How To Clean A Rug

Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful rug and its ability to transform your space by adding warmth, texture, and style. 

On the flip side, don’t underestimate the power of a dirty rug to instantly make your space feel, well…kind of “icky.” 

From daily wear and tear to spills and dust accumulation, your rug goes through a lot. So it’s only right to give it some regular TLC to maintain its beauty and longevity when you go about your house cleaning routine. But don’t dread the cleaning process just yet! With the right techniques and a little effort, you can easily deep clean your rugs at home, leaving them looking as good as new. 

Cleaning Different Rug Types

How many types of rugs do you have at home? Different materials require unique cleaning methods. From delicate wool to sturdy jute, understanding the right approach to their tailored type of TLC will prevent damage and prolong your rug’s life. Here’s how to clean a rug by hand  for various types so you can tackle dirt and those pesky stains without an ounce of hesitance. 

1. How to Clean a Wool Rug

We all know wool rugs as the durable and naturally stain-resistant types—but despite that, they still need gentle care to maintain their softness and prevent damage.

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner with a brushless suction setting
• Mild liquid detergent or wool-safe cleaner
• Cold water
• Soft sponge or cloth
• White vinegar (optional for odours)
• Dry towel

Cleaning Steps:

1. Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove dust and debris.
2. Mix a few drops of wool-safe detergent with cold water.
3. Dampen a sponge or cloth and gently blot stains—avoid excessive water as wool absorbs moisture.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.
5. Press a dry towel onto the rug to absorb excess moisture.
6. Allow to air dry completely before placing it back.

2. How to Clean a Jute Rug

The way jute rugs bring a natural, rustic charm to any space really deserves a standing ovation. But when it’s time to clean them, it can get a little tricky due to their absorbent fibres.

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner with a strong suction setting
• Dry cleaning powder or baking soda
• Soft-bristle brush
• Mild dish soap (for spot cleaning)
• Microfibre cloth
• Hairdryer (optional for quick drying)

Cleaning Steps:

1. Vacuum thoroughly to remove surface dirt.
2. Sprinkle dry cleaning powder or baking soda and let it sit for 30 minutes before vacuuming again.
3. For stains, mix a small amount of dish soap with water and gently dab with a cloth—avoid soaking the fibres.
4. Use a dry microfibre cloth to blot excess moisture.
5. Allow to air dry completely, or use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up drying.

3. How to Clean a Shag Rug

From that earring you thought disappeared into an alternate realm to that missing button from your favourite shirt—don’t we all find some hidden treasures every now and then in our shag rugs? 

Sure, they’re luxurious and plush—but they have a superpower of trapping dirt deep within their fibres. But that’s nothing a bit of regular maintenance can’t fix. 

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment
• Mild detergent
• Warm water
• Soft sponge
• Baking soda (for odours)
• Brush with long bristles

Cleaning Steps:

1. Shake the rug outdoors to remove loose debris.
2. Use a vacuum with an upholstery attachment to lift dirt from deep within the fibres.
3. Spot clean stains using a mix of warm water and mild detergent—dab gently with a sponge.
4. Sprinkle baking soda over the rug, let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum.
5. Use a long-bristled brush to fluff up the fibres once the rug is dry.
6. Allow to air dry fully in a well-ventilated area.

4. How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug

Here’s another tricky one on our list—sheepskin rugs. These types require special care to maintain their softness and prevent matting.

Materials Needed:

• Wool-safe detergent or baby shampoo
• Cold water
• Soft brush
• White vinegar (optional for odours)
• Cornstarch (for absorbing oils)

Cleaning Steps:

1. Shake out the rug to remove dust and dirt.
2. Mix a small amount of wool-safe detergent with cold water.
3. Gently blot stains with a damp sponge—do not soak the rug.
4. Rinse by dabbing with a damp cloth.
5. Sprinkle cornstarch over the rug to absorb oils, then brush it out once dry.
6. Lay flat to dry and fluff the fibres with a soft brush once dry.

5. How to Clean a Cowhide Rug

A lot of people love adding cowhide rugs to their homes because they’re durable and naturally resistant to dirt. Say “hello” to easier maintenance with these steps! 

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mild liquid soap, such as castile soap or gentle dish soap
• Soft sponge
• White vinegar (optional for tougher stains)
• Leather conditioner (to maintain suppleness)

Cleaning Steps:

1. Shake out the rug to remove dust.
2. Vacuum with a brushless attachment to avoid damaging the hair.
3. For stains, use a damp sponge with mild soap to gently clean the affected area.
4. Rinse with a damp cloth and air dry.
5. Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to keep the hide supple.
6. Brush in the direction of the hair to restore texture.

6. How to Clean a Persian Rug

From their intricate designs to their incredible quality, who doesn’t love Persian rugs? But their beauty comes with a trade of extra care to maintain their vibrant colours and patterns. Luckily, it’s not as hard as you think it is—and it’s much easier than bathing a Persian cat. 

Materials Needed:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Mild detergent or Persian rug shampoo
• Cold water
• Soft sponge or brush
• White vinegar (for brightening colours)

Cleaning Steps:

1. Vacuum gently to remove loose dirt.
2. Mix mild detergent with cold water.
3. Test on a small area first to ensure colour fastness.
4. Lightly sponge the surface with the cleaning solution.
5. Add a small amount of white vinegar to a rinse solution to brighten colours.
6. Rinse with a damp cloth and blot dry.
7. Lay flat to dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Brush All The Heavy Lifting Under the Rug 

What if you’ve reached the end of our guide on “How To Deep Clean a Rug” but just don’t have the energy to do all the heavy lifting of rug cleaning by yourself? 

Simone’s Cleaning Services is here for you. 

If your rug needs deep cleaning or professional care, let our team take care of it and restore your rug’s beauty with expert care. 

Contact us to book an estimate today! 

Explore our other blogs:

• The Ultimate House Cleaning Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to a Clean Home in Melbourne
• How to Clean Carpet
• How to Clean Linoleum Floors