Area rugs can warm up floors and add color to a space. They also create zones within your home’s living spaces. It’s important that you know how to clean area rugs.

The first step in cleaning an area rug is to identify its material. This is crucial in prolonging the rug’s life. Different materials require different cleaning techniques and materials. This handy guide will help you identify the different types of area rugs as well as provide tips and guidelines for cleaning them and how to remove stains.

Basic Rug Care

The best way to clean an area rug depends on its size, construction, and materials. Large area rugs can be treated in the same way as wall-to-wall carpet. This means that most rugs can be cared for using the following care regimen:

• Clean large areas rugs with regular vacuuming. Just like carpet cleaning, regular vacuuming is an important step in area rug cleaning in mississauga. Vacuum both sides of a rug if it is reversible. This will remove grit and grime which can prematurely wear your rug. Be careful not to vacuum the fringe. To prevent long fibers from getting tangled, remove the beater bar before vacuuming a shag carpet.
• Remove pet hair from the vacuum: Vacuums can sometimes leave behind pet hair. To remove pet hair, use a stiff brush and brush in the direction of your rug’s nap.
• Every year, turn rugs:Sun and foot traffic can cause extra strain on area rugs. To even out wear, turn them once or twice per year.
• You can shake small area rugs outside: If the rug is sufficiently small, you can either take it outside or beat it vigorously outside to get rid of dirt and grit. You may have to check local ordinances regarding shaking rugs outside.

How to Clean Rugs: Material-by–Material Guide

Rugs with special designs require special cleaning. Keep the care tags for your rug handy. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions for deep cleaning the rug and how to use a rug shampooer. These are some tips to take care of specialty rugs.

How to clean woven or braided rugs

Before and after cleaning, check for any stitching breaks. To determine if small braided rugs can be washed, check the labels. If they are washable, you can place them in a zippered bag or pillowcase. Rinse in cool water and wash on a gentle cycle. Turn the heat down to dry.

Large braided rugs can be cleaned by placing them on a concrete or vinyl floor. Use commercial carpet-cleaning foam ($5, The Home Depot), to clean the surface. Rub it in according the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse and vacuum. Before you place the rug on the ground, dry it thoroughly.

How to clean antique, hand-knotted and oriental rugs

They are popular choices for kitchens, and other areas that receive high traffic. As you would with carpets and wool area rugs, vacuum a new Oriental rug. Particular care should be taken with antique or vintage rugs. You can protect them by placing a piece nylon screen over the rug, and then weighting it with bricks or books. You can vacuum the screen. You can also tie a piece nylon mesh ($5, Hobby Lobby), over the vacuum attachment. Keep the mesh clean by changing the mesh as dirt builds up. These rugs should be professionally cleaned at least once per year. Rotate the rugs to ensure even wear. Direct sunlight can cause fading.

Editor’s tip: Learn as much as possible from the seller about the rug’s construction and fiber content before you buy antique rugs. Ask about care tips.

How to clean Sisal, Rush, Grass Rugs

Rugs made of natural fibers such as sisal, rush and grass have an open weave which allows dirt to seep through to the floor below. These rugs are popular as welcome mats or mudroom rugs. You should vacuum frequently and remove the rug from the bottom of the vacuum to clean the floor underneath. Some rugs can be flipped to ensure even wear.

You can clean stains and discolorations from a room-sized natural-fiber rug by leaving it in its place. You can protect the floor underneath it by using a towel and a plastic dropcloth. Use a soft brush and soapy water to scrub the stain. Rinse the area with clean water. A towel can be placed over the area that is wet. Blot the area as dry as you can. To speed up drying, use a hair dryer or portable fan. To clean small rugs, move them to a table or counter that is protected. To extend the life of your rug, water can weaken the fibers. Dry the rug quickly and thoroughly.

Natural-fiber rugs can be made in squares and sewn together. You can buy a few more squares or a smaller rug. Clip the threads holding the rug square in place and replace it with a new one. Use heavy-duty carpet thread to hand-stitch it.

How to clean fur, sheepskin, and hair-on hides

Apply unscented talcum powder to fur, sheepskin and hair-on-hide rug. Leave it on for several hours. The talcum powder can be applied to the hair by brushing it through. Depending on how long the fur is, you may repeat this several times. Use a cotton cloth, dipped in warm soapy water to clean the rug’s back. Clean up any spillages or dirt. Use a clean cloth to rinse off any dirt or spillages. Dry the cloth with warm water.

How to deep-clean rugs

Check the care labels on small rugs to see if they should be spot-cleaned or dry-cleaned. If a rug has a dry-cleaning-only tag, it might be that it is not colorfast. Before spot-cleaning, test it. If you are sure that the rug can be washed, wash it in the delicate cycle. You can reduce the chance of long fringes getting tangled by dividing them into hanks. Wrap each one with white string. To protect the rug from the agitator, place it in a zippered pillowcase or mesh laundry bag. Wash in cold water using the gentle cycle.

Hanging wet rugs on clothes drying racks, picnic tables, or bricks stacked on a porch or patio is a good idea. A single clothesline can cause a rug to become distorted if it is hung over a wet one. You can dry small rugs made of synthetic fibers, similar to carpeting, on a small table or counter protected by old sheets or towels.

A deep cleaning is recommended for area rugs every 12-18 months. To ensure the rug is not damaged or colorfast when using commercial cleaning products, you should test the rug in a small area before applying the cleaners to the rest of the rug. Place a large rug on a concrete or vinyl surface. Apply carpet-cleaning foam to the rug and rub in as directed. Then rinse or vacuum. Before you replace the rug, make sure it is dry.

Small- to medium-sized rugs can also be dry-cleaned. Please refer to the label for specific care instructions.

How to Remove Stains From Rugs

When your rug is stained, it’s important to act quickly. Blot the stain, not rub it, and get rid of any moisture as soon as you can.

• Alcohol and soft drink: Mix 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent with 1 quart warm water and 1/4 teaspoon white vinegar. Use the liquid dish detergent to remove the stain. Rinse and dry.
• Tea or coffee: Apply the detergent mixture above to the stain, rinse and then blot. Use a commercial spot cleaner if a stain persists.
• Stains made of fat: Use a dry-solvent spot cleaner (Amazon, 31).
• Gum Cut off any gum that is left, then place ice cubes into a plastic bag. Place the bag on top of the remaining gum and let it harden. Use a knife or spoon to scrape off the gum. Vacuum the area and, if necessary, use a dry-solvent spot cleanser.
• Paint: Acrylic and latex paints can be spot cleaned with detergent solution while they are still wet. Rub alcohol can be used to remove any color remaining. Oil-based paints can be sponged with odorless mineral spirits ($7 at The Home Depot), but not too much.
• Tomato sauce Sponge: Use cool water to clean the sponge. You can also use a detergent solution or a citrus oxygen cleaner ($10, Amazon). Use 1 cup of white vinegar to 2 cups water to rinse the dish. Blot until dry.
• Urine and feces: Apply detergent solution or a citrus oxygen cleaner to clean, rinse, then dry.
• Melted wax Use the same process as gum. Harden it with ice cubes and plastic bags, then scrape. Use rubbing alcohol to dampen a cotton ball or white cloth and then blot the wax.