Are your area rugs looking worse for wear? Do they need some TLC? Fear not—you don’t have to hire a professional carpet cleaner or pay extra cash to buy new area rugs. You can clean your rugs yourself, and with just a few simple tools and supplies, you’ll have them looking good as new in no time. Let’s get started!
Gather Your Materials
The first step is making sure you have all the materials you need. Here’s what you’ll need before you start cleaning:
• Vacuum cleaner (preferably one with an upholstery attachment)
• Carpet shampoo
• Garden hose
• Soft-bristled brush or scrubbing sponge
• Old towels or cloths for blotting and drying
Set Up a Cleaning Area Outside
It’s best to take your carpet outside for the cleaning process. This lets you work on the rug all at once and will help prevent further dirt or debris from being tracked inside. Choose an area with plenty of space to spread your carpet, like a patio or driveway. If you have access to a garage, you can use that as well.
Vacuum Your Rug on Both Sides
Once you have the rug outside, thoroughly vacuum it on both sides. This will help dislodge any debris that has been embedded in the fibers of the carpet. Be sure to take your time and make sure you get all of the dirt and dust out. It’s also a good idea to use an upholstery attachment for this step, as it will help you get into the carpet’s crevices easier.
Test Your Carpet Shampoo on a Small Area
Before starting the next step, it’s crucial to ensure your carpet shampoo is safe to use on your area rug. Pick a small, inconspicuous spot and test out a bit of the cleaner. If there is no adverse reaction after 5 minutes, go ahead and continue cleaning the rest of the rug.
Apply Carpet Shampoo and Scrub
Once you’ve tested the cleaner, it’s time to get to work. Start by liberally applying the carpet shampoo over the entire area of your rug. Using your brush or sponge, gently scrub the fibers in a circular motion. You may need to add more shampoo as you go.
Rinse with a Garden Hose
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, use your garden hose to rinse away the soap and dirt. Make sure you get all of the shampoo out from deep within the fibers of the carpet. You may need to do this step more than once if there is still a lot of soap residue.
Blot and Dry
Finally, use your old towels to blot away any excess moisture. Then, let the rug air dry before bringing it back inside. For best results, hang the carpet over a clothesline so that all sides get exposed to the sun’s rays. Once the rug is completely dry, you’re done!
Vacuum Your Rug One Last Time
Before placing your rug back inside, give it one final vacuum to make sure all of the dirt and debris has been removed. This will help keep your floor looking fresh for a more extended period of time.
With these easy steps, you’ll have your area rug looking good as new. Plus, you won’t have to spend a fortune on professional carpet cleaning services. So the next time your area rug needs some TLC, why not try cleaning it yourself? You and your floors will be glad you did!
Get to Cleaning!
Cleaning area rugs doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated—just follow these simple steps for DIY area rug care and maintenance at home! With just a few everyday household items, some carpet shampoo, and a little elbow grease, you can revive those dingy rugs without spending a dime on professional cleaners. So get out there – happy cleaning!
