Here are tips for cleaning area rugs, starting with accent or scatter rugs.

 

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If labels say “machine washable,” shake the rugs outside first and then put them in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Whether it is a bath mat or a small rug, warm water (90°F to 105°F) using a mild detergent is usually recommended. Wash alone, especially if it is the first time, although you may need an old bath towel to balance the load. The rinse water will tell you if dyes are bleeding into the water. Take care with imported rugs and red or dark-colored rugs. It may take several washings before the rinse water runs clear.

Tumble dry at the lowest heat setting. You can also put rugs on the line to dry. A shaded area or screened porch is recommended if fading is a concern. No clothesline or porch? Then, how about inside a bathroom, over the shower rod or a folding drying rack placed in the tub? Outside is best, if feasible, because faster drying is preferred.

Larger rugs

If it is still easy to pick up, shake it outside first, then put it over a clothes line and beat it. If you want to be authentic, there are antique rug beaters. But use your imagination. An old tennis racket will do! Then take the rug inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, then roll it up and take it to a dry cleaner. Save yourself some time and aggravation by calling first to see if the cleaners do rug cleaning — a lot of them don’t.

Oriental, Turkish, Persian or other type of area rugs

These may need to be cleaned in place. Clean according to carpet manufacturer’s specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom type rugs, you need professionals. They will need to know what the carpet is made of and how old it is. If possible the carpet will benefit from a shaking outside. For professional help with cleaning high-value designer or Oriental rugs, consult www.certifiedcleaners.org.

TIP: Some rugs are reversible. If this is the case with your floor covering, do turn it over after shaking. If you can’t flip a large rug, try turning it so that wear is evenly distributed. Rearranging is also recommended to change the way light from windows hits a rug. Sunshine fades rugs and upholstered furniture. If you own a rug of museum quality, mount it properly on a wall or store it rather than use it on the floor.

 

(Note: This is one of a series of tips based on a collaboration between The Housekeeping Channel and the Carpet and Rug Institute, and adapted with permission from the book,"Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies.")

 

 

About The Carpet and Rug Institute

The Carpet and Rug Institute, headquartered in Dalton, Georgia, is the national trade association for the carpet and rug industry. Its members are manufacturers, suppliers, and service providers, representing over 90% of all carpet produced in the United States. CRI is the source for science-based information and insight into how carpet and rugs can create a better environment — for living, working, learning and healing. For more information, visit the CRI Blog.