Learn how to clean rugs and how to clean wool rugs safely using a simple carpet cleaner mix that removes dirt, odors, and pet allergens.
If you’ve ever wondered how to clean rugs, you are not alone! We recently found ourselves tackling this exact question when Grayson, our cat, developed an allergy.
I have cleaned EVERYTHING in the house, trying to figure out what is setting him off. Cleaned curtains, showers, changed our detergent and fabric softener, and had a service to check out our furnace, air conditioner, and ductwork.
Greg and I also crawled up into the attic to see if there was any mold or anything nefarious up there.
The only thing left were the rugs.
We vacuum them, but thought maybe it’s time to give them a good cleaning. After a little research (and a lot of Grayson sneezing), we discovered that pets can develop allergies to certain materials – including wool.
Who knew?
That led me on a mission to figure out not only how to clean rugs safely but also how to clean wood rugs without damaging them.
Why We Started Cleaning Our Rugs
I found out, when you share your home with pets, rugs can trap dust, dander, and allergens. Since we suspect Grayson may have developed an allergy to our wool rugs, we started by pulling the dining room rug and lugging it to the garage to clean it.
Once we realized how heavy it was, the rest stayed in place, and we flipped each end to clean under them as well without breaking our backs.
Whether you are trying to manage pet allergies, reduce household allergens, or just freshen up your space, learning how to clean rugs properly makes a huge difference.
How to Clean Rugs (and Tips on How to Clean Wool Rugs Without Ruining Them)
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I don’t know about you, but we probably neglect cleaning rugs more than anything in our house.
I usually spot clean with my little Green Machine, but seldom do I give the whole rug a cleaning. I’ve had my Green Machine for over seven years, and it’s still going strong.
I use it for carpet and upholstery, but if I tried to clean my whole rug, I’d be there forever.
The following steps are how to clean rugs, but also apply to how to clean wool rugs safely and effectively. Wool has natural fibers, so it’s a little different.
- Vacuum Thoroughly – Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove dust, hair, dirt, and debris before using any cleaner.
- Spot Test First – Before dining in, test a small hidden area to make sure your colors don’t run or smear.
- Use Gentle Cleaners – This is more specific to wool rugs because harsh detergents can strip the fibers or damage the colors.
- Rinse and Dry Carefully – When the rug gets wet, make sure to remove as much of the moisture as possible and let it air dry. Don’t put it in direct sunlight, as it may fade.
The Game-Changer: My Sister’s Carpet Cleaner and Trick
After realizing we needed to do a deep clean, I borrowed my sister’s carpet cleaner.
I can’t say enough about it. I’m thinking of getting one myself!
She also has a magical concoction that she uses that is simple and very effective! I’ve seen her clean carpet that I never thought would come clean.
Tina’s Secret Carpet Cleaning Hack
- Carpet Cleaner
- 1 Tide Pod
- A bit of Oxiclean
- Hot Water
*Important to note: I used warm water for cleaning the wool rugs because hot water tank actually shrink them. And we didn’t want any of that!
She squishes the Tide Pod right into the cleaner canister, along with the OxiClean, and fills the hot water to the level marked on the canister. Then, she gives it a good shake.
**No other cleaning solution is necessary. She has been using it for years with her cleaning machine, but make sure it doesn’t void the warranty on yours.
Carpet Cleaner Review
Find me on YouTube HERE!
Once I did that, I dove right in and started cleaning, but if you are trying this method for the first time, it’s best to spot test your rug first. That way, you won’t ruin your rug, should the colors bleed or fade.
How to Clean Rugs with Carpet Cleaner
This is how I did five wool rugs.
Tina’s Tips:
Run the carpet cleaner slowly over the rug until the water comes up clear. Then, refill the machine with plain water and go over the rug again – not once, but twice. This helps remove every bit of soap residue, so your rugs don’t end up crunchy.
Finally, make sure to suck out as much liquid as possible. You’ll do this by running the empty machine over the rugs until you don’t see much coming out anymore. This way, they can dry quickly and thoroughly.
I put my ceiling fans on so they would help with the drying process.
And It’s a Wrap!
Learning how to clean rugs is an easy way to refresh your home and keep it allergen-free. And if you have wool rugs, taking the time to understand how to clean wool rugs properly helps them last longer and look better.
For us, this little rug-cleaning adventure turned into a lesson in pet care, home maintenance, and just how magical a borrowed carpet cleaner can be. Hopefully, it will help Grayson breathe easier – and give all of us a fresher, cleaner space to enjoy!
Other Things We Forget To Clean
If you are embarking on Spring Cleaning or cleaning for the holidays, here are a few other things I usually forget to clean:
- How to Clean Garden Furniture Cushions
- How to Clean a Sink Drain
- How to Clean Curtains
- How to Clean the Top of Cabinets
Thanks for stopping by! Remember: Life’s too short not to shimmer, so grab your glue gun and your glitter!™
Mona