What's the Best Way to Clean a Rug?
Anything underfoot is likely to get dirty, and rugs are no different. If it’s time to give your rug a deep clean, always start by consulting care labels for advice on the best cleaning method. If you have antique rugs or your rug is very delicate and/or valuable, it’s always best to speak to a professional. If you would like to clean your rug yourself, please check out the advice below.
Blotting – wool rugs
When washing a wool rug, you need to be careful not to saturate it, as it will take a long time to dry and it could shrink. Fill a bucket with cold water and add one cap of laundry detergent. Don't apply this directly to the rug – instead, dip a microfibre cloth into the bucket. Wring it out to remove excess water, then use it to blot the mixture onto the rug. Be gentle and focus mostly on areas which are soiled or stained.
Once you have worked on the whole rug, fill your bucket with just cold water and repeat the process with a fresh cloth. You will then need to hang it somewhere ventilated to let it dry. Don't place it back on the floor until it dries, as this could delay the drying process significantly.
Bath cleaning – sheepskin rugs
Sheepskin rugs must also be washed in cold water, or they may shrink. Make sure that any detergent you use is suitable for sheepskin. Fill a bath with cold water, then pour some detergent in. You can then put the rug into the bath, moving it around to dislodge dirt.
Drying a sheepskin rug can take a while, but must be done this way to ensure that it keeps its shape and texture. First, squeeze out the water and then blot the rug dry with towels.
Find a place for your rug to dry that isn't too warm, avoiding direct sunlight. Lay it out on a towel, gently pulling it into the right shape. Every so often, use a sheepskin brush to fluff the wool.
Dry cleaning – shag rugs and jute rugs
While these types of rug feel very different, they have a similar response to water. This means that they require dry methods of cleaning. You can buy dry shampoo or dry cleaning powder, but make sure that it's suitable for the material of your rug. It's also a good idea to patch-test it to ensure that your rug won't get discoloured.
Spread the powder over your rug, brushing it in, then leave it for the amount of time specified on the packet. If the pile length of your rug is too long for vacuuming, you can shake out the powder. Other rugs can be vacuumed, instead.
Hire a professional rug cleaner
Many professional carpet cleaners are experts in rug cleaning and will know how to identify and clean your rugs. The National Carpet Cleaning Association (NCCA) has a directory of cleaners all over the UK, which you can search easily online. Every cleaner follows our code of conduct and is insured and trained to ensure a smooth experience.
Find local rug cleaners today!
