Step 1: Clear furniture and objects off of the Rug. Rugs should be taken out of the home for proper cleaning. We use much water while cleaning to ensure proper soil removal. They must also be dried quickly and properly to ensure colors do not fade or run. Make sure you tackle this DIY project on a sunny day so rain doesn’t threaten the cleaning process. To avoid making a bigger mess, place your rug on a tarp, drop cloth, or large piece of plastic instead of directly onto the ground.

Step 2: Remove dirt and debris. A great way to prevent stains from happening in the first place is to vacuum your rugs weekly. Make sure to use a suction-only vacuum, rather than a rotating brush. This is highly effective for removing dirt particles before they sink in, while also remaining gentle on the rug’s fibers. Thoroughly vacuum the rug on both sides. You want to make sure every last bit of debris is gone. Using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar is most effective for this task. If you have pets, use the brush attachment to get lingering stray hairs.

Step 3: Mix the cleaner. Don’t use a carpet cleaner or shampoo on your rugs, as the chemicals may be too strong and damage the fibers. Instead, use a rug shampoo, like Bissel Pro Max Clean and Protect, as the cleaning solution. Follow the directions for mixing the solution with water. Alternatively, use mild dish detergent mixed in a bucket with warm water (for synthetic fibers) or cold water (for wool rugs). Do not use hot water, as it can shrink the rug or cause fading.

Step 4: Do a Color Test Before you start scrubbing, make sure the cleaner doesn’t cause the dyes or colors to run. Test the solution on the corner or another small area of the rug to make sure it is colorfast. If the color doesn’t bleed, it’s safe to move on to the next step.

Step 5: Wash the Rug. Using a sponge or soft-bristle brush, work the cleaning solution into a lather on the rug. Let the cleaner sit on the rug for five minutes before you start rinsing. Anything less than that and you’ll shortchange the cleaning process. Give it those five minutes to set in and start lifting away dirt.

Step 6: Rinse the Rug. inse the soap out of the rug using a garden hose or buckets of clean water. Make sure all the cleaning solution is completely removed from the area rug and the runoff water is crystal clear.

Step 7: Remove excess water at this point, you’ll want to get rid of as much excess water in the rug as you can so it will dry faster. You can use a wet-dry vacuum if you have one, or run a squeegee in the direction of the nap.

Step 8: Let the rug dry. Lay the rug flat and allow the top of the rug to air dry completely. Then, flip it over to let the bottom side dry. Fans can help speed up the process. Make sure the rug is fully dry before you return it to the room.

Step 9: Vacuum or brush out the Rug. During the cleaning process, threads and fibers can get compacted and squished. Revive them by running a vacuum over the now-dry rug, or brush with a soft-bristled brush. But for some rugs, professional cleaning is always best. We also offer cleaning & repair by our carpet
doctors. Call us now to book an appointment!