How to clean, wash or refresh a rug: the right habits to know
To clean a rug, the basic method involves three steps: vacuuming every day or every other day, cleaning stains with soapy water (Marseille soap, black soap or white vinegar), and thoroughly washing it at least once a year. Before using any product, test it first on a less visible part of the rug.
The essentials: 5 habits for cleaning a rug
- Vacuum every day or every other day (using the brush attachment)
- Wash your rug thoroughly at least once a year to prevent water rings
- Basic products: Marseille soap, black soap, white vinegar, baking soda
- Always test the product on a less visible part of the rug
- Never soak a rug: it could become misshapen
In this article, Maison Pavane provides simple advice and basic principles for properly maintaining your rug on a regular basis, followed by more specific care if your rug needs a deeper clean. First of all, it is worth noting that regular maintenance is truly the most effective way to avoid more complex and costly cleaning for your rug.
How do you maintain a rug every day?
Vacuum every day or every other day, and wash the rug thoroughly at least once a year. This is the foundation of regular maintenance.
The secret to regular maintenance, preventing your rug from becoming dull due to dust and its colours from fading, is to make the vacuum cleaner your rug's new playmate. A quick vacuum every day or every other day will be welcome. You can either vacuum with the brush attachment or with a carpet brush if you have a low-pile rug.
Once this regular maintenance has been carried out, bear in mind that your rug should be washed thoroughly at least once a year. You can clean a stain from time to time using a few traditional home remedies. However, as part of proper maintenance, you should wash the entire rug to prevent water rings.
Finally, carefully check the composition of your rug and read the instructions for any product used to clean it. Test it first on a less visible part of the rug to avoid irreparable damage.
How do I carry out simple rug maintenance?
Moderately dirty or unstained rugs can be washed very simply with soapy water: liquid Marseille soap works wonders here. You can also use black soap or washing-up liquid, which is particularly effective against greasy stains. And, of course, white vinegar—the friend of every well-stocked cleaning cupboard.
Cleaning a designer rug is therefore not as complicated as it may seem. Forget all those expensive, over-promising rug or carpet cleaning products, except in the event of a major disaster, when professional help will be useful. You often already have everything you need in your kitchen for basic cleaning, but you may not realise it.
What equipment do you need to clean a rug?
For a slightly more advanced clean, here is another recipe using products you already have at home. Before renovating your rugs, take a quick inventory of your equipment. Here is the kit to have in your cleaning arsenal when fighting stubborn dirt on your rug:
- a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment,
- a sponge,
- a very soft brush,
- baking soda,
- washing-up liquid or liquid soap,
- a little vinegar water,
- a hairdryer,
- household gloves.
What steps should you follow to clean a rug easily?
Here are the right steps for cleaning a rug easily, without putting your back out. Start by vacuuming the surface (don't forget the brush attachment) to remove large dust particles. Once this pre-cleaning is complete, soak your soft brush in a mixture of cold water, vinegar and baking soda, or a mixture of water and washing-up liquid (just a few drops), or a mixture of water and liquid black soap. Then gently scrub using circular movements.
Once you have cleaned the entire rug, rinse it with a sponge and vinegar water. You should already be able to see a difference in cleanliness. All that remains is to dry it with a hairdryer or a dry terry towel.
For a greasy stain on your rug, Sommières earth is also an effective solution, provided it is applied immediately to the stain.
How do you dry-clean a rug at home with baking soda?
To dry-clean a rug, spread baking soda or Sommières earth over the entire surface, brush in circular movements, leave it to sit overnight, then vacuum the next day.
Cleaning a rug without wetting it is, of course, the simplest and most practical solution, especially if you do not have an outdoor area in which to clean and dry your rug. This method allows you to remove surface stains as well as odours. Dry-cleaning a rug is not complicated if you follow these steps in order:
- Move to a separate room for the cleaning. If you need to stay in the room where your rug is located, protect the surrounding furniture (sofa, armchair, coffee table or console table...)
- Vacuum before dry-cleaning your rug
- In terms of equipment, you will need baking soda (one large box, depending on the size of the rug) or a box of Sommières earth (available from DIY stores, supermarkets or hardware stores), a soft brush, and a vacuum cleaner with a rug or carpet attachment.
- Begin the cleaning phase: spread the baking soda or Sommières earth over the entire rug. Take your soft brush and scrub using broad circular movements.
- Once the baking soda (or Sommières earth) has been spread with the soft brush, leave it on your rug overnight.
- The day after this first cleaning phase, vacuum using the brush attachment.
How do you deep-clean a rug?
There are two options for deep-cleaning a rug: take it to a professional dry cleaner, or hire a steam cleaner or carpet shampooer that combines steam jets, suction and, if needed, detergent. In both cases, vacuum before carrying out the deep cleaning of the rug.
Stains that won't come out, persistent bad odours? Your favourite rug needs a good clean, and the first dry-cleaning technique has left you wanting more. If you opt for a dry cleaner (clearly a convenient solution for you), be sure to request a detailed quote and show a few photos before handing over your precious rug. You will avoid any unpleasant surprises when you collect it.
Want to try deep-washing your rug? Be prepared and equip yourself properly. Special rug cleaners (steam cleaners) or shampooers (carpet shampooers) can be hired and help treat stains while removing dust. A steam cleaner can also be used to clean your sofa and your bedding. If you hire or invest in this type of appliance, your entire home can benefit from it, not just your rug.
Don't want to hire or invest in a steam cleaner? The next tip is for you.
How do you clean a very dirty living-room rug?
It is entirely possible to clean a very dirty rug yourself by using the famous traditional home remedies that always rely on the same types of products: water, white vinegar and baking soda or washing soda crystals—the holy trinity of household cleaning.
Is your favourite rug still very dirty and you don't want to hire a machine? Here are a few recipes and tips to get started cleaning a very dirty rug. Be sure to protect your hands with gloves and wear a DIY mask for this type of cleaning:
- Recipe 1: mix 500 ml of white vinegar, 200 ml of warm water and 2 tablespoons of washing-up liquid in a container. Washing-up liquid has strong degreasing power and can be used on all greasy stains on textiles. Apply this mixture with a sponge, leave to dry, rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a terry towel.
- Recipe 2: dissolve one cup of washing soda crystals in 1 litre of water with a few drops of white vinegar. Apply this mixture with a sponge, leave to dry, rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a terry towel.
- Recipe 3: mix 2/3 cold water with 1/3 ammonia (protect your eyes and nose, as ammonia has a strong, irritating smell). Apply this mixture with a sponge, leave to dry, rinse with a damp cloth and dry with a terry towel.
Be careful not to soak your rug, as it could become misshapen. The idea is to carry out effective surface cleaning, not give it a bath. And remember our essential rule: vacuum before carrying out the complete cleaning of the rug.
How do you clean a wool, silk, jute or shaggy rug?
Some rugs require special attention. Although traditional home remedies are still popular for these materials, a few rules must be followed.
How do you clean a shaggy or long-pile rug?
To clean a shaggy rug with long fibres and long pile, avoid brushing too hard or aggressively, using excessive water and steam cleaning. Instead, opt for dry cleaning, which will preserve the rug's long fibres. Professional advice will certainly be necessary, but you can test the previous recipes, taking care never to soak your rug.
How do you clean a wool rug?
Wool rugs are fairly delicate and can be maintained by rubbing them with a cloth soaked in soapy water and vinegar or ammonia. Always test on a hidden area and vacuum thoroughly beforehand.
How do you clean a silk rug?
Silk rugs can be washed with soapy water. However, if the rug is very valuable or you have any doubts, we strongly recommend seeking advice from a professional (dry cleaner or retailer).
How do you clean a natural-fibre rug: jute, coconut, seagrass or sea rush?
Seagrass and jute can withstand water; coconut fibre cannot. The natural fibres that make up your rug may all seem similar because they are sometimes the same colour (those tones reminiscent of string, rope and linen...). Yet they are all quite different, and they do not all react to water in the same way.
How do you clean a seagrass rug?
When it comes to a seagrass rug, water is no problem; as its name suggests, water is in its DNA. To remove a stain from a seagrass rug, simply mop it, and if the stain persists, soak the mop in a few drops of ammonia. Feel free to dampen it at least once a month. Mop your seagrass rug or floor directly, without detergent. And advice that applies to every material: vacuum and ventilate the room to prevent mould from forming.
How do you clean a jute rug?
This durable natural material is much-loved for its raw colour, which we adore in "Bohemian" interiors. It is also easy to maintain and tolerates water very well. For a jute rug, water treatment is also possible using a little liquid soap in water. Remember to vacuum it thoroughly; you can also brush it regularly.
How do you clean a coconut-fibre rug?
Avoid cleaning with water when cleaning your coconut-fibre rug. Every six months, use a mixture of Sommières earth and baking soda, working it into the coconut fibres with a soft brush before vacuuming. As its name suggests, coconut fibre comes directly from the coconut. Rot-proof, antibacterial and insulating, it is prized for its many qualities and works wonderfully in rugs.
Summary table: which cleaning method should you use for your rug's material?
| Material | Water? | Recommended method | Precaution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shaggy / long pile | Avoid excessive amounts | Dry cleaning (baking soda or Sommières earth) | No aggressive brushing or steam |
| Wool | Surface only | Cloth soaked in soapy water and vinegar or ammonia | Test on a hidden area |
| Silk | Yes | Soapy water | Professional cleaning if the rug is valuable |
| Seagrass | Yes, no problem | Damp mop, ammonia if the stain persists | Dampen once a month and ventilate well |
| Jute | Yes | Water + liquid soap, regular brushing | Vacuum thoroughly |
| Coconut fibre | No | Sommières earth + baking soda every 6 months | Soft brush followed by vacuuming |
What is the best product for cleaning a rug?
The best product for cleaning a rug is also the simplest: soapy water (Marseille soap or black soap), combined with white vinegar and baking soda for stains, and Sommières earth for grease. More than any miracle product, regular maintenance is what truly ensures your rug's durability.
And if your rug is not showing signs of rejuvenation, perhaps it is time to replace it. The Maison Pavane catalogue has just expanded with a collection of new designer rugs made in Europe.
FAQ: Questions about rug cleaning
How often should you clean a rug?
Vacuum every day or every other day, and wash your rug thoroughly at least once a year to prevent water rings. For a coconut-fibre rug, dry cleaning every six months is sufficient.
Can you clean a rug without a machine?
Yes. Homemade recipes based on water, white vinegar and baking soda can clean even a very dirty rug without hiring a carpet shampooer. Dry cleaning with baking soda or Sommières earth is also a good option, especially if you do not have outdoor space.
When should you call a professional to clean your rug?
Call a dry cleaner for a highly valuable rug (particularly a silk rug), a very dirty shaggy rug or in the event of a major disaster. Request a detailed quote and show a few photos before handing over your rug: you will avoid any unpleasant surprises when you collect it.
How do you remove a greasy stain from a rug?
Apply Sommières earth to the stain immediately, leave it to work and then vacuum. Washing-up liquid diluted in water also works, thanks to its strong degreasing power on textiles.
How do you clean a very dirty rug at home?
A very dirty rug can be cleaned at home using three basic recipes: 500 ml of white vinegar, 200 ml of warm water and 2 tablespoons of washing-up liquid; one cup of washing soda crystals in 1 litre of water; or 2/3 cold water to 1/3 ammonia. Apply with a sponge without soaking the rug.
How do you clean a silk rug?
A silk rug can be washed with soapy water, on the surface and after testing on a less visible area. If the silk rug is highly valuable or you have any doubts, Maison Pavane recommends using a professional: a specialist dry cleaner or the rug's retailer.
Can you steam-clean a rug?
Yes, for most rugs, using a steam cleaner or carpet shampooer, which are easy to hire. Avoid steam on shaggy long-pile rugs and coconut fibres, which do not tolerate moisture well.
