The way you clean everyday spills and stains from area rugs depends upon the fabric from which the rug is woven. Here are some general guidelines:
Wool, Cotton, Acrylic and Rayon Rugs
- Blot - do not rub - any excess liquid spill before adding a cleaning solvent. Repeat: DO NOT RUB!
- Wool rugs should be cleaned with a neutral detergent and dried quickly. A good example of this is Dawn® dishwashing liquid mixed with water.
- Do not use "oxy" cleaners on wool rugs. They will fade the dye in the rug.
- Be sure to quickly blot dry with a towel using pressure. Do not use heat or let it air-dry completely. This will leave an odor.
- If an all-over cleaning is require we recommend professional steam cleaning by a dedicated rug-cleaning service. Colors may show a slight change (no more than 5%) when cleaned. Darker tones are more susceptible.
- For rugs with plush piles, do not use a dry powder cleaner. The cleaning residue will be difficult to remove. Dry powder cleaners are OK to use on surface stains on low pile rugs.
- Do not use laundry detergents to clean wool rugs. The laundry detergent will leave a residue and alter color shades.
Synthetic Rugs - Olefin, Nylon, Rayon
- Synthetic rugs should be cleaned with a neutral detergent and dried quickly. A good example of this is Dawn® dishwashing liquid mixed with water.
- It is OK to use “oxy” cleaners on synthetic rugs. Be sure to carefully follow the cleaner's instructions.
- Do not use laundry detergents to clean synthetic rugs. The laundry detergent will leave a residue and alter color shades.
Silk Rugs
- Should only be cleaned using a dry cleaning process.
- Consult a reputable professional.
Natural / Plant Fibers - Jute, Sisal, Seagrass, Coir, Hemp
- Rugs made with natural / plant fibers should only be cleaned with a neutral detergent and dried quickly. A good example of this is Dawn® dishwashing liquid mixed with water.
- Remember to dry quickly
Helpful Hints
- For liquid spills, dry both sides of your rug.
- For liquid spills with color (soft drink, juice, etc.), sprinkle baking soda or salt on the spot to absorb the color. Leave for a few minutes and then vacuum.
- Neutralize pet odors by sprinkling a mixture of 1 cup Borax and 2 cups cornmeal. Allow to stand for an hour before vacuuming. Many commercial cleaning products also work well to remove pet odors from rugs.
- For cut-pile rugs, use your vacuum’s beater bar. Set it to the rug’s pile level.
- For hand-knotted, looped and braided rugs, do not use the beater bar. Only use the vacuum’s suction.
Please note: damage to an area rug by improper use of the vacuum cleaner, non-recommended cleaners or pets is specifically excluded from the manufacturer's warranty.
