How to clean a rug, according to carpet and cleaning experts
Content is created by CNN Underscored’s team of editors who work independently from the CNN newsroom. When you buy through links on our site, CNN and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Learn more
Rugs, including small area rugs used in the entryway and kitchen, need to be cleaned regularly to maintain their appearance and to be kept in good condition. Though similar, the techniques used to clean rugs are different from those used to clean carpets.
We consulted experts, including rug manufacturers and home improvement experts, to ask for their best rug-cleaning tips. In this guide, you’ll find the best cleaning agents, tools, techniques and tricks of the trade that will keep your rugs looking their best. Whether you’re looking for routine rug-cleaning tips or you’ve got rug- and carpet-cleaning tasks on your spring cleaning checklist, this guide will explain everything you need to know to care for your rugs, including the best vacuums for the job.
How to clean a rug
Richard Turner, the director of technical services and programs at The Carpet and Rug Institute, shared some professional techniques that you can use for DIY rug cleaning and general area rug maintenance.
Step 1: Vacuum regularly
Turner says that the best thing you can do to keep rugs clean and in good condition is vacuum them regularly. “Vacuum frequently in high-traffic areas and everywhere according to a vacuuming schedule,” he says. High-traffic areas like the entryway, kitchen and living room should be vacuumed daily or every other day, while less frequently used spaces can be vacuumed weekly or every other week.
Just be careful around any fringe. “Area rugs with fringe require a special vacuum technique,” Turner says. “Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.”
Step 2: Spot treat stains and spills
When spills or stains happen, get to them right away — over time, stains will oxidize, making them more difficult to remove. See the instructions below on how to spot-treat stains on a rug.
Step 3: Deep-clean every 12-18 months
There are a few different ways to deep-clean a rug, including machine-washing, beating, using a carpet and upholstery cleaner or sending the rug for professional cleaning. “If your rug is small and the label says machine-washable,” Turner says, “shake the rug outside to remove loose dirt and debris and then put it in the washing machine using warm water and a mild detergent.” Turner recommends tumble drying the rug using the dryer’s lowest heat setting; rugs can also be air-dried outdoors.
Regardless of the method, you should thoroughly clean your rugs on a schedule. “Deep clean your carpets every 12 to 18 months to remove embedded dirt and grime,” Turner says. Gina Perry, a senior merchant of cleaning at The Home Depot, echoes that, adding, “For larger households or those with pets and children, it may be beneficial to clean carpets twice a year.”
Step 4: Control dirt at its source
Turner also recommends preventative measures that help to protect rugs from stains and other damage. “Stop dirt at the door by using mats outside and in, taking your shoes off when you enter the space and changing your air filters to reduce airborne dust particles,” he says.
How to spot-clean a rug
Other than regular vacuuming, routine rug maintenance typically takes the form of spot cleaning. Spot cleaning, or spot treating, is the method used for stain removal from rugs and it should be done on an as-needed basis. Don’t let stains and messes linger too long on rugs — they can oxidize over time, becoming set in and difficult to remove.
Step 1: Blot liquids and/or pick up solids
Use an absorbent white cloth or white paper towels to blot any liquids. If the spill is solid or semi-solid, use the edge of a spoon or a butter knife to gently scrape the matter from the rug. If necessary, use a vacuum to pick up any of the loosened solids.
Step 2: Treat the stain
Use a stain remover to treat the spot or stain, but be sure to consult the care tag for instructions on what types of stain removers are safe to use. “For spot cleaning, bleach and other harsh chemicals found in common household cleaners can cause color fading and should not be used,” says Julie Beth Fisher, the director of brand marketing at Shaw Residential. “Product warranties and floor care documents are a great resource and should detail recommended cleaners that are approved for use by the manufacturer.” You can also test the product in an inconspicuous place to ensure it won’t cause damage.
Then, apply a small amount of the cleaning solution to a white cloth, and work it gently into the stain, being careful not to rub or scrub at the rug’s fibers. Start at the edge of the stain and move inward to the center, blotting gently to work the stain remover into the stained area. Allow a few minutes for the stain remover to penetrate and break down the stain before rinsing.
Step 3: Rinse
“Thorough rinsing is necessary to remove residues left from spot removal solutions,” Turner says. Residue from stain removers can oxidize over time, leaving a stain of its own. Turner recommends rinsing rugs after spot cleaning using the following method.
“A mist-type sprayer is recommended to prevent over-wetting. Blot with paper towels and pat dry after each rinse.” After rinsing and blotting, allow the rug to air-dry before walking on it or putting furniture back. Once it’s dry, the rug may need a quick pass with a vacuum cleaner to restore the nap.
What you’ll need to clean a rug
Woolite Advantage InstaClean, 2-Pack
If your home has rugs or carpeting, it's a smart idea to keep a stain remover on hand so you can spot-clean rugs as spills or stains happen. Woolite's line of carpet and rug cleaning products is among the best I've tried for spot-cleaning rugs.
Rocco & Roxie Oxy Stain Remover
For pet stain removal, a bio-based product is essential for eliminating stains and smells from pet accidents. While there are a number of good pet-safe cleaning products available, I have had great success with Rocco & Roxie's rug-cleaning products and would recommend them for use in households with pets.
Wine Away Red Wine Stain Remover
Are you or someone else in your household big red wine drinkers? If so, you may want to invest in a bottle of Wine Away, which is our go-to red wine stain remover, for times when inevitable spills happen on your rug.
Mr.Siga Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, Pack of 12, White
Use an absorbent, lint-free white cloth for spot-cleaning rugs with stain removers to prevent dye transfer from staining the rug even more.
Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away NV501 Vacuum
A vacuum is essential for cleaning and maintaining rugs. The Shark Rotator Professional Lift-Away is our pick for the best upright vacuum.
$220 at Amazon
$220 at The Home Depot
Bissell Little Green Multipurpose Portable Carpet and Upholstery Cleaner
Portable carpet and upholstery cleaners like Bissell's classic Little Green can be used to deep-clean rugs. They're smaller, lighter machines that are easier to use and require less storage space than their upright counterparts.
FAQs about cleaning rugs
How do you clean a rug that can’t be washed?
You can spot-treat any spills or stains, but if you need a more thorough cleaning on a rug that can’t be washed, leave it to the professionals. “If the label says dry clean only, your best bet may be to roll up your rug and take it to a dry cleaner,” Turner says. “Save time and aggravation by calling first to see if the dry cleaner handles rugs — many do not.” Turner also recommends professional cleaning for imported or heirloom rugs.
Can you use a carpet shampooer on an area rug?
Yes, you can absolutely use a carpet shampooer, or a carpet cleaner, on an area rug — check out our list of the best carpet cleaners we tested for recommendations. Turner also recommends using a machine that’s certified by the Carpet and Rug Institute’s Seal of Approval program.
But before using a carpet cleaner on your rug, “Always read the label and manufacturer guidelines on how to clean carpets using the specific machine you selected to ensure that you have chosen the correct product,” Perry says. “When using a carpet cleaner, be sure to allow the machine to pull up as much water as possible to avoid mold and mildew.”
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
