How to clean your rug
The dos and don'ts of cleaning up dirt and stains on our different rug material types.
Not sure which material your rug is?
See our materials guide.
8 Things You Should Be Doing For All Rug Types
While each rug material needs a slightly different approach to cleaning, there are 8 key practices that should be performed for all rug types in order to reduce the need for deeper maintenance.
- To prevent uneven wear and tear, rotate your rug 180 degrees every six months.
- Avoid exposing your rug to direct sunlight, as this can cause discolouration.
- Gently vacuum with a soft brush attachment weekly to prevent dust and crumbs from settling to the roots of the fibres.
- Use a soft bristle brush or vacuum on a gentle setting to remove loose threads for the first few weeks while your rug settles in.
- Don’t walk on your rug with shoes on as this will flatten the pile and embed dirt.
- Keep your rug dry to prevent mould and odour.
- Use a rug pad, as this will prevent slipping, help reduce wear and improve airflow underneath your rug.
- Shake and air out your rug occasionally.
How to Clean Hemp & Jute Rugs
Spot cleaning stains:
For stains that are wet, time is of the essence and your immediate course of action should be to blot it with a dry cloth. This is because Hemp and Jute absorb liquid very quickly and so removing excess moisture will stop the stain sinking deeper. Once excess liquid is removed you can start spot cleaning the stain.
Gently brush the stain with a soft brush and water (or soda water if the stain is acidic) in the direction of the pile. Water is Hemp and Jute's biggest enemy, so it should be used sparingly and the area should be dried quickly by blotting with dry towels, using a hairdryer and increasing airflow. Leaving the rug damp will weaken the fibres and lead it to smell, stiffen and warp, as well as being at risk of developing mildew.
Solid dirt:
If the mess is more solid, then the first thing to do is make sure that it is dry and only surface level. If it is, then you can gently scrape it off with a blunt knife or spatula. Make sure to only use light pressure and work in the direction of the weave to avoid damaging the natural fibres as they are very delicate. Any loosened particles can then be vacuumed using suction only. If residue remains then you can blot the area with a slightly damp cloth, ensuring to dry the area quickly.
Professional cleaning:
If after a couple of spot cleaning attempts the stain doesn't disappear or worsens, or the fibres begin to feel brittle, then you should consult a professional rug cleaning company.
For oil-based and stubborn stains, as well as damp smells, a professional rug cleaning company should always be your first port of call.
Hemp and Jute rugs don’t tolerate wet deep cleaning well, instead dry cleaning methods should be used. We would recommend getting them professionally cleaned every 2-3 years when needed, e.g. if there's visible dirt or stains, or if it's in a high-traffic area.
How to Clean Wool & New Zealand Wool Rugs
Maintaining the wool pile:
Wool is the softest natural rug fibre and in order to retain this title it should be brushed with a soft bristle brush in the direction of the pile every 1-2 months. If it's in a high traffic area it's best to increase this to every 2-4 weeks. Not only will this keep the pile feeling soft and looking full, but it's a great way of removing dirt and improving the airflow between the fibres.
Spot cleaning stains:
Wool is also very absorbent, so any accidental spills should be immediately blotted with a dry cloth to remove excess moisture. Do not use any detergents for spot cleaning stains as harsh chemicals will strip the wool's natural oils.
It's important to never use hot water on wool rugs as this causes shrinkage and damage to the fibres and can set stains. This is why you should also never steam clean wool rugs.
Make sure to leave the rug to air dry on a flat surface in a shaded well-ventilated area. Brushing your rug lightly after drying will remove any clumps formed when the rug got wet.
Professional cleaning:
After a couple of attempts at blotting the stain, if the rug smells and/or the stain isn’t improving, it's time to call in the professionals. If your rug is high-value, it's always worth the cost to get it professionally cleaned.
Professional rug cleaning is recommended every 1-2 years for a deeper clean that will keep the rug looking and feeling fresh without damaging the wool fibres’ integrity.
How to Clean PET Rugs
Life can get messy outdoors. If your outdoor rug isn't maintained regularly, then it will start to appear dull and the fibres will wear down.
A good routine for maintaining outdoor rugs is:
Shaking them out once every 1-2 weeks to remove loose dirt and leaves.
(If your rug is near grass or soil, or you have pets then this should increase to 1-2 times a week. It's especially important to do this in autumn and windy conditions.)
Vacuuming both sides of your rug on a gentle setting with a soft brush attachment once a week to remove finer dirt trapped in the weave.
(If you have kids or pets, or the rug is under a dining set, then this should increase to 2-3 times a week.)
Lifting the rug fully every 2-4 weeks and letting the underside and surface beneath air out to prevent trapped moisture.
(If your rug is on wooden decking or in wet or humid conditions - very common here in the UK - this should increase to every 1-2 weeks.)
If the rug gets soaking wet in the rain, air dry it and ensure it can completely dry before using it again as otherwise the fibres will start to deteriorate.
For cleaning beyond regular maintenance:
Dried dirt can be gently scraped off using a blunt edged knife or spatula working in the direction of the pile.
If your stain is wet then it's time to start blotting. Use a clean, dry cloth to absorb excess moisture, ensuring not to harshly scrub as this will roughen the fibres and set the stain.
If after a couple of attempts the stain isn’t improving then it's best to call a professional. Oil-based or grease stains in particular (from mishaps with the Sunday BBQ) will be hard to remove without specialist treatment.
Professional cleaning:
We would recommend getting your outdoor PET rug professionally deep cleaned once a year to freshen it up and remove embedded dirt.
Storing your outdoor rug:
An important thing to consider with PET rugs is that they shouldn’t be left outside in the winter months as the damp and cold will cause them to start to deteriorate. A cool and dry place such as a garage or shed is ideal for storage. Make sure that your rug is clean and dry and then roll it up to store.
How to Clean Polyester Rugs
Spot cleaning stains:
For accidental spills, your first reaction should always be to blot with a dry cloth to absorb any excess moisture.
As polyester is a synthetic fibre it's more forgiving, so some stains can be spot cleaned using a mild, clear detergent with lukewarm water (less than 30 degrees Celsius). Make sure to blot with plain lukewarm water afterwards to remove any soap suds. Then leave the rug to air dry naturally on a flat surface in a shaded well-ventilated area.
If a stain hasn't shifted after two attempts at spot cleaning, stop. Repeated scrubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibres and damage the pile. At that point, a professional rug cleaner is worth the cost.
Professional cleaning:
A professional deep clean every 12 to 18 months keeps things in good shape. They'll know what solvents and techniques your rug can handle to refresh it without causing damage.
Special Considerations When You Clean Shaggy or High Pile Rugs
High pile rugs are fluffy and cosy, but to maintain this appearance there are a couple of extra considerations for your rug maintenance routine.
More frequent and considerate vacuuming:
The long material fibres on a high pile rug mean more dust and dirt is likely to get trapped, so more frequent vacuuming is essential. It is best to vacuum your high pile rug at least 2 or 3 times a week.
While vacuuming is more frequent, it should also be more considered. Vacuum firstly in the direction of the pile and then against it, this will ensure that dust and dirt hidden between the fibres is removed.
(Remember: when vacuuming rugs you should always use a gentle setting and a soft brush attachment.)
Restoring the pile:
The stand-out feature of a high pile rug is its fluffy texture. But with time and foot traffic you will notice it start to flatten.
To restore the pile to its natural fluffy texture and prevent the long fibres from matting, you should comb the rug with a soft bristle brush after vacuuming. Use gentle short strokes in the direction of the pile to avoid pulling out or damaging the fibres.
Another great way to revive your rug's pile is by shaking it outdoors at least once a month - this is also beneficial for removing excess dust and dirt!
When to call a professional (& what to look for in a rug cleaning service)
Sometimes DIY cleaning isn't enough. Knowing when it's time to call a professional will help you to avoid costly mistakes.
The rug red flags that need professional help are:
- A stubborn stain that doesn’t disappear after 2 attempts at spot cleaning (DIY cleaning can then set the stain or spread it)
- Persistent odours like damp, smoke or pet smells (it needs deep cleaning)
- Pet accidents (as bacteria can build up and odours will soak deep)
- Water damage (mould and mildew can build up and colours may bleed)
- Mould or mildew (detectable by a smell of damp, discolouration and spotting)
- Looks dull or feels stiff (dirt builds up deep in the fibres over time)
Rugs that are exceptions to the DIY cleaning rules:
When it comes to DIY cleaning there are certain situations where it's not worth the risk. You should always consult a professional when your rug is:
- Expensive or sentimental (as professional cleaners will know how to properly care for your rug without diminishing its appearance or value.)
- Hand-knotted or made from delicate fibres (as they require specialist cleaning that will preserve the integrity of the fibres.)
- Colourful (as it will be more prone to bleeding and fading when cleaned incorrectly.)
What should I consider when choosing a professional rug cleaning company?
With lots of professional rug cleaning companies to choose from, our checklist has all of the important assets to look for in order to cut down the competition.
A good professional rug cleaning company will:
- Specialise in rugs as well as carpets.
- Be transparent about their cleaning process including the products they use and their drying methods.
- Use fibre-specific solutions.
- Perform an inspection before cleaning to assess the fibre type and colourfastness, as well as any stains and damage.
- Have experience with your rug type.
- Collect your rug, clean it off-site and return it properly dried (this is safer than companies that clean it in your home).
- Have insurance or a guarantee.
FAQs about cleaning rugs
Q: Why does my rug have creases in it when I’ve laid it out?
A: This is completely normal - our rugs are rolled for shipping which can cause temporary creases. Allow a couple of weeks for the rug to flatten naturally with foot traffic and use a rug pad to help anchor the rug flat. You can also place heavy objects, like furniture or books, on the curled edges of the rug for a few days to encourage them to flatten.
Q: Can I use carpet cleaners or stain removers to clean my rug?
A: Store bought cleaning solutions can often discolour natural fibres, like wool. You should always avoid using bleach, vinegar or harsh chemicals on your rug. For stubborn stains it’s best to get your rug professionally cleaned, as they will be able to clean it in a way that doesn’t damage the material fibres.
Q: How often should I be getting my rug deep cleaned?
A: As a general rule, you should get your rug professionally deep cleaned every 12-18 months for cleanliness and to help maintain the longevity of your rug.
If you have pets, suffer from allergies or your rug is in a high traffic area, it is best to get it deep cleaned every 6-12 months.
Q: Do I need to use an anti-slip rug underlay?
A: While our rugs are heavy and robust, it is always advisable to use an anti-slip rug underlay to ensure added safety on slippery floors. It will also improve airflow underneath your rug, helping to extend its life by preventing moisture, mildew and bacteria build up.
Q: Why is my rug shedding?
A: It is very common for shedding to occur initially as it is caused by loose fibres from weaving. Remove any loose threads while your rug is settling in by regularly brushing it with a soft bristle brush or gently vacuuming. Once the rug has been worn in and the initial loose fibres from manufacturing have been removed the shedding will stop.
daals rugs are designed to last.
So if you properly care for them, they will stay looking and feeling good for years to come.
