September 27, 2023

How to Clean an Area Rug

An area rug can take a boring living room and transform it into the heart of the house. Choosing a rug can be intimidating when you start to consider rug styles, colors, patterns, materials, and more. But the right rug can pull an entire room together and turn a boring space into a cozy nook for you, your family, and your guests.

To keep your rug looking great for years to come, you’ll need to care for it properly. A simple vacuum every now and then may not be enough. Depending on the type of rug in your home, you may need to pay special attention to its upkeep, especially in the busy and bustling New York City. We’ve got tips to help you clean your area rug properly, no matter how big it is or what it’s made of. 

Basic Care for Any Area Rug

Large area rugs, regardless of the material, can nearly always benefit from regular vacuuming (aim for twice per week). Just be careful not to vacuum any fringe, and be sure to vacuum both sides of your rug if it is reversible. If your area rug is smaller, you can take it outside and shake it to remove dirt.

A stiff brush can help remove excess pet hair. Brush in the same direction as the rug’s nap (the way the fibers lie). Besides performing regular cleaning, turn your rugs once or twice per year to make sure one section of the rug isn’t subject to more foot traffic than the rest.

When you’re getting ready to deep clean your rug, it’s best to do the job outside if you can. Try to choose a time when the forecast calls for clear and sunny weather for several days. You’ll need something sturdy to hang your rug on. If you don’t have trees where you can tie a rope or bungee cord, you can hang your rug over the fence or across a bench.

Cleaning a Woven or Braided Rug

Woven or braided rugs are perfect for adding a low-key, bohemian vibe to your space. They aren’t hard to care for, as long as you’ve done a little bit of research.

Always check the label on your rug to see whether it can be washed. If so, place the rug inside a mesh laundry bag before washing it in cool water on a gentle cycle. (If you don’t have a laundry bag, a zippered pillowcase will work, too.) Tumble dry the rug on low.

Large braided rugs can be cleaned with commercial carpet-cleaning foam. Place the rug on top of an old blanket before cleaning, and rinse or vacuum thoroughly after scrubbing. Make sure the rug is completely dry before putting it back in its place. You can gently wring out the rug to remove most of the excess water before leaving the rug outside, in the laundry room, or in the garage to finish drying.

Cleaning a Hand-Knotted, Antique, or Oriental Rug

These rugs are popular for high-traffic areas and may need frequent attention. Use special care when cleaning or vacuuming to keep your rug looking great for years to come.

For an Oriental rug, you can follow the same cleaning methods you would use on carpet or wool rugs. If your rug is more delicate, put a nylon screen over the rug and weigh it down with some books. Then, vacuum over the screen to remove dirt and grit. 

Hand-knotted, antique, and Oriental rugs should be professionally cleaned at least once per year to maintain their color and texture. If you’re in the market for a new rug or can get in touch with the seller you bought your rug from, you can ask them for care tips as well.

Cleaning a Fur or Hide Rug

For an extra-luxurious touch, add a fur or hide rug to your living space. Nothing is more welcoming than coming inside from a cold New York winter day and enjoying a hot drink in front of the fireplace, complete with a fur or hide rug to make your space cozy.

Your fur or hide rug can be cleaned with unscented talcum powder. Sprinkle the powder on the rug and let sit for several hours, then brush the powder through the rug and shake it out. Depending on the length of the fur, you may need to repeat this process several times to remove all the dirt.

You can use a cotton cloth in lukewarm water with soap to clean the underside of your rug. Rinse with a clean cloth dipped in fresh water before drying. With a bit of time and care, your rug will stay soft and beautiful season after season.

How to Remove Stains from Area Rugs

Getting a stain on your rug is never fun. Whether it’s a small spill or an entire glass of wine, spills could be cared for right away. No matter what the stain is caused by, work to remove moisture as quickly as possible. Blot the stain instead of rubbing, which could cause the stain to spread.

Alcohol, coffee, tea, and soda stains can be removed with a mixture of liquid dish soap, warm water, and white vinegar. If stubborn stains remain after your initial treatment, you can tackle them with a commercial spot carpet cleaner.

Food stains often come clean easily with a dry-solvent spot carpet cleaner. If you’re dealing with something sticky like chewing gum, peel off as much as you can, then put a few ice cubes inside a plastic bag and set it on top of the gum or food. Once the gum is cold and hardened, use a dull knife or a spoon to scrape off the rest of the substance. Vacuum the rug to remove any remaining gunk. 

Working with White Glove Cleaner

A rug is a great centerpiece for any room, and just like any other piece of furniture or home décor, it has its own unique care process. Cleaning your own area rug doesn’t have to be a huge job, and it can completely transform the look of your space.

If you aren’t confident in cleaning your own area rug or you simply don’t want to spend the time scrubbing and vacuuming, White Glove Cleaner can help. We are a Manhattan-based cleaning service offering one-time and recurrent cleanings for homes, apartments, and commercial spaces. Our team is fully vetted and background-checked, so you will only have the most talented and dedicated professionals working in your space.

One-time cleaning services can be helpful when you’re hosting a get-together, getting ready to move into a new space or out of an old one, or simply preparing for a new season (spring cleaning, anyone?). If you want your space spotless all year long, we proudly offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning services. For a small additional fee, you can purchase additional services like organizing, laundry, cleaning inside appliances, and more. White Glove Cleaner is proud to be one of the most trusted cleaning companies in New York City. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to book your first cleaning!