How do you clean a rug? To clean a synthetic rug, start by vacuuming both sides to remove dirt and debris. Treat stains quickly with a mild soap solution, deodorise with baking soda if needed, and deep clean the rug once or twice a year using a gentle cleaning solution. Always allow the rug to dry completely before putting it back in place to prevent mould and odours.
A rug can bring a live space together or designate specific areas with an open plan living space. A rug can add cosiness and add an extra layer of protection to your floor. But, with all those feet (and maybe paws), and everything else that gets dropped on a rug, how do you keep it clean and looking in top shape?
We've got together a definitive step-by-step rug cleaning guide just for you!
Before We Start: Important Notes on Rug Cleaning
All the advice here is suited to synthetic rugs, like the ones we sell here at Furniturebox. If you've got an antique, Persian or particularly delicate rug, you should seek out a professional rug cleaner. Before you start, whatever type of rug you've got, make sure you've checked to see if your rug has any care instructions on its label to make sure it doesn't need any special cleaning care.
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How To Clean A Rug: Step-by-Step Guide
1 - Hoover! Give your rug a good hoover with firm suction to get rid of any debris. Then flip it over and hoover the back. Yep, hoover the back of the rug. We recommend you hoover your rugs 1 - 2 times a week (high-traffic areas will benefit from more frequent hoovering).
2 - If your rug is particularly "bitty" - e.g. it's been under your dining table - take it outside and give it a beating, haha! This will help further loosen any debris. Give it another hoover once you've shaken it.
3 - You can also sprinkle baking soda over your rugs as that will help absorb smells. Sprinkle, leave to sit for half an hour, then hoover up well. You can also add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to the baking soda before you sprinkle it to add a nice scent to your rug.
4 - Optional - Steam clean after hoovering for added deep clean and sterilisation. Make sure you're using an attachment that's suitable for rugs/carpets, rather than tiled/wood flooring. Make sure your rug is dry after steaming. Hang it up, if you can, in front of an open window.
5 - A zap of Febreze or similar will lock in freshness.
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How To Remove Stains From A Rug
Time is key, here! The quicker you can get on a stain the easier it'll be to clean. Dab/blot up any spills (don't rub; you risk pushing stains further into fibres). With clean, warm water, washing up liquid and a sponge rub the area multiple times, rinsing the sponge in the soapy water and repeating as many times as necessary. Once clean, rinse any soapy residue from the rug using the sponge with fresh clean water. Dry excess moisture by then blotting the area with a dry towel.
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How To Get Red Wine Out Of A Rug
White Vinegar & Dish Soap! Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap and a tablespoon of white vinegar with 500ml (half a litre) of warm water. Using a white cloth, only – so pigment from the cloth doesn't bleed into your carpet – apply a small pour onto the stain, blotting frequently until the stain vanishes. Test on a small area first!
Getting Other Stains Out of Rugs
Shaving cream/foam comes in handy to clear most of the common carpet stains. Blob some shaving foam on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then rinse it with a white towel (to avoid transferring any colour to your rug). Test on a small area first!
How To Deep Clean A Rug At Home
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(We recommend you do these steps outside or in a garage where you won't mind getting water on the floor. A flat area with an incline, such as a driveway) will help the water drain off. Obviously, make sure there's no mud or muck in the area you wish you place your rug before you start)
1 - If your rug has specific care instructions that mention its fabric type, you should choose a carpet cleaner that is specifically designed for its material. Otherwise, you can use a mild dish soap mixed with water. Go easy on the dish-soap though - you don't want to spend hours trying to wash soap suds out. We recommend half a teaspoon of dish soap (2.5ml) to 1 litre of warm water as a cleaning mix.
2 - Before you do anything else, DO A 24hr PATCH TEST ON YOUR RUG with your cleaning solution. Pick an inconspicuous area to check the solution doesn't make any colours bleed or damage the fibres in any way.
3 - Once you're sure your DIY cleaning solution will not harm your rug, apply it to your rug. You can use a spray bottle, or apply with a sponge. Gently scrub, especially at any specific marks or stains, with a soft-bristled brush.
4 - Rinse the soap out using cool water. Be generous here - really wash that soap out! Make sure there's no froth of bubbles left. You
5 - Thoroughly dry your rug. You can use a wet-dry vacuum here to help. Hang it up, if you can, in a well-ventilated area. Make sure it's fully dry before returning it to the floor to avoid mould.
And there you have it! These steps and tips will keep your rugs looking smart for years to come!
How Often Should You Clean A Rug?
How often you clean a rug depends on where it's used. Rugs in busy areas such as living rooms, hallways and dining spaces collect more dirt, dust and pet hair than rugs in low-traffic rooms.
- Vacuum once or twice a week
- Vacuum high-traffic areas 2-3 times a week
- Spot clean spills immediately
- Deep clean every 6-12 months
- Rotate your rug every few months to encourage even wear
Keeping up with regular maintenance helps extend the lifespan of your rug and keeps colours looking fresh for longer.
How To Keep A Rug Clean Under A Dining Table
Dining room rugs often collect crumbs, food spills and chair marks, making them one of the hardest-working rugs in the home. Vacuum regularly beneath the table, shake out loose debris where possible, and deal with spills straight away before they have a chance to set. Choosing a durable synthetic rug under your dining table makes cleaning much easier and helps protect your flooring while creating a warm, defined dining space.
Can You Steam Clean A Rug?
Yes, many synthetic rugs can be steam cleaned, but always check the care label first. Steam cleaning can help remove deeply embedded dirt, allergens and odours that regular vacuuming may miss. Use the correct rug or carpet attachment and avoid oversaturating the fibres. After steam cleaning, allow the rug to dry completely before placing it back on the floor.
