Keeping area rugs looking tidy and vibrant is no easy feat, especially when they’re layered on top of beautiful hardwood floors. We’ve all been there – the moment a glass of red wine tips over, seeping into the fibers of a light-colored rug, while we gasp and scramble to clean it up before it leaves a permanent stain on both the rug and the floor below.
Or coming home after a long day to find that your pet tracked mud all over the living room rug – the one you just had professionally cleaned! At times like these, cleaning rugs on hardwood may feel like an impossible, frustrating task.
But it doesn’t have to be! With some simple tricks and the right techniques, you can keep your area rugs looking fresh, extend their lifespan, and avoid damage to your hardwood floors. The key is cleaning rugs thoroughly while also lifting out spills and dirt before they get ground into the fibers and discolor the floors beneath.
Read on to learn how to clean area rugs on hardwood floors safely.
Step by step on cleaning Area rugs
Vacuum Regularly
The first step in caring for area rugs on hardwood is vacuuming them frequently. Aim to vacuum at least once a week to remove surface dirt and debris. Make sure to use an attachment designed for rugs when vacuuming. The brush rolls on most vacuum cleaners can damage delicate rug fibers.
When vacuuming, use light pressure and make sure not to rub aggressively on any stains. Aggressive rubbing can set stains further into the rug fibers. Simply glide the vacuum attachment lightly over the surface of the rug to lift dirt.
Spot Clean Spills and Stains
Even with regular vacuuming, rugs still need an occasional deeper cleaning. Spot clean spills and stains on area rugs as soon as they happen. This prevents them from setting deeper into the fibers.
To spot clean stains:
- Blot up any excess liquid immediately with a clean towel. Don’t rub, which can spread the stain.
- Mix a gentle carpet cleaning solution according to package directions. Opt for a pet-safe formula if you have pets.
- Use a clean cloth to gently blot the stain with the cleaner. Avoid excessive scrubbing.
- Rinse with clear water and blot dry.
- Allow the spot to air dry completely before walking on the rug.
Shampoo the Entire Rug
For periodic deep cleaning, shampoo-washing the entire rug is an effective approach. This removes embedded dirt and brightens up the colors.
Move the Rug Outside
It’s best to wash area rugs outside rather than in place. This allows you to rinse and dry the rug thoroughly without worrying about the hardwood floors.
To move the rug:
- First, vacuum the rug well to remove loose debris.
- Carefully roll up the rug and take it outside. Don’t drag it to avoid pulling the fibers.
- Unroll the rug and position it on a flat, hard surface like a driveway or patio.
Shampoo the Rug
There are a few options for shampooing an area rug:
- Use a bucket and brush: Mix rug shampoo with water in a bucket per the product instructions. Scrub the solution into the rug with a stiff brush. Rinse the rug with a hose and allow to fully dry.
- Rent a shampoo machine: Many hardware stores rent carpet cleaning machines that attach to a garden hose. The spinning brush agitates the shampoo solution. Make sure to only use rug shampoo, not carpet cleaner.
- Hire a professional: For valuable rugs, hiring a professional rug cleaner is safest. They have specialized equipment and expertise.
Rinse and Dry Thoroughly
It’s critical to rinse all soap residue from an area rug after shampooing. Soap left behind will make the rug dirtier faster. For this reason, thoroughly rinse the entire rug with a hose or wet/dry shop vac.
After rinsing, allow the rug to completely dry before returning it inside. Lay it flat in an area with good airflow and sunlight. Place it rug-side up on top of a tarp to avoid picking up dirt and debris as it dries. A soggy wet rug on hardwood can damage the floors.
Read: How To Clean a Thick Rug In Your Home
How To maintain Area Rugs On Hardwood
Follow these extra tips to keep area rugs in great shape when using them on hardwood floors:
- Rotate the rug occasionally to even out wear patterns. Switch which side faces the doorway or high traffic areas.
- Add rug pads underneath for slip prevention and to minimize wear. Look for pads specially designed for hardwood floors.
- During periods of high humidity, hang rugs outside during the day to air out. This prevents mold and mildew growth.
- Fluff up the rug pile by vacuuming against the grain occasionally. This picks up trapped dirt and helps stand up matted fibers.
- Inspect the underside of the rug and remove any debris like rocks that could scratch the floors.
- Consider professional rug cleaning every 1-2 years for valuable, heirloom rugs. Professional methods like steam cleaning remove the most embedded dirt and stains.
When to Hire a Rug Cleaning Service
While it’s possible to clean many area rugs at home, some circumstances call for professional services:
- Rugs made from delicate materials like silk, which require special care
- Valuable antique or heirloom rugs
- Rugs with difficult stains that won’t come out with home methods
- Area rugs that haven’t been cleaned for many years and have heavy soiling
- If you don’t have an ideal outdoor space to wash the rug thoroughly at home
Reputable professional rug cleaners have specialized tools and expertise. They safely deep clean rugs and restore vibrance to the colors. For irreplaceable rugs, professional cleaning gives peace of mind.
To wrap up
Area rugs add warmth, comfort and personality to hardwood floors. And by following these cleaning tips, you can safely clean area rugs to keep them looking beautiful for years to come.
Be sure to vacuum them regularly, spot clean stains promptly, and occasionally wash the entire rug. With proper care, area rugs and hardwood floors can coexist beautifully.