The impact of daily life can quickly show up on a rug, whether this is from increased footfall around commonly used areas, or a pet who enjoys taking a nap on the soft fibers. All it takes is a few household products to rejuvenate a rug, and this will have a huge impact on the overall appearance of an interior. Simply vacuuming filth away will quickly transform a carpet or area rug too, so picking the best vacuum cleaner (opens in new tab) for your lifestyle will make light of daily tasks. Sometimes, the rest of your carpet will need a refresh too. Learn how to clean a carpet (opens in new tab) to tackle everyday dirt and stains, to make sure your rug is right at home in a spotless space.
How often you should clean a rug
While rugs offer practical solutions for adding warmth, comfort, and grip to floor areas, they are often picked for their stylish appearance. Rugs tend to be partially covered by furniture, so there is less surface area left for heavy footfall. This does, however, mean that they can be the optimum spot for coffee and wine spillages, and of course plenty of crumbs. You should always clean rugs when you notice they are getting dirty, or a spill occurs. However, don’t wait for dirt to mount, instead vacuum weekly or biweekly (depending on the size of your household), and focus on deep cleans once every few months.
What you should use to clean a rug
The material of your rug will directly impact what you should use to clean it, so it is important to check the manufacturer’s guides and care instructions before getting started. Wool, jute, shaggy, and other rug materials all pick up dirt at different rates –and some will store it more deeply than others. Before using any chemicals on a rug, you should always start off by vacuuming. This will remove any loose debris and provide a general refresh. Exploring the best deep clean vacuum cleaners (opens in new tab) will help you find the right option for you, as higher piles will require specific attachments to avoid damage. According to Derin Dundar, ‘an often overlooked element of rug care is the bottom side of the rug.’ So, instead of focusing on what your rug looks like, consider the invisible dirt that may be trapped beneath the surface. After you’ve shaken out, or vacuumed, any crumbs you can begin to deep clean the rug using a mild method like the one below.
How to remove a stain from a rug
You can clean a rug at home, and by hand, using baking soda. This is a natural deodorizer, so as well as targeting stains it will remove any foul smells. It also packs a punch when used in tandem with white vinegar. Stains should always be targeted as quickly as possible, as this will give you the best chance of getting a rug looking brand new again. But don’t fear if you miss that pet accident or dinner-party wine spill. Prior to attacking marks, you should give a rug a general clean using a vacuum cleaner. By removing any large bits of dirt, you won’t run the risk of embedding anymore grime when partaking in a thorough scrub. As with removing most stains from carpets, the process is quite simple. So here are our step-by-step tips on tackling any types of blemish on a rug.
Top tips to keep a rug clean for longer
Although cleaning a rug is simple, it is always better to avoid bringing in as much dirt as possible. Some spillages can’t be avoided, but there are a handful of tips and tricks that will set your rug in good stead for standing up against stains. Discover more guides for the home… Best top load washers (opens in new tab) Best dishwashers (opens in new tab) Best dryers (opens in new tab) Best steam mops (opens in new tab) Best robot vacuums (opens in new tab)
