Cleaning your rug: here's how!
Over time, a rug can definitely be due for a refresh. Dust and dirt can build up without you noticing, or stains can appear that you'd love to get rid of. So what's the right way to clean a rug? It's a question we get asked often, and our specialists are always happy to help. In this article, we'll explain how to tackle it: from daily care to deep cleaning your rug, so it looks like new again.
So how do you properly clean a rug?
How you should clean a rug depends on several factors, such as the material it's made from, the type of dirt, and the cleaning products you have available. Always check the label first, or ask one of our specialists how best to clean your rug. Before you start cleaning your rug, read up on it properly or check first how best to clean it. Tip: try it out on a small area first and see what effect it has.
How to clean your rug: vacuuming
First and foremost, regular vacuuming is essential. It helps remove loose dirt, dust and hairs. To stop dust settling deeper into the rug, we recommend vacuuming at least twice a week. To protect your rug, it's best to use a nozzle with the brush bristles retracted, so you don't accidentally pull the fibres loose. Also note that vacuum cleaners, such as upright or robot vacuums, are not suitable for natural rugs. With jute or sisal rugs, a robot vacuum's brushes can get caught in the coarse fibres, which can damage not only the vacuum but the rug too. Another tip is to move your furniture so you can reach every part of the rug while vacuuming. Also pay attention to the vacuum's setting: if you don't want to damage the fibres, it's best to use a slightly lower setting. It's also important to move steadily and slowly so the vacuum has time to pick up all the dirt.
The best tips for vacuuming your rug:
- Vacuum your rug at least twice a week
- Move your furniture
- Adjust your vacuum's setting
- Move steadily and slowly
- Choose the right vacuum nozzle
Cleaning your rug by material
How do I clean a wool rug?
To clean a wool rug, start by vacuuming it. Use an attachment with the brush bristles retracted and avoid rotating brushes, so you don't damage the delicate fibres. Blot stains immediately with a clean cloth. Don't rub, as this spreads the stain and pushes it deeper into the fibres. If needed, use a mild (wool) cleaning product with a little water (not too much!) to treat stubborn stains. Then let your wool rug dry thoroughly. Want more information? Read here more about cleaning a wool rug?
How do I clean a jute rug?
Jute is a natural material that can be sensitive to moisture and chemical cleaning products. So it's best to treat a stain dry, with a clean cloth or a little baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on the stain and leave it to work for a few hours before vacuuming it up. A stubborn stain is best treated with a mild cleaning product and as little moisture as possible. Dry your jute rug with a hairdryer on the cold setting until it's completely dry. Regular vacuuming is important to remove surface dirt. Use a vacuum with a soft brush for this, and be careful with rotating brushes and upright/robot vacuums, to protect the delicate jute fibres. Read more tips here about cleaning a jute rug.
How do I clean a synthetic rug?
Synthetic rugs are generally low-maintenance, as synthetic fibres hold up well against moisture and cleaning products. Vacuum your rug regularly to remove dirt. For stains, use a rug cleaner and apply it with a clean cloth or a soft brush. Do this carefully to prevent the stain from spreading further. Rinse with water and then leave to dry thoroughly.
Cleaning stains from your rug
Accidents happen. If you have a stain on your rug, it's important to treat it as quickly as possible. In most cases, this means using a clean cloth that's been lightly dampened. In every case: blot, and definitely don't rub or scrub. This stops you pushing the stain deeper into the fibres. Generally speaking, natural rugs are more sensitive to moisture than synthetic rugs, so don't use too much water when treating a rug made of wool, jute or viscose! If water alone isn't enough, you can try the following remedies.
How to remove these stains from your rug
Red wine from a rug
Red wine stains need to be treated as quickly as possible to remove them completely from your rug. Gently blot the red wine stain with an absorbent cloth without rubbing, then pour cold water over it. Household remedies such as salt can help lift the stain. It's important that the rug is slightly damp, otherwise the salt won't be able to absorb the red wine stain. Alternatively, you can use a mixture of washing-up liquid and water: let it work in, then rinse it out. Stubborn stains can be removed with special cleaning products or by professional rug cleaning. Always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot first.
Removing a coffee stain from your rug
You can remove a coffee stain from your rug if you act quickly. Blot the coffee stain with a clean cloth without rubbing, and add a little cold water to dilute it. A mixture of mild washing-up liquid and lukewarm water can help lift the coffee stain – let it work in, then rinse with clean water. Stubborn stains can be treated with a vinegar-water solution or a special rug cleaner. Always test cleaning products on an inconspicuous spot first.
Removing candle wax from your rug
To remove candle wax from your rug, first let it cool down completely and harden. Then place a piece of kitchen paper or a cloth over the stain and gently iron over it on a low temperature setting. The wax will melt and be absorbed by the paper. Repeat this process until no wax remains. Afterwards, you can blot the rug with warm water and a mild cleaning product to remove any remaining traces of wax. Make sure the iron isn't set too hot, to avoid damaging the rug.
Removing chewing gum from your rug
Chewing gum can be removed from your rug quite easily by hardening it first. Wrap an ice cube in a cloth and hold it on the gum for a few minutes until it hardens. Once the gum is hard, you can carefully scrape it off with a spoon or a blunt knife. If any gum remains, clean the spot with a mild cleaning product and warm water. Repeat the process if needed. Be careful not to damage the rug by scraping too hard.
Cleaning your rug with baking soda
(Baking) soda is an effective way to remove unpleasant odours and light stains from a rug. To freshen up your rug, first vacuum it thoroughly. Then sprinkle a generous layer of soda over the whole rug and leave it to sit for a few hours. Then vacuum up the baking soda. Baking soda has an absorbent effect and will draw all the unpleasant odours out of the rug. Got a stain on your rug? Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and gently rub it in with a slightly damp cloth. Leave it for at least an hour, then vacuum up the paste.
Household remedies that help clean your rug
Cleaning your rug with vinegar
Got a stubborn stain on a synthetic, wool, cotton or viscose rug? Make a solution of equal parts water and white vinegar. Carefully pour the vinegar mixture onto the stain and let it sit for a moment. Make sure the rug doesn't get too wet, then blot it dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Note: vinegar is not suitable for jute rugs!
Cleaning your rug with green soap
Green soap is a natural, eco-friendly cleaning product that can help remove stains from wool, cotton and synthetic rugs. Fill a bucket of around 5 litres with lukewarm water and add a tablespoon of mild green soap. Apply the soapy solution to the stain with a soft brush or clean cloth and gently rub the mixture into the rug. Leave it to work for around 15 minutes, then remove with clean water and a clean cloth. Then leave to dry thoroughly. Don't use green soap on jute or viscose rugs! Doing so risks leaving rings on your rug.
Cleaning your rug with Biotex
Biotex is a powerful stain remover you can use for stains on cotton rugs. It's often used for stubborn stains, and you make it by mixing Biotex with lukewarm water. Check the instructions on the packaging for the exact ratios. Apply the mixture to the stain with a soft brush or clean cloth. Leave it to work in for at least 15 minutes, then blot with clean water and a clean cloth. Then leave to dry thoroughly. Note: cleaning wool, jute or viscose rugs with Biotex is strongly discouraged.
Cleaning your rug with rug cleaner
Rug cleaner is a special type of cleaning product designed specifically for cleaning and maintaining rugs and carpets. How you use a rug cleaner can vary depending on the specific product and the rug's material, so read the instructions carefully before you get started.
Cleaning your rug with Vanish
You can clean your rug with Vanish, provided you have a cotton or synthetic rug. We recommend testing it first on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it doesn't affect the colours. Wait a few minutes and check the result. Use Vanish spray or powder. Spread it evenly over the stain and leave it to work for 5 to 10 minutes. Use a soft brush or sponge to gently work the Vanish into the rug's fibres. This helps lift dirt and stains. For some types of Vanish (such as the liquid rug cleaner), you may need to rinse the area with clean, warm water. Use a sponge to remove excess cleaning product and dirt. Once the rug is dry, we recommend vacuuming again to remove any remaining dirt and Vanish residue.
Deep-cleaning your rug
Want to give your rug a really thorough clean? Consider a deep clean, done either yourself or by a professional. Most DIY stores let you hire or buy a professional carpet cleaner or steam cleaner. Just make sure you use a cleaning solution that's safe for your rug. To extend your rug's lifespan, it's a good idea to deep clean it at least once a year. This method of cleaning also helps get rid of unpleasant odours!
Maintaining your rug regularly extends its lifespan, so you can enjoy it for longer. Still have questions about how to clean a rug? Our specialists are happy to help!
When is professional rug cleaning recommended?
In most cases, you can clean your rug perfectly well yourself. But in some situations, it's smarter to call in a specialist. For example:
- Stubborn stains you can't remove yourself
- Odours that linger, even after several cleans
- Rugs made from delicate or luxury materials such as wool or silk
- Allergies (house dust mites) or pets, where a thorough deep clean is needed
Professional rug cleaning removes dirt deep within the fibres too, without damaging your rug.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning your rug
How often should I clean my rug?
We recommend vacuuming your rug every week. If you have pets or children and notice a lot of hairs or crumbs, we recommend vacuuming daily instead. Got a stain? Then you need to act immediately, see the tips above for how to do this. We recommend a deep clean once a year. With pets, this can be more often, twice a year for example. You could also consider professional cleaning by a company, roughly every 12 to 18 months.
How do I clean my rug myself?
Start by vacuuming. If you have stains, treat them with a stain remover or a mixture of water and washing-up liquid. Apply the solution to the stain and blot gently with a clean cloth. Important: don't rub, as this can spread the stain. You can clean by hand using a brush. Dip a soft-bristled brush in water and scrub the rug in a circular motion. After this, it's important to remove the cleaning product. Use a clean cloth and warm water to remove the cleaning solution from the rug. Finally, use clean, dry cloths to blot out as much water as possible from the rug. Let it dry outside if the rug is holding too much water.
Can I use a pressure washer to clean my rug?
Yes, you can, but it depends on the type of rug you want to clean. Not all rugs are suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer. The high pressure can damage the fibres. We recommend not cleaning the following rugs with a pressure washer: wool rugs, hand-woven rugs, high-pile or fluffy rugs, and rugs with a 'sensitive' backing. Outdoor rugs, however, are suitable for cleaning with a pressure washer. These rugs are often made from weather-resistant materials such as polypropylene or other synthetic fibres, which hold up well against water and cope better with high pressure. Make sure you use a low pressure setting, as too high a pressure can damage these rugs, and keep the jet moving constantly. Don't hold the jet in one spot for too long.
How do I remove unpleasant odours from my rug?
To remove unpleasant odours from a rug, start by vacuuming it thoroughly. Then sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the whole rug and brush it in deeper with a soft rug brush. Leave the baking soda to work for a few hours or overnight, then vacuum it up. Baking soda has an absorbent effect and will neutralise unpleasant odours in the rug. If you like, use a bit of fabric freshener for extra freshness.
How do you get a rug clean and fresh again?
Vacuum your rug thoroughly, treat stains with a mild cleaning product, sprinkle baking soda over your rug to neutralise odours, let the baking soda work in, then vacuum again. Then hang your rug outside to air it out, or let it dry thoroughly indoors. An extra tip for getting your rug clean and fresh is to use a vinegar-water mixture for a deep clean. As well as neutralising odours, this mixture also kills bacteria. How to do it: mix one part white vinegar with two parts water, spray it lightly onto the rug and leave it to work for 10-15 minutes to remove dirt and odours.
Can you take a rug to the dry cleaner?
Yes, a rug can be taken to the dry cleaner for professional cleaning. This is especially recommended for stubborn stains, delicate materials, or if the rug is large and difficult to clean yourself. Many dry cleaners offer special cleaning methods that remove deep-down dirt without damaging the rug. It's a good idea to check beforehand whether the dry cleaner has experience with your type of rug, so you can be sure it will be treated the right way.
