A luxuriously crafted, beautifully pigmented area rug is the cherry on top of a completed room.
It spans a large area and resides under tables and chairs, but sets the mood, adds dimension, introduces a new color, or ties your existing color scheme together creating a cohesive space.
With any larger investment, the fear of not knowing how to maintain your purchase is a deterrent. Of course, rugs collect dirt and spills happen, but it doesn’t take as much special care as you may think.
Continue reading to learn the best way to clean a rug without ruining it, so you can invest in the rug your home decor is yearning for.
Spills and Spot Cleaning
There are two very important things to remember and consider: regular vacuuming is key to a long-lasting rug and test your rugs’ colorfastness, aka if the colors will run, before jumping in with a product.
Classic rugs generally should not be cleaned using harsh chemicals, so these solutions are not only safe but also highly effective, without damaging the integrity.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Think of hydrogen peroxide as a safer, natural bleach. Use it as a disinfectant around the home or remove the stain from your carpet!
While it works alone, combined with an abrasive substance like cream of tartar for more stain-fighting power.
Baking Soda
Knowing how to clean a rug with baking soda can be a lifesaver. It acts as a cleaner, sanitizer, and deodorizer in one, so it is perfect for bodily fluids.
Simply clean what you can, pour on your baking soda, let it dry, then wipe it up. Viola!
White Distilled Vinegar
Vinegar is a powerhouse stain remover and cleaning solution that you can use in every room, on almost every surface.
Start by using a clean cloth saturated with vinegar to dab out the stain. If needed, you can pour a small amount directly onto your rug before blotting the stain.
Toothbrush
While it isn’t a cleaning solution itself, a toothbrush is a great tool to gently but effectively agitate your chosen treatment and reach below the surface.
Full Floor Decor Refresh
Regular cleaning of an area rug is not recommended, but an occasional deep clean take care of the dirt and grime left behind for years when it begins looking dingy and aged.
Steam Cleaner
If you have clean water and a steamer, you already know how to clean an area rug with a steam cleaner! It’s that simple.
This is an excellent solution because it uses the incredible power of hot steam to lift stains and sanitize, nothing else needed.
DIY Cleaning by Hand
If time allows, you can do it yourself, by hand! As you would clean your kitchen floor, you can use a solution and carefully, gently scrub by hand.
When using this method, make sure that you protect the surface you are working on with a tarp or move to a cement floored space.
Professional Cleaning Service
If you don’t have the time to devote to doting after your rug, a professional cleaning service is also an option. However, know that a cleaning service will likely come with a hefty price tag.
Your Best Way to Clean a Rug
So, is there a home decor refresh in your future? Like a new rug?
Invest in your home, from floor to ceiling, knowing that when you gain as much knowledge as you can about the makeup of your particular rug, it allows you to determine the best way to clean a rug like yours.
Before you go, be sure to check out some of the other home decor and DIY here on our blog!
