The first step to cleaning anarea rugis to identify your rug’s material.
This is important in prolonging its life because how to clean an area rug will depend on its material.
Care for large area rugsas you would wall-to-wall carpet.
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Check labels to determine whether small braided rugs are washable.
Tumble dry on a low setting.
Spongecommercial carpet-cleaning foamover the surface and rub it in according to the product directions.
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Finish by rinsing or vacuuming.
Dry thoroughly before replacing the rug on the floor.
Vacuum a new Oriental rug as you would carpet andwool area rugs.
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Use special care with delicate vintage or antique rugs.
Vacuum over the screen.
Have these rugs professionally cleaned once a year.
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Rotate rugs to ensure even wear; direct exposure to the sun will cause fading.
Ask for care tips.
They’re popular choices forwelcome matsand mudroom rugs.
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Vacuum frequently, removing the rug occasionally to vacuum the floor underneath.
Many of these rugs are reversible; flip them every time you vacuum for even wear.
To clean stains or discolorations on a room-size natural-fiber rug, leave it in place.
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Protect the floor beneath it with a plastic drop cloth and towel.
Scrub the stains with a soft brushdipped in soapy water.
Rinse with clear water.
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Place a towel over the wet area.
Blot the cleaned spot as dry as possible.
Use a portable fan or hair dryer to speed drying.
Move small rugs to a protected table or counter to clean.
Water weakens the fibers, so work quickly and dry thoroughly to extend the life of these rugs.
Some natural-fiber rugs are constructed in squares that are sewn together.
Buy a few extra squares or a smaller size of the same rug.
Hand-stitch it in place with heavy-duty carpet thread.
Brush the talcum powder through the hair, then shake it out.
Repeat this process several times, depending on the length of the fur.
Wipe off any dirt or spills.
Rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water and allow to dry completely before putting back in place.
A dry-cleaning-only label might indicate that a rug isn’t colorfast.
When you determine arug is washable, machine-wash it on the delicate cycle.
Hanging a wet rug over a single clothesline will distort the shape of the rug as it dries.
Area rugs will benefit from a deep cleaning every 12-18 months.
Finish by rinsing or vacuuming.
verify the rug is dry before replacing it.
Dry-cleaning might also be an option for small- to mid-size rugscheck the labels for care instructions.
Props: Breanna Ghazali.
Remember to blot, not rub, the stain and remove moisture from spills as quickly as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Check the care label.
If it says dry clean only, machine washing may cause the colors to bleed.
Most wool and silk rugs should be dry-cleaned instead.
When in doubt, don’t machine wash.
On average,vacuum your rug twice a week.
If you have pets or heavy foot traffic in your home, you may want to vacuum more frequently.
No, vinegar won’t work on every bang out of rug.
Only use vinegar on a synthetic fiber rug.
