Area rugs add color, comfort, and style to a room. Unlike wall-to-wall carpets, rugs are often unique pieces made from a wide range of materials. This means they need special care. Cleaning a delicate wool Oriental rug is very different from cleaning a sturdy synthetic one. This guide will teach you how to care for your specific type of rug to keep it beautiful for years.

Understanding the Difference: Rugs vs. Carpets

The first step in proper care is knowing that rug cleaning is not the same as carpet cleaning. While both cover your floor, their construction and cleaning needs are very different. This is a topic we touch on in our Ultimate Guide to Carpet Cleaning, but here we’ll go deeper.

• Construction: Most carpets are tufted, meaning fibers are punched through a backing material. Many rugs, especially valuable ones, are woven. This means the foundation and pile are created at the same time, making them more delicate.
• Materials: Carpets are usually made of durable synthetic fibers like nylon. Rugs can be made from anything, including sensitive natural fibers like wool, silk, cotton, and jute, which can be damaged by harsh chemicals.
• Cleaning Location: Carpet cleaning happens in your home. Professional rug cleaners, however, should take your rug to a special facility for a controlled, thorough wash that protects both the rug and your floors underneath.

Step 1: Identify Your Rug’s Material

The material of your rug will determine how you should clean it. Check for a label on the back. If there isn’t one, this guide can help you identify it.

Step 2: A Cautious Guide to DIY Rug Cleaning

This guide is intended **only for sturdy, synthetic rugs**. If you have a wool, silk, or hand-knotted rug, or if you are unsure of the material, do not proceed. Call a professional.

1. Remove Loose Dirt: Take the rug outside and shake it vigorously. For larger rugs, hang it over a railing and beat it with the flat side of a broom to dislodge embedded dust and grit.
2. Vacuum Thoroughly: Vacuum the entire front of the rug. Then, flip it over and vacuum the back. This helps push out any deep-down dirt that the beater bar loosened.
3. Perform a Colorfast Test: Mix a small amount of a mild, pH-neutral cleaner (like a clear dish soap) with water. Apply a tiny amount to a corner of the rug with a white cloth. If any color from the rug transfers to the cloth, stop immediately. Your rug is not safe for water-based cleaning.
4. Spot Treat Stains: Using your tested cleaner, gently blot any stains. For tips on specific stains like pet urine, you can use similar blotting techniques as those for upholstery, which you can read about in our Complete Guide to Upholstery Cleaning.
5. Wash (If Safe): On a clean patio or driveway, mix your mild cleaner with a bucket of cool water. Gently scrub the rug with a soft-bristled brush. Work in sections and don’t oversaturate the rug.
6. Rinse Completely: This is a critical step. Using a hose on a gentle setting, rinse all the soap from the rug. Leftover soap will attract dirt. Keep rinsing until the water running off is clear.
7. Remove Excess Water: Squeeze out as much water as possible. You can use a floor squeegee in the direction of the pile to push water out. Do not wring or twist the rug.
8. Dry Flat and Elevated: Lay the rug flat on an elevated surface, like on top of a few patio chairs, so air can circulate on all sides. Keep it out of direct sunlight. Flip the rug every few hours to ensure even drying. The rug must be **100% dry** before you bring it back inside to prevent mold.

Step 3: When to Hire a Professional Rug Cleaner

DIY methods are only for a small fraction of rugs. For most situations, hiring a professional is the safest and most effective option. A professional service is non-negotiable if:

• 💎
  Your Rug is Valuable: Any hand-knotted, Oriental, Persian, or antique rug should only be handled by an expert. The risk of permanent damage is too high.
• 🐑
  It’s Made of Natural Fibers: Wool, silk, jute, and cotton rugs all require specific treatments to prevent shrinking, color bleeding, or browning.
• 🐾
  You Have Deep-Set Stains or Odors: Pet urine or old, stubborn stains require a full submersion wash to be completely removed, which can only be done safely at a professional facility.
• 🎨
  The Colors are Bleeding: If your colorfast test failed, it’s a clear sign that only a professional can clean the rug safely.

Companies that offer specialized services understand the complex chemistry of cleaning different dyes and fibers. True professional rug cleaners will have a dedicated facility designed for this exact purpose, ensuring your valuable piece is treated with the care it deserves.