How to clean your rugs

Rugs can provide the finishing touch in any room, whether you opt for a striking design that acts as the focal point of the space or something subtle that blends in seamlessly with the rest of the furnishings. To keep your rug looking pristine and to extend its life, it is important to regularly clean it. What is the best way to do this? Let’s take a look at some tips on how to keep your rug looking as good as new, even in a busy home.

Vacuuming your rug

You no doubt regularly vacuum your rug when you are doing the rest of the room, so you will know it can be awkward if you don’t use the right attachment. If you have hard floors, such as wood, laminate or vinyl, you will need to change the attachment when it comes to your rug. This might seem unnecessary, but using the recommended attachment will do a far better job of keeping your rug clean than using something designed for hard flooring. Your vacuum instructions will be able to tell you the best attachment to use to clean your rug. If your vacuum has multiple strength settings, make sure you check which one is recommended for rugs. If you have pets, you might need to use the pet hair attachment to pick up all that fur!

Deep cleaning your rug

This is best done outdoors if possible. While you can buy specialist rug cleaning solutions, many mild household detergents will also do the job. Be sure to check the instructions on the bottle first, along with any advice from the rug manufacturer. The label will usually provide cleaning advice. If your rug is very expensive or you are using a new cleaning product, it is a good idea to do a small patch test first in an inconspicuous area. Mix your detergent as instructed on the bottle and use either a soft brush or a sponge to apply the mixture. Don’t use too much pressure or you will risk damaging the surface. Work up a lather and leave it for the time recommended on the instructions. Next, using clean water, rinse all the detergent from the rug. Depending on the type of rug, you might be able to use a hosepipe for this. If your rug can’t be soaked or you don’t have an outdoor space, you can do this with a sponge or damp cloth. Finally, it is time to dry your rug. Outside, out of direct sunlight, is perfect; alternatively, if this isn’t possible, hang it up indoors.