How to clean a rug

Rugs are a great way to add warmth, colour, and texture to any room. But over time, they can accumulate dirt, dust, and stains, which can make them look worn out and dirty. Cleaning a rug regularly will not only help to keep it looking new, but it can also improve the air quality in your home by removing allergens and dust mites.

Can you wash a rug at home without spoiling it? In this guide, we’ll explain the steps for how to clean a rug effectively. Learn everything from how to wash, deep clean and dry different types of rugs at home, plus how to remove certain stains from your rugs using tried and tested techniques.

In this guide:

• Can you wash a rug?
• Top tips on how to clean a rug
• How to clean different types of rugs
• How to care for your rugs
• How to remove stains from a rug

Can you wash a rug?

Between cleaning accidental coffee stains to your usual spring cleaning, there are various ways to wash a rug. The best way to clean a rug gently is to wash and spot-clean it by hand with a gentle soap or detergent solution.

Meanwhile, smaller rugs may include care instructions that tell you whether you can wash it in the washing machine, and at what temperature. This may depend on the size and materials, so it’s important to always check the label and follow any care instructions from when you bought it. Washing a hand-wash-only rug in the washing machine could ruin it.

Top tips on how to clean a rug

Cleaning a rug is a lot like cleaning a carpet – you’ll find a lot of the steps in this guide are similar to our carpet cleaning guide! The best part about cleaning a rug compared to a carpet is that you can wash and dry a rug without worrying about your subfloors.

The first step in cleaning your rug is to vacuum it thoroughly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar to remove any loose dirt and dust from the rug's surface. If your rug has fringes, be careful not to vacuum over them as it may damage them. Next, take your rug outside if you can and give it a good shake to remove any remaining dirt or debris. If there’s still dirt or stains on your rug, you might need to clean a little deeper by washing your rug.

Time to get the rubber gloves out! Follow our steps on how to wash and deep clean a rug yourself below.

How to wash a rug at home

Once you've removed as much dirt as possible, you can start washing your rug. Low pile cotton and small synthetic rugs are relatively easy to clean using these steps:

1. Fill a large basin or bathtub with cold water and add a small amount of mild detergent.
2. Wearing gloves, submerge your rug in the water and gently work the soap into the fibres using your fingers.
3. After a few minutes, drain the soapy water and rinse your rug with clean water until all the soap is removed.
4. Avoid wringing or twisting your rug as this can cause damage to the fibres. Instead, gently press out the excess water by rolling your rug in a clean towel.

How to deep clean a rug

If your rug is heavily soiled or has deep-set stains, you may need to deep clean it. Deep cleaning involves using a steam cleaner or hiring a professional rug cleaning service. A steam cleaner uses hot water and steam to loosen dirt and grime from your rug's fibres, while a professional cleaning service uses specialised equipment to remove even the most stubborn stains.

If you're using a steam cleaner, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

1. Start by vacuuming your rug thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and dust.
2. Then, fill the steam cleaner with water and a small amount of detergent, and run it over your rug. Be sure to move the steam cleaner slowly and in a straight line to avoid damaging the fibres.
3. After you've cleaned your entire rug, allow it to air dry completely before placing it back in your room.

How to dry a rug

Once you've washed or deep cleaned your rug, it's important to dry it completely before using it again. Unless your rug has specific care instructions, hanging your rug outside in the sun is an excellent way to dry it quickly and naturally. If you don't have a place to hang your rug outside, you can also dry it indoors by laying it flat on a clean, dry surface and using a fan to circulate air over it.

Avoid placing your rug in direct sunlight for long periods of time, or using a heater to dry it, as this can cause the colours to fade and the fibres to shrink. It's also important to ensure that your rug is completely dry before putting it back in your room, as dampness can cause mould and mildew to grow.

We have a whole guide to the best carpet cleaning products you can also use on your rugs, since they have similar fibres.

How to clean different types of rugs

Rugs are often placed in high-traffic zones, meaning they can become prone to spills and start to wear down or discolour over time. A little TLC can help bring them back to their former glory. The best way to clean a rug can also depend on what type of rug it is. Different materials will require different care, so it’s important to consider what yours might need.

How to clean a shag rug

Shag rugs are soft, comfortable, and widely available. Check the care instructions to see if your shag rug can be cleaned at home, or whether it needs to be dry cleaned. If it’s suitable to clean at home, you should be free to spot clean and deep clean. How easy it is to clean a shag rug depends on its size and if it has a particularly high pile.

• Spot clean – Rather than rubbing at the spill, blot any spills or stains with a damp white microfibre cloth to prevent any dye from transferring to the rug.
• High pile: Deep clean with dry carpet shampoo – Super shaggy ‘polar bear’ rugs are highly absorbent, so you can often clean them with dry carpet shampoo. Simply sprinkle the dry shampoo over the rug and use a cloth to gently work it into the pile. Next, leave the dry shampoo for a few hours. To remove the shampoo, you can vacuum shaggy pile rugs up to 5cm in height – any longer and it’s often better to simply shake it out.
• Low pile: Deep clean with damp white microfibre cloth – Shag rugs with a shorter pile can be dabbed with a damp white microfibre cloth using sensitive non-bio laundry detergent and cold water. Just make sure to avoid getting the shag rug too wet to help maintain its fullness. If your cloth becomes dirty, replace with fresh cleaning solution and a clean cloth. Finally, use a dry white cloth or towel to blot out the water and detergent and allow to dry completely.  

After cleaning a shag rug, remember to gently groom it with a brush in all directions to help fluff it back up again.

How to clean a wool rug

Durable yet luxuriously soft, cleaning a wool rug is similar to cleaning a shag rug. 

1. Vacuum and shake off any dirt and debris.
2. In a bathtub or bucket, combine sensitive non-bio laundry detergent and cold water, or a special wool carpet shampoo.
3. Rather than submerging the rug in water, gently dab and blot it with a clean white microfibre cloth, being wary not to get the rug too wet.
4. If the cloth becomes dirty, replace with fresh cleaning solution and a clean cloth.
5. Use a dry white cloth or towel to blot out the water and detergent and allow to dry completely. You can also use a clean towel to roll up the rug and squeeze out any excess water.

How to clean a jute rug

Jute rugs are a popular option to achieve a pared-back, natural look in your home. However, jute rugs aren’t suitable for cleaning with excess water, as it can discolour the natural fibres.  As always, check the care label on your jute rug before you begin.

• Vacuum your jute rug regularly to remove any dirt and debris.
• To spot clean, treat any spills and stains immediately by blotting with a dry, white microfibre cloth.
• For stubborn stains, use a gentle dish soap and water solution, or a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water – being careful not to oversaturate the rug in any way.
• You can also use dry cleaning products to clean jute rugs to avoid using water.

How to clean a sheepskin rug

Sheepskin rugs provide a timeless Nordic aesthetic, offering added insulation and warmth underfoot. Learning how to clean a sheepskin rug properly can mean the difference between preserving or ruining your rug altogether.  

Brush your sheepskin rug regularly to help remove dust and dirt, prevent tangles and matting, and help protect the rug for longer. The best way to gently clean and preserve the condition of a sheepskin rug is to wash it by hand:

1. Brush out the sheepskin rug while it’s still dry.
2. Fill a bath with cold water and some wool detergent.
3. Soak the rug in the solution and move the wool fibres about gently to loosen any dirt, without scrubbing it.
4. If the water becomes dirty, drain the bath, and replace it with more cold water and wool detergent.
5. Repeat until the water stays clear.
6. To dry, carefully lay the rug on a large towel and pat dry with more clean towels, before gently rolling up to squeeze out the remaining water.
7. Lay the rug out on the floor in a flat, shaded, and well-ventilated spot and allow to dry without using heat.

How to care for your rugs

There are some basic steps you can take to keep your rugs looking great, without having to resort to washing them! There are a few preventative measures you can take to stop your rugs from shedding their fibres, and if your rug fibres are looking a little flat and tangled, you can untangle them following the steps below:

How to stop a rug from shedding

Some rugs, especially new ones, may shed fibres for the first few weeks after you bring them home. While this is normal, excessive shedding can be frustrating and may leave your rug looking thin and worn out. To minimize shedding, try the following tips:

• Vacuum your rug regularly using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar. This will help to remove any loose fibres and prevent them from shedding.
• Avoid using a vacuum cleaner with a high-powered suction, as this can damage the fibres and cause shedding.
• Rotate your rug regularly to distribute the wear and tear evenly. This will help to prevent excessive shedding in high-traffic areas.
• If your rug is still shedding excessively, you may want to consider returning it or contacting the manufacturer for advice.

How to unmat a rug

Over time, rugs can become matted, especially in high-traffic areas. Follow our steps to unmat your rug:

1. Start by vacuuming it thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris.
2. Next, brush the rug in the direction of the fibres using a stiff-bristled brush. This will help to lift the fibres and restore the rug's texture.
3. If your rug is still matted, you can try using a rug rake to loosen the fibres. A rug rake is a specialised tool that looks similar to a garden rake but has softer, more flexible tines or prongs. Use the rug rake to gently rake the rug in the direction of the fibres, working in small sections. Be sure to avoid using too much pressure, as this can damage the fibres.

Another option is to use a steam cleaner to unmat your rug. The hot water and steam will help to loosen the fibres and restore the rug's texture. Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully and be sure to allow your rug to dry completely before using it again.

How to remove stains from a rug

Even with regular cleaning, your rug may still get stained from spills or accidents – even more so when there’s kids or pets around! Our guide on how to remove stains from your carpet covers various types of stains and how to remove them from carpet fibres.

Here are some tips on how to remove common stains from your rug, including how to get a pee stain out of a rug and how to remove coffee stains from a rug:

Removing coffee stains on a rug

1. Act fast and blot the coffee stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Create a solution by mixing one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and two cups of warm water.
3. Using a clean cloth, gently dab the solution onto the stain and work it into the fibres.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel.

Removing make-up stains from a rug

1. Quickly blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess makeup.
2. Mix one teaspoon of liquid dish soap with one cup of warm water to create a cleaning solution.
3. Gently dab the cleaning solution onto the stain with a clean cloth, and work it into the fibres.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel.

Removing urine stains

1. Blot the urine stain immediately with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix one cup of white vinegar with one cup of warm water to create a cleaning solution.
3. Gently dab the cleaning solution onto the stain with a clean cloth and work it into the fibres.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel. If the odour persists, sprinkle baking soda over the area and vacuum it up after a few hours.

Removing wine stains from a rug

1. Act quickly and blot the wine stain with a clean, dry cloth to remove as much liquid as possible.
2. Mix one tablespoon of white vinegar, one tablespoon of liquid dish soap, and two cups of warm water to create a cleaning solution.
3. Gently dab the cleaning solution onto the stain with a clean cloth and work it into the fibres.
4. Rinse the area with clean water and blot dry with a clean towel.

Now you know how to wash a rug at home, you can keep your rugs looking new and beautiful for years to come. Cleaning a rug regularly is an essential part of keeping your home clean and healthy.

Remember to vacuum your rug regularly, wash it when necessary, and remove stains promptly to prevent them from setting in. With a little bit of effort, you can enjoy a clean, fresh-smelling rug that adds warmth and style to your home.

If you’re interested in purchasing a rug or carpet from Tapi, be sure to check out our carpet collection online or pop into your local Tapi store to view our selection of ready-made rugs. We also offer personalised recommendations and expert room measurements when you arrange a free home visit. Our floorologists can meet you at home and help you decide on the perfect flooring for your needs.

For more rug inspiration, head on over to our Ideas Hub where you'll find plenty of guides, including how to hang a rug on the wall.