Keeping your home clean and fresh starts from the ground up and knowing how to clean a throw rug is essential. Throw rugs, whether they are large area rugs, runner rugs, or small rugs, add comfort and style to your home but can also harbor dirt and stains. In our past articles, we talked about washing a wool rug and how to clean a jute rug; in this article we focus on how to clean my rug at home, or how to wash area rug at home.

Before jumping into the text, let us clarify a well-asked question: Can I machine wash my rug? 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to shampoo a rug, wash a large area rug, a runner rug, and a small rug, ensuring that every piece of your floor covering looks spotless and inviting.

Cleaning a Throw Rug: Simple Steps

• Vacuum your throw rug regularly. 

Vacuuming your throw rug will remove dust, dirt, pet hair and other debris that can make it look dull and dingy. Vacuum both sides of the rug and use a brush attachment for delicate or shaggy rugs.

• Spot clean any stains as soon as possible.

If you spill something on your throw rug, blot it with a paper towel or a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, use a mild detergent or a stain remover that is safe for your rug’s material and color. You can try StainRemover by RugDoctor for a quick and effective cleaning strategy. 

Follow the instructions on the product label, and test it on a small inconspicuous area first. Gently dab the stain with a damp cloth until it is gone, and then rinse with clean water.

• Wash your throw rug when needed.

Depending on how often you use your throw rug and how dirty it gets, you may need to wash it every few months or once a year. Check the care label on your rug to see if it is machine washable or if it needs to be hand washed or dry cleaned. If you rug is made with wool, cotton or synthetic fiber then you can machine wash them. 

Before you machine wash your rug, you should test it for colorfastness first. rub the rug with a clean, damp, white cloth or a cotton swab. If any color transfers to the cloth or swab, the rug is not colorfast and should not be washed in the machine. 

Afterwards, treat any visible stains via stain shampoos or wipes. Lastly, machine wash them using a gentle cycle and cold water, and avoid using bleach or fabric softener.

If you hand wash your rug, fill a large tub or sink with lukewarm water and a mild detergent, and gently agitate the rug with your hands. Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out the excess water.

• Dry your throw rug properly. 

Never put your throw rug in the dryer, as this can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage or fading. Instead, hang your rug outside on a clothesline or over a railing, or lay it flat on a clean surface indoors. Make sure the rug is completely dry before you use it again, as damp rugs can attract mold and mildew.

Now, let’s focus on hand washing your rug or cleaning a specific part of your rug!

How to Shampoo a Rug

If your throw rug is not machine washable, or if it is made of natural fibers like jute, sisal, or seagrass, you will need to use a different method to clean it. Shampooing a rug is a great way to deep clean and refresh its appearance due to the fact that these products are designed to absorb dirt and odors from carpets and rugs without using water. 

Here’s how to shampoo rug effectively:

• Vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove loose dirt and debris.
• Use a carpet shampooer or a soft brush with a mild rug shampoo solution.
• Test the shampoo on a small, inconspicuous area to check for colorfastness.
• Apply the shampoo according to the product instructions, gently working it into the fibers.
• Rinse the rug with clean water and blot excess moisture with a clean towel.
• Allow the rug to air dry completely before placing it back on the floor.

How to Wash a Large Area Rug (or, how to wash a large rug in general)

Large area rugs require special attention due to their size. Here’s how to wash a large area rug:

• Vacuum both sides of the rug to eliminate dirt.
• If the rug is washable, you can clean it outside using a mild detergent and water.
• Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the rug.
• Rinse thoroughly with a hose and remove excess water with a squeegee or towel.
• Dry the rug in a well-ventilated area or outdoors, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent fading.

If your throw rug is heavily soiled or stained, and it is made of wool, cotton or synthetic materials, you can use a steam cleaner or a wet vacuum to deep clean it. 

How to Wash a Runner Rug

Runner rugs often experience high traffic and may need frequent cleaning. Here’s how to wash a runner rug:

• Vacuum the rug to remove surface dirt.
• Spot clean any stains using a suitable carpet cleaner.
• If the rug is machine washable, wash it on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
• For hand washing, use a sponge or brush with soapy water and rinse well.
• Hang the rug or lay it flat to dry, ensuring it’s completely dry before use.

How to Wash a Small Rug

Small rugs are easier to handle and can often be machine washed. Here’s how to clean a small rug:

• Shake out the rug outside to remove loose dirt.
• Check the care label for washing instructions. If it’s possible to machine wash them, then do it; this is a small rug and it would be faster and better to machine wash them 
• If machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
• For hand washing, use a basin with soapy water and gently scrub the rug.
• Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water.
• Lay the rug flat to dry, flipping it over to ensure both sides dry evenly.

Before saying goodbye, remember, in order to spot clean any stains, dampen a white microfiber cloth with the solution, and gently dab the rug, working in the direction of the material. White is better since it doesn’t have any color to get to the rug. 

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean a throw rug is key to maintaining a fresh and spotless home. Whether you’re figuring out how to shampoo a rug, wash a large area rug, a runner rug, or a small rug, the right approach can make all the difference. Regular cleaning not only keeps your rugs looking great but also extends their lifespan, making your home a more beautiful and hygienic place to live. 

Enjoy your fresh and spotless throw rug! By following these simple steps, you can keep your throw rug clean and beautiful for years to come. A clean throw rug will not only enhance the appearance of your home, but also improve the air quality and comfort of your living space.

Make sure to follow our comprehensive blog articles for more tips and guides for your beautiful rugs.