How to clean a rug at home by hand: Cleaning your rugs at home doesn’t have to involve professional equipment or complicated processes. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to effectively clean your rugs using easily accessible tools.
How to clean a rug at home by hand
To clean your synthetic rug at home, mix water with biological washing powder and oxy action powder in a bucket. Apply the solution with a sponge, scrub with a nail brush, and vacuum up the dirt. Rinse with clean water, air-dry the rug, then vacuum again.
Step-by-Step Rug Cleaning Process
Today, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of cleaning synthetic rugs at home, using effective methods that can help remove dirt, stains, and pet-related issues. Whether your rug is in need of a thorough clean or you’re simply looking to refresh it, this guide has you covered.
You’ll Need
- Wet and dry vacuum cleaner
- Nail brush
- Sponge
- Bucket
- Biological washing powder
- Oxy action powder
- Clear water
- Vinegar (optional)
- Space for drying
Keep your rug looking fresh by following these easy steps.
1. Preparing the Cleaning Solution
- In a bucket, mix about five liters of water with a scoop of biological washing powder.
- Add a scoop of oxy action powder (peroxide-based cleaner) to the bucket and stir well to activate the cleaning agents.
2. Treating the Rug
- Begin working on the rug in sections.
- Dip a sponge into the cleaning solution and generously apply it to the rug’s surface.
- Use a nail brush to agitate and loosen dirt and stains, paying extra attention to high-traffic areas.
3. Vacuuming
- Use a wet and dry vacuum cleaner to extract the cleaning solution along with dirt and residues.
- The vacuuming process will help lift away dirt and moisture from the rug.
4. Rinse with Clear Water
- Mix a solution of clear water and a splash of vinegar (optional) in a separate bucket.
- Repeat the sponge application process using the clear water solution. This step helps neutralize any remaining residues.
5. Final Vacuuming
- Once again, use the wet and dry vacuum cleaner to extract the clear water solution from the rug.
- Vacuum the rug thoroughly to ensure all moisture is removed.
6. Rinse with Water
- Get clean water in a bucket. You can add a bit of vinegar. Use a sponge to rinse the rug and remove any leftover cleaner.
7. Repeat if Needed
- Continue cleaning and rinsing section by section. For tough spots, repeat the process.
8. Let It Dry
- Air-dry the rug outside or in a well-ventilated area. Make sure both sides get air to prevent mold.
9. Vacuum Again
- After the rug is completely dry, vacuum it again to pick up loose dirt and fibers.
Simple DIY tips for rug cleaning at home
Whether it’s a high-pile shag rug or a low-pile synthetic rug, these simple DIY tips will help you achieve a cleaner, fresher-looking rug right in the comfort of your home.
Tip #1 – Vacuum Thoroughly
Before you start the cleaning process, make sure to thoroughly vacuum the rug on both sides. This step is crucial as it helps remove dry soil and debris, making the cleaning process more effective. Vacuuming also prepares the rug for the upcoming cleaning steps, ensuring that you’re working with a clean surface.
Tip #2 – Pretreat
Create a cleaning solution using a suitable rug cleaner, such as Zep’s Area Rug Cleaner, and mix it with water in a pump-up sprayer. Spray the solution evenly over the entire rug’s surface and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Gently scrub the solution into the fibers using a soft-bristle brush to help loosen dirt and grime.
Tip #3 – Clean and Extract
Use a carpet cleaning machine like the Hoover Power Dash Plus. Fill the machine’s tank with warm water (no cleaners) and begin cleaning the rug. Remember to only spray water when pushing the machine forward and release the trigger while pulling it back to avoid oversaturating the rug. Continue the cleaning process until the extracted water runs relatively clear.
Tip #4 – Get It Dry Quickly
After cleaning, it’s essential to dry the rug as quickly as possible to prevent mold and mildew growth. Use a box fan or a snail fan to create airflow over the rug’s surface. The goal is to facilitate the evaporation of moisture trapped within the fibers. This step will help ensure that your freshly cleaned rug dries efficiently.
Conclusion
Cleaning your rugs at home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right approach and a few easily accessible tools, you can achieve impressive results. Remember to vacuum thoroughly, pretreat with a suitable cleaning solution, clean using a carpet cleaning machine, and dry the rug quickly to maintain its cleanliness and prolong its lifespan. By following these simple DIY tips, you can enjoy a clean and refreshed rug that adds beauty and comfort to your living space.
Hi there, I’m Philip Muchemi, a seasoned Interior Designer with a dynamic background in the industry. Over the last six years, I worked on the operational team of Turtleneck Designs Inc.’ before moving on to Delta Int-Design where I specialized in architectural designing, computer-aided design, space planning, sketching, organizing, and drawing.
Currently, I am the founder of Whatsmyrugsize.com and a Privilege Interior Designer at ArcEngg, which is the leading designing firm. My goal is to provide necessary information and helping hand to ArcEngg and Whatsmyrugsize customers all the way through, while educating them about these interior designing.