Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1
   Step 1

   Shake

   First, take smaller rugs outdoors and shake them off as much as you can. 

2. 2
   Step 2

   Sprinkle

   Sprinkle baking soda on your rug before vacuuming. This will help neutralize any odors. 

3. 3
   Step 3

   Vacuum

   Vacuum the rug. 

   • Roll up each side of your rug to clean under the edges. Vacuum any dirt or debris that has gotten caught beneath the sides of the rug. If you have a mat under your rug, make sure you don’t suck it up in the vacuum as you work.
   • Vacuum around the edges of the rug’s surface to remove any dust or dirt that may have been dislodged as you rolled it.
4. 4
   Step 4

   Deep Cleaning - Wool

   1. Mix a capful of gentle laundry detergent — the same you’d use when washing sheets — with a bucket of cold water.
   2. Dampen a microfiber cloth with soapy water and lightly dab it on the surface of the rug, working in the direction of the nap and re-moistening your cloth as needed. Go easy on the water though; you should never saturate a wool area rug.
   3. Rinse out your bucket and refill it with plain cold water.
   4. Moisten a fresh microfiber cloth and blot this over the rug.
   5. Now blot the rug with several dry microfiber towels or regular bath towels.
   6. Let the rug dry completely before walking over it. You can set up box fans to help expedite the drying process, or, if the rug is smaller, you can hang it over a clothesline.
5. 5
   Step 5

   Deep Cleaning - Cotton

   This material is popular because it tends to be a bit more lightweight than wool. And like wool, the natural fibers of cotton tend to attract dirt.
   
   Smaller cotton rugs can often be shaken out and cleaned in the washing machine. Simply set the washer on the delicate cycle and use gentle laundry detergent and cold water. Take care not to overload your washing machine, and hang your smaller cotton rugs to dry.
   
   If you’re trying to figure out how to clean a large area rug made of cotton, you can use the above instructions for wool rugs. Alternatively, you can roll the rug up and take it to a local laundromat. Many laundromats clean larger cotton rugs, and you may be surprised at how little it costs.

6. 6
   Step 6

   Deep Cleaning - Jute

   1. If possible, take your rug outdoors and shake any loose debris from it.
   2. Sprinkle the dry-cleaning powder from your kit onto the rug.
   3. Using the brush from the cleaning kit or a stiff-bristled brush, gently clean the rug’s fibers. Don’t scrub heavily or you’ll tear the material.
   4. Vacuum up any remaining cleaning powder.
7. 7
   Step 7

   Deep Cleaning - Synthetic Fibers

   1. Vacuum your rug before taking it outdoors and shaking it out.
   2. Hang the rug over a clothesline or set it on a sloped driveway.
   3. Spray the rug with your water hose until it’s entirely wet.
   4. Apply dishwashing liquid directly to the surface of the rug.
   5. Use a bristled brush to gently work the soap into your area rug, following the nap of the material. Don’t scrub vigorously.
   6. Rinse the rug clean with your hose until the water runs clear and is no longer soapy.
   7. Let the rug dry completely before bringing it indoors. If possible, rotate the rug frequently so that it dries evenly.

   Note: Regardless of the material, you should always follow manufacturer cleaning instructions when they are available. Additionally, when cleaning an area rug with any product, you should spot test a small inconspicuous portion to ensure there isn’t any discoloration. Let the spot tested area dry completely before applying cleaner to the rest of the rug.
   
   While detailed area rug cleaning is important to the rug’s longevity, there can be too much of a good thing. Over cleaning your area rug can dull the colors and wear out the fibers, so be certain you’re not overdoing it. However, regular vacuuming can help prolong the life of your rugs and carpets. If you need help with this routine housekeeping chore, contact your local Merry Maids.