Rugs can easily get dirty from spills, pet accidents, tracked in dirt, and everyday wear and tear. And when it gets dirty, using a carpet cleaner is an effective way to deep clean rugs and refresh their appearance. However, not all rugs are suitable for cleaning with a carpet cleaner. The fiber content, construction, and size of the rug all factor into whether you can safely use a carpet cleaner on that particular rug.
In this article, we’ll discuss what carpet cleaners are, what types of rugs you can use them on, tips for cleaning rugs with a carpet cleaner, and when it’s best to call in a professional rug cleaning service. With some care and precaution, you can safely clean many rugs at home with a carpet cleaner.
What is a Carpet Cleaner?
A carpet cleaner, also known as a steam cleaner, is an electrical appliance that injects cleaning solution deep into carpets and rugs and then extracts the dirty solution along with stains, allergens, and dust. Carpet cleaners use a combination of water, cleaning agents, suction, and agitation from brush rolls to clean.
How Carpet Cleaners Work
Basically, we have two different types of carpet cleaners:
Upright carpet cleaners – These move along the floor on wheels and have motorized brush rolls that scrub the carpet to loosen dirt. The suction extracts the dirty solution.
Portable carpet cleaners – Also called spot cleaners, these are handheld and don’t have a brush roll. You provide the scrubbing motion and then use suction to extract the water.
Both types inject water mixed with cleaning agents into the rug, let it dwell to break down stains, and then suck up the dirty water. This provides a deeper clean than just vacuuming the surface.
Types of Carpet Cleaners
Carpet cleaner types include:
Residential carpet cleaners – Designed for home use on carpets and area rugs. More affordable price point.
Commercial carpet cleaners – Heavy duty models for professional carpet cleaning businesses. More expensive.
Rug shampooers – Specialized carpet cleaners designed for cleaning Oriental rugs and delicate antique rugs. Use gentle cleaning solutions.
Read: Can You Use Any Carpet Cleaner in a VAX?
What Types of Rugs Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner On?
You can use a carpet cleaner on low pile rugs and carpets that are made from colorfast, sturdy fibers like synthetic materials and natural fibers like cotton or wool. But some fibers and dyes may bleed or distort with excess moisture, so check the care instructions.
Wool Rugs
Wool area rugs and carpets are excellent candidates for carpet cleaner machines. The wool fibers are durable and respond well to deep cleaning. Just take care not to overwet the rug or leave moisture sitting.
Cotton or Jute Rugs
Cotton and jute area rugs can also be cleaned with a carpet shampooer as the fibers are colorfast and strong. But blot thoroughly after to remove excess water. Lay cotton rugs flat to dry.
Silk Rugs
Use caution when cleaning silk Oriental rugs – only use a rug shampooer on sturdy silks. Test first and blot gently to minimize water retention and potential shrinkage. Air dry silk rugs laying flat, not hanging.
Synthetic Fiber Rugs
Synthetics like polyester, nylon, acrylic, and olefin are ideal for cleaning with carpet cleaner machines. These rugs can withstand the vigorous scrubbing action and wet extraction. It’s best to air dry these fiber rugs laying flat.
Tips for Using a Carpet Cleaner on a Rug
Follow these tips to safely clean rugs at home with a carpet cleaning machine:
Vacuum the Rug Thoroughly First
Vacuum up all the dry soil and debris before introducing water to the rug. This prevents the particles from becoming mud that is harder to extract. Pay extra attention to high traffic areas.
Check the Rug’s Care Instructions
Look at the manufacturer’s label on the back of the rug. Follow any warnings about water or cleaning agents. If in doubt, call the company. Also check that dyes are colorfast by dabbing with a wet cloth.
Move Furniture off the Rug
Lighten the rug by removing all furniture from it during cleaning. This allows the rug to be lifted and turned as needed. It also enables even cleaning over the entire surface.
Work in Sections
Divide the rug into sections and do one area at a time. This prevents the rug from becoming overly wet as you clean. Work from one end to the other systematically.
Blot Excess Moisture
After cleaning each section, use clean absorbent white towels to blot up as much moisture as possible before it penetrates into the rug backing or floor below.
Allow Rug to Dry Completely
It is crucial to allow the rug to dry fully before walking on it or putting furniture back. This prevents mold or mildew. Speed drying by placing fans nearby.
When to Call a Professional Rug Cleaner
There are some situations when it’s advisable to have a professional rug cleaning company handle the cleaning:
- Antique, silk, or delicate heirloom rugs
- Rugs with stubborn, set-in stains
- Rugs too large to handle at home
- Area rugs with fringe or tassels along the edge
- Rugs where the construction or dyes may bleed
The chemicals, specialized equipment, and experience of professional rug cleaners make them best suited for cleaning fragile, intricately patterned, badly soiled, or large rugs.
Bottom Line
Carpet cleaning machines can be a convenient and affordable way to deep clean rugs in your home. With care taken to select the right rug fiber, test chemicals, limit moisture, and allow full drying time, carpet cleaners can successfully refresh many area rugs. But it’s wise to err on the side of caution with heirloom, antique, silk, or fragile rugs and leave those to the professionals.