How to Clean an Area Rug

May 12, 2025

Whether it’s a bold design piece or a cozy layer underfoot, an area rug adds comfort and style to any room. But over time, even the best-looking rugs can hide dirt, allergens, and odors deep within the fibers. Learning how to clean an your area rug makes all the difference in how it looks, feels, and performs in your space.

Why Cleaning Your Area Rug Matters

Area rugs are more than just a design choice; they work like air filters in your home. As air moves throughout your space, rugs trap dust, allergens, pet dander, and even bacteria. This helps improve indoor air quality, especially in rooms with heavy foot traffic or open windows.

But just like any filter, rugs need regular maintenance to keep doing their job. If left uncleaned, they stop holding onto debris and start releasing it back into your air… and into your lungs. That’s why learning how to clean an area rug properly (and knowing when to call in professionals) is essential for a healthier home.

How to Clean an Area Rug at Home: A Step-by-Step Guide

For light maintenance and spot cleaning, here’s a safe and effective way to clean your area rug at home:

• Shake It Out (If Possible): Take the rug outside and give it a solid shake to dislodge surface-level dirt. You can also beat it gently with a broom handle.
• Vacuum Both Sides: Vacuum the top of the rug thoroughly, then flip it over and vacuum the back. This helps remove embedded dirt and particles that can wear down fibers.
• Check for Colorfastness: Before applying any cleaning solution, test a small corner with water and a mild detergent to make sure the dyes don’t bleed.
• Spot Clean Stains or Spills: Blot the area with a cloth and a mix of water + gentle soap. Avoid scrubbing, as it can damage the fibers.
• Wash the Surface: Use a damp sponge or soft brush and a wool-safe or rug-safe cleaner. Gently scrub in the direction of the pile.
• Rinse and Blot: Use a clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue. Then blot dry with towels to absorb excess moisture.
• Air Dry Completely: Lay the rug flat in a shaded area with good airflow. Never return a damp rug to the floor! This can trap moisture and lead to odor or mold.

When DIY Isn’t Enough

Home rug care is great for maintenance, but some rugs need deeper treatment than what you can safely do yourself. It might be time to call in a professional if:

• Your rug has deep-set odors or old spots that haven’t lifted
• It’s made from delicate or antique materials like wool or silk
• It’s too large or heavy to move or clean thoroughly
• You notice allergy symptoms despite regular vacuuming
• There are filtration lines or ground-in soil from HVAC air movement

Floor Pro’s Area Rug Cleaning Services

When rugs need more than a surface clean, Floor Pro offers two professional solutions based on your rug’s material, condition, and location:

On-Site Rug Cleaning (In Your Home)

For many synthetic or medium-pile rugs, Floor Pro can clean your rug right where it lives — without removing it from your space.

Here’s what to expect:

• Pre-inspection to identify rug type, spots, and special care needs
• Dry soil removal with high-powered vacuuming
• Application of cleaning solution specific to your rug’s fiber and dye type
• Agitation and hot water extraction for deep, residue-free cleaning
• Drying assistance (air movers or proper ventilation recommendations)

Best for: Wall-to-wall area rugs, synthetic blends, lower-pile rugs, homes with pets or kids

In-Shop Rug Cleaning (Off-Site Deep Cleaning)

For delicate, expensive, or heavily soiled rugs, Floor Pro offers in-shop cleaning—a deeper and more controlled process at our dedicated facility.

Our in-shop process includes:

• Fiber identification and colorfastness testing
• Dusting process to remove dry soils from deep within the rug
• Controlled washing using immersion or low-moisture methods
• Thorough rinsing, drying, grooming, and inspection
• Optional deodorizing or protective treatments

Best for: Wool, silk, hand-knotted rugs, high-value area rugs, antique or heirloom pieces

Rug Care That Protects Your Home

Whether you’re keeping up with routine maintenance or tackling something more serious, proper rug care goes a long way toward improving your home’s air quality and comfort. Rugs that are clean and well cared for not only look better — they help you breathe better, too.

If you’re unsure whether to clean your rug yourself or leave it to the pros, Floor Pro is happy to help. We’ll assess your rug and recommend the safest, most effective approach — right on-site or in-shop.

Need help with your rug? Contact Floor Pro to learn more about our rug cleaning services or to schedule a pickup or in-home evaluation.