Rug Cleaning at Home: A Complete DIY Guide
- 2023-10-16
Regular rug cleaning is important for both proper hygiene and product longevity. By maintaining a clean rug, you create a healthier environment that's free from dust mites, and other trapped pollutants. Not to mention the coveted, peaceful confidence that comes with a freshly cleaned home. Depending on the material, texture, and age of your rug, you may require professional help to achieve a true, deep clean. So, understanding how to clean different materials, and the tools youβll need depending on the rug you own, is crucial. Wool, shag, cotton, and synthetic fibres will all require specific cleaning methods to prevent damage. And, by knowing different stain removal techniques, youβll be empowered to tackle inevitable spills and messes promptly, ensuring they don't become permanent stains. Always check your care instructions when purchasing a rug, as many non-washable rugs require professional rug cleaning or dry-cleaning only. Maintaining a clean rug isnβt just about washing, either. It involves regular rotation, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading, and various preventive measures to safeguard against wear and tear. With regular rug maintenance, you not only improve the hygiene in your home, but also preserve your rug's beauty and lifespan.
What can I use to Wash my rug?
If youβre diving into some DIY rug cleaning at home, there are a few tools and products youβll need to get started. If this feels daunting, rest assured that each of our rugs is machine washable. To clean a Ruggable, you simply need to peel the Rug Cover from the Rug Pad, clean it in your washing machine, and place it back down on the Pad once a day. That's it!
But if thereβs a small spot or stain you want to address β or you just feel like giving it a good clean yourself β this is what youβll need.
A vacuum cleaner with attachments or height settings for carpets or rugs
A soft-bristled brush or broom to loosen dirt and debris
A mild detergent thatβs non-abrasive and does not contain bleach
Clean, non-coloured towels or cloths to blot and dry the rug without leaving new marks
A spray bottle to prepare a cleaning solution
Rubber gloves to protect your hands
Clean water for diluting detergents and rinsing the rug
Remember to check the rug's care instructions, especially if it is not a Ruggable, and patch-test your cleaning products before applying it to the entire rug. We recommend testing cleaning supplies in an area of your rug that is covered by furniture or out of sight in case any damage occurs.
The Best Way to Clean a Rug at Home
The best way to clean your Ruggable rug at home is by removing the Rug Cover from the Rug Pad and putting it in the washing machine in a cool setting. You can even put your rug in the tumble dryer once itβs clean.
But if you are looking to clean a non-washable rug or simply prefer to hand-wash or patch-clean stains, follow this handy step-by-step guide on how to clean a rug at home.
Pick up large pieces of debris by hand, then use a vacuum on the carpet or rug setting to lift any smaller particles. Be careful not to use too much pressure or abrasion as it may alter the texture of your rug.
For liquid spills, blot the area with a paper towel or colour-safe cloth to soak up any excess liquid. Do not rub the area, as it may soak the liquid deeper into the rug or spread the stain.
Mix 5-10 ml of dish soap with 250-500 ml of cool water in a bowl or spray bottle, and dampen another white or colour-safe cloth or sponge with the liquid.
Starting from the outer edge of the stain to prevent spreading, dab the affected area with the water and detergent mixture. This should help to lift the stain to the surface.
Rinse the area with clean, cool water by either dabbing the area or spraying a small amount directly onto the area and absorbing it with another dry cloth or sponge. Repeat this until the stain is no longer visible.
Make sure all soap residue is rinsed out and you no longer see soap bubbles when you press down.
Lay a dry towel over the damp area and apply strong pressure by standing on the towel until it is no longer able to absorb excess moisture.
If the area is still very damp, place another dry towel over the area and put a heavy object on top for 30-60 minutes.
Ensure the area is fully dry and strain-free before replacing furniture or allowing foot traffic back into the cleaned zone.
Rug Cleaning by Material
How to clean your rug will depend on the material itβs made from. Cleaning any Ruggable is a breeze! You can put all of our Rug Covers in the washing machine, including Re-Jute, Shag, Tufted, Flatwoven, Plush, Faux Hide, Flatwoven, Doormats, Bath Mats, and Outdoor Rugs. But when it comes to spot cleaning, different textures respond best to different cleaning methods and products.
How to Get Stains Out of Rugs
No matter how hard we try, it can be almost impossible to prevent your rug from getting stained or spilled on at some time in its life. The good news is, there are some simple solutions to cleaning up the most common causes of stains. The easiest solution? Ensure your rug is washable! Ruggable Rug Covers are machine washable right at home, so you can quickly wash spills and messes out of rugs before the set into permanent stains. No need to pursue expensive professional cleaners or make multiple trips to the dry cleaners. Just one wash cycle at home and your Ruggable is good to go!
How to remove coffee stains from rugs
To remove coffee stains from rugs, time is of the essence. If your rug is machine-washable, blot up any excess liquid with a dry cloth, then place your Rug Cover in your washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle. However, if your rug is not machine-washable, act quickly by blotting the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. This will help to absorb as much of the liquid as possible. Then, mix a solution of mild detergent and water, and gently dab the stain without rubbing. Rinse with clean water and blot dry. Ensure the area beneath the rug dries as well to avoid mould or mildew.
How to remove wine stains from rugs
A wine spill can bring a buzzing party to a screeching halt instantly. Lucky for Ruggable owners, all you need to do is blot up the spill and toss the rug in the wash after your guests leave at the end of the evening. But if your rug isnβt machine washable, youβll need to attempt to remove wine stains by hand. First, blot the liquid with a clean cloth. Mix a solution of equal parts dish soap and white vinegar with water, and dab the stain gently. Blot with a clean cloth and rinse with water, repeating as much as necessary. Then blot the wet area with a dry cloth to remove excess water. Ensure the floor underneath the rug dries fully as well, to avoid warping, mildew, mould, or further stains.
How to remove paint stains from rugs
To remove paint stains from your rug, scrape off any excess paint gently using a spoon or blunt knife. Blot the stain with a cloth dampened with warm water and mild detergent. Continue blotting until the stain lifts, then rinse with water and blot dry. If your paint is water-based, it should easily come out in the washing machine.
How to remove mud from rugs
To remove mud from rugs, allow the mark to dry completely, then gently scrape off the dried mud with a spoon or brush. This should prevent the stain from spreading, which can happen if you start rubbing wet mud into the fibres. Be careful not to lift any rug fibres or pull any threads that may damage the texture of the rug. Then, vacuum the rug to remove any remaining dirt particles. If necessary, spot clean with a mild detergent and water solution, and blot it dry. For a thorough, quick clean, a washing machine is best. Ruggable Rug Covers (including Doormats) are easily cleaned right at home! Simply wash your Rug Cover on cold and refresh your design in minutes.
How to remove pet stains from rugs
Any pet owner knows how difficult it can be to break the pattern of indoor pet messes. Many dogs and cats return to the same spot again and again if the scent is not fully removed. To fully eliminate pet stains from rugs, the rug should be washed in a washing machine. All Ruggable Rug Covers can be thoroughly cleaned right at home, so you can get ahead of any pet messes. However, if your rug is not machine-washable, blot up any excess moisture with a clean cloth and then mix equal parts white vinegar and water to create a natural cleaning solution. Apply this to the stain and blot gently. Then sprinkle baking soda on the area. After it dries, vacuum the residue on a carpet setting or with a brush attachment. Repeat the process as needed.
How to remove food stains from rugs
To remove food stains from rugs, start by gently scraping off any excess solid food thatβs left behind. It's best to do so as quickly as possible so nothing cakes into the fibres as it dries. Blot the stain with a cloth dampened with a mixture of mild detergent and water. Continue blotting until the stain lifts, then rinse with clean water and blot dry. For a faster, more thorough clean, machine washing your Ruggable Rug Cover is the best way to get rid of food stains.
Rug Care & Maintenance
There are a number of easy steps you can take to help prolong the lifespan of your rugs and keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
Vacuum your rugs regularly, at least once a week, to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use the appropriate attachments and adjust the vacuum's height setting for different rug thicknesses.
Rotate your rug periodically to ensure even wear and prevent certain areas from becoming more faded or worn than others. This is especially important for rugs exposed to direct sunlight.
For outdoor Rugs and Doormats, regular sweeping can help keep designs looking fresh. If debris doesnβt loosen easily with a broom from a Ruggable, toss the Rug Cover into the washing machine for a deeper clean.
Use rug pads underneath your rugs to provide cushioning, prevent slipping, and reduce friction between the rug and the floor. Rug pads also help to protect the rug's backing and extend its lifespan. All Ruggable Rugs come with nonslip, stain-resistant Rug Pads.
Avoid direct sunlight where possible. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause fading and damage to rugs. Curtains, blinds, or UV-protective window films are useful in minimising your furnitureβs exposure to sunlight's harmful UV rays.
Act quickly to blot up spills and treat stains as soon as they occur, using a clean cloth or paper towel to blot. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibres and should be avoided.
When spot cleaning or removing stains, use cleaning products specifically designed for rugs and follow the instructions carefully. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage or discolour the rug.
Deep clean your rugs at least once a year. Washable Ruggable rugs can easily be tossed into your home washing machine for a quick, deep clean. However, if your rug is not washable, consider having your rugs professionally cleaned or dry cleaned. Regular deep cleaning helps remove deeply embedded dirt and stench and restores the rug's appearance.
If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to prevent them from snagging or damaging the rug, and keep their fur brushed to prevent too much malting. Place washable rugs near entryways to trap dirt and moisture before they reach your main rug, and where possible, clean their paws after muddy walks.
Regularly check your rugs for any signs of wear, loose threads, or fraying edges, and attend to any repairs promptly to prevent further damage.
Now you know how to clean your rug depending on the type of stain and the material, youβll never have to worry about spills and dirt again. So what are you waiting for? Itβs time to upgrade your home with a low-maintenance washable rug from Ruggable.
