How to Clean a Rug or Carpet
Vacuum in two directions, and blot stains instead of rubbing. The basics for keeping a rug clean for years.
What you need
Supplies
- 1 cup baking soda
- Mild detergent or wool wash
- Cold water
Tools
- Vacuum cleaner
- Rubber glove or rubber brush
- 3 white towels
- Sieve
- Spray bottle
How to do it
- 01
Vacuum in two directions
Vacuum slowly once with the pile and once against it. Dust trapped between the fibers comes out.
- 02
Rake up hair with rubber
For hair and fur the vacuum misses, sweep in one direction with a rubber glove or rake with a rubber brush. It bunches into clumps you can then vacuum up.
- 03
Absorb spills first
If you spill a drink, do not rub. Lay a dry white towel on it and press firmly to absorb as much as possible. Rubbing spreads the stain and tangles the pile.
- 04
Blot with soapy water
Mix a little mild detergent into cold water, dampen a white towel and dab the stain from the outside in. Dab again with a towel dampened in clean water to remove the soap, then press with a dry towel.
- 05
Deodorize with baking soda
Sift baking soda evenly over the rug, leave it for at least an hour, then vacuum thoroughly. Food and foot odors go with it.
Be careful
- Wool, silk and handmade rugs can bleed color or shrink with water and detergent. Test a hidden area first and send large stains to a professional.
- Leaving a rug wet lets moisture reach the floor underneath and grow mold. Dry it completely with a fan.
- Hot water sets protein stains such as milk and blood. Always use cold water on stains.
Malkkeum tips
- Each season, air the rug upside down on a sunny day to let moisture and odors escape.
- A non-slip pad under the rug lets air circulate and reduces mold.
- For washable rugs, check the label, and use a laundromat's large machines if yours is too small.
Rugs hold more than you think
A rug catches floor dust, hair, crumbs and pet fur. It helps keep dust out of the air, but if you do not remove it regularly, it becomes a dust reservoir. Vacuuming properly twice a week makes a visible difference.
Dealing with stains
| Stain | What to do |
|---|---|
| Coffee, juice | Absorb, then blot with cold water and mild detergent |
| Oil, sauce | Absorb, then blot with slightly stronger dish soap solution |
| Milk, blood | Absorb, then always cold water; never hot |
| Pet accidents | Absorb, enzyme cleaner, dry completely |
If you live with pets, also see cleaning a home with pets.
FAQ
Can I use a steam cleaner? On synthetic rugs, brief use is fine, but wool rugs can shrink with heat and moisture. Always dry thoroughly afterwards.
