A beautiful rug can be part of your home for many years – sometimes even generations.Rugs do more than just look good; they protect your floors, add soft cushioning and bring a pop of personality to your space. The key to making yours last? Knowing how to care for it properly.
Looking after your rug helps preserve its appearance, extends its lifespan and keeps your home feeling fresh. Depending on the material and condition, cleaning methods can range from light hand-cleaning to deep washing. To get the best results, it’s important to understand your rug’s fibres so you can use the right products and techniques.
At La Redoute, we love decorative rugs, from runner rugs to area rugs and everything in between. So, whether yours is vintage or modern, wool or jute, join us as we walk through our expert guide to caring for every kind of rug in your home.
Understanding your rug type
The proper cleaning techniques for a rug will be determined by the material. Each type of material will react differently to cleaning solutions and will need specific care to be restored to its original beauty. By understanding your rug's materials and choosing the right cleaning methods, you can ensure your rugs stay fluffy and lovely for many years to come.
Wool rugs
Wool rugs are soft and durable. They’re particularly good at insulating cold floors but they also require more gentle cleaning methods. For regular care, vacuum using a brush beater on a low or gentle setting to avoid stressing the wool fibres.For spot cleaning, try a dry rug shampoo or a sprinkle of baking soda to absorb dirt and odours.
Cotton rugs
Cotton rugs are some of the most durable natural fibre options – and they’re often among the easiest to care for.They can be vacuumed without having to worry about setting adjustments, and depending on the backing, they can even be machine-washable which is very convenient for quick cleaning.
To wash and dry a cotton rug, run it through the gentle cycle of your machine with cold water and mild detergent. Always air-dry by hanging the rug, because tumble drying can cause shrinkage or damage.
Silk rugs
Silk rugs are luxurious but extremely delicate. It’s best to leave deep cleaning to professionals and vacuum without engaging the beater bar.
To spot clean stains from your silk rug, gently blot using a sponge dipped in white vinegar and lukewarm (never hot) water. You can also use soda water, but be sure to avoid scrubbing or heat.
Synthetic rugs (polyester, nylon)
Synthetic rugs are crafted with manmade fabric designed to be stain-resistant and durable. They’re easier to clean at home and don’t require the same gentle treatment as natural fibre rugs.
For spot cleaning, use warm water and a mild washing-up liquid. Some synthetic rugs – like certain cotton ones – are even machine-washable, depending on the backing. You can also use standard carpet cleaners like vinegar and water, commercial rug cleaners or products like OxiClean.
Jute and other woven natural fibre rugs
Jute and other woven natural fibre rugs are often used as stylish outdoor rugs or transitional indoor rugs.They are the most susceptible to moisture damage, so the right cleaning method can make a big difference.
You can remove stains from a jute or otherwise woven rug without using excessive water by gently dabbing with a sponge dipped in soapy water using a light dish detergent. Blot the spot and rub very gently along the woven gran. Make sure to rotate your sponge or cloth frequently so only a clean area touches the rug – helping lift the stain rather than spread it.
How do you clean a rug at home?
While many people suggest professional rug cleaning, you can keep your rugs in good condition with a few safe at-home cleaning methods. These help you maintain your rugs and minimise the risk of long-term discolouration. Routine maintenance is the key to ensuring your rugs stay in great condition for many years to come.
Vacuuming
Vacuum your rugs at least once a week. If you have delicate rugs like wool or silk, get a vacuum where you can adjust the beater height or turn off the beaters so that you can treat these rugs more gently than others.
Cotton, jute, and synthetic rugs look better when vacuumed with a beater, while wool and silk rugs are more prone to damage if subjected to it.
Shake it out
You can shake the dust and dirt out of small rugs like runner rugs quite easily. Just give it a good shake on the back porch. For larger area rugs, hang your rug over your porch railing and whack it a few times with a broom to knock out the dust and dirt.
Use a rug pad
You can also use a rug pad below your rug. This will help it stay in place and add cushioning, but also prevent dirt buildup in the backing to extend the life of your rug.
How do you clean a carpet by hand?
You don’t need a dry cleaner for most types of rugs. If you need to clean a carpet by hand, following this helpful step-by-step process will guide you towards a fresh, clean rug and a renewed space.
Step 1: remove loose dirt
The first step is to remove all the loose dirt and dust that has built up in the rug. Either shake out the rug, shake it out on your porch or simply vacuum the grit from both sides.
Step 2: prepare a cleaning solution
Create a light cleaning solution that can be used on your rug. The vast majority of rugs respond well to lightly soapy water made with mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Then wet your cloth or sponge with this solution to help break down any unwanted particles like spills and stains.
Step 3: spot test first
Try your cleaning solution on a small, hidden area on your rug first. You’ll quickly discover if the rug's fibres and your cleaning solution will work well together. Always perform the spot test before cleaning the whole rug.
Step 4: dab and absorb
Use a moist cloth or sponge to gently dab the rug. For fresh spills, you can quickly absorb the material. For older stains, you can try to pull the stains out of the fibers. When fighting stains, never scrub or rub, as this can push the material into the carpet fibre. Instead, always dab, and dab inward toward the centre to prevent the colour from spreading.
Step 5: scrub gently
If you’re cleaning without stains to worry about, you can use a soft brush or sponge to free up ingrained grit. Use gentle circular motions to agitate the fibres without causing damage to your rig.
Step 6: rinse and dry
When you’re finished, take a clean cloth damp with only water. Blot the rug gently to help remove any soap residue. Then hang the rug somewhere out of the way to air-dry. Make sure your rug has dried completely before placing it back on the floor.
How do you wash a rug in the washing machine?
Some rugs are machine-safe, while others are not. If you have a cotton or synthetic rug with flexible backing, it might be safe to wash your rug in the washing machine. If so, here's how to machine wash a rug:
Can your rug be washed?
Check the label or instructions on your rug to confirm whether it’s ok for it to be machine-washed. Rugs that aren’t machine washable can suffer permanent damage, so always check the care label.
Weight distribution
If you have a top-load washer, be sure its weight is distributed evenly around the drum to prevent it from t banging on the spin cycle.
Use a gentle cycle with cold water.
Choose a gentle wash cycle, mild detergent and cold water for best results.
Avoid fabric softeners and harsh chemicals.
Don’t use strong chemicals like fabric softeners, bleach or any harsh laundry products when washing your rug. Stick to mild detergents to preserve the fibres.
How do you clean a large area rug?
Cleaning a large area rug can be tricky, depending on the size, weight and material. Most of the time, they also won’t fit in the washer. Here's how to clean a large area rug in your home:
Vacuum first
Use your vacuum to remove loose dust and grit. Then flip the rug and vacuum the back as well.
Use a mild carpet cleaner
Choose the right cleaning solution based on the material of your area rug. Typically, a mild dish soap solution or a dry carpet cleaner will be appropriate. Make sure to spot-test a small area first.
Scrub and rinse
If there are no stains to focus on, use a soft brush or sponge to clean the surface and agitate the fibres. Then, rinse with minimal water, using a wipe-away method to remove the soap, ensuring the rug doesn’t become oversaturated.
Dry completely
If possible, hang your rug, to allow it to fully dry before laying it back out in your living room. Make sure it gets proper airflow to it to prevent mould or mildew.
Common rug cleaning mistakes to avoid
If you’re cleaning your rug at home, there are a number of DIY mistakes that you can avoid simply by knowing what hasn’t worked for other people.
Here are the rug-cleaning mistakes you should avoid:
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Don’t use too much water – oversaturation can lead to mould and mildew.
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Don’t scrub too hard – this could damage the rug’s fibres.
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Don’t scrub a stain – this could press the discolouration deeper into the fibres.
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Don’t ignore stains for too long – they’ll become harder to remove the longer you leave them.
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Always check the care label before applying any DIY cleaning methods.
When to get your rug professionally cleaned
Lastly, it’s important to know when to book a professional deep clean for your rugs. Specialty rugs, such as silk or antique rugs, may require professional care to maintain their beauty and integrity, while also removing years of grime or recovering from a stain.
Heavily soiled rugs also benefit from professional cleaning to ensure they come out fresh without damaging the fibres. Professional cleaning is recommended once every 2–5 years for common rugs, and once every 1–2 years for delicate specialty rugs that are harder to clean at home.
Decorate with beautiful rugs from La Redoute
If you love the rugs in your home, proper rug care is an essential skill. It’s especially important if you plan to add a few stunning runner rugs or area rugs to your decor. At La Redoute, you’ll find a beautiful selection of rugs and accessories to bring your home designs to life.
