugs are actually machine washable and dryable, just be 100% sure yours is safe to wash and dry like this before you do so.
Which cleaning products should not be used on rugs?
Yes, very much so. Lisa Macqueen, CEO of Cleancorp, advises against using “bleach, ammonia or overly soapy cleaners. These can strip colors, weaken fibers, or leave a sticky residue that actually attracts more dirt.” Avoid cleaners with a strong artificial aroma, as the odor may become semi-permanent as it settles into your rug. And be sure that it’s safe to apply heat to your rug if you will be steam cleaning it; checking any paperwork that came with your rug can help.
