If you have a thick, plush area rug in your home, you know how quickly it can become dirty and matted down with foot traffic. Regular cleaning is essential to keep your rug looking fresh, extending its life, and making your home feel clean. Cleaning a dense rug requires a bit more effort than a low pile rug, but it’s easy to do with the right supplies and techniques.
In this guide, we’ll cover the key steps to deep clean your thick shaggy rug and have it looking fluffy and vibrant again.
Gather Your Supplies
Before getting started, you’ll want to gather the necessary supplies:
- Vacuum cleaner – A vacuum with strong suction is key for lifting debris out of a thick rug. Use the wand attachment to really get deep down into the pile.
- Carpet cleaning solution – Look for a concentrate made for use in carpet cleaners. Dilute it per the instructions.
- Scrub brush – Choose a brush with sturdy, stiff bristles to really work the cleaning solution into the rug fibers. Opt for a brush with a long handle to save your back.
- Old towels – Have some clean towels on hand to absorb moisture and rinse the rug. Dark colors recommended. Stock up on a bunch!
- Fan – A fan will be needed to speed up drying time after rinsing the rug.
- Rubber gloves – Wearing gloves will keep your hands clean while scrubbing.
Vacuum Thoroughly
The first step is to thoroughly vacuum your entire rug, making sure to go over high traffic areas several times. Really work the vacuum wand attachment down into the pile, angling it to lift out debris that gets trapped deep in the fibers.
Go slowly and methodically to get up as much dry soil as possible. Get into edges and corners too. Use narrow attachments to vacuum along baseboards and under furniture legs sitting on the rug.
Getting up all the dry debris first allows the cleaning solution to penetrate deeper into the rug pile.
Read: How To Clean Area Rugs on Hardwood Floors
Pre-treat Stains
Next, examine your rug closely and identify any stained or highly soiled areas. Pre-treat these spots by applying your diluted carpet cleaning solution directly onto the stains. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to start working on lifting the stain.
You can use an old toothbrush to gently agitate the stain as the solution sits. This gives you a head start on the toughest spots before scrubbing the whole rug.
Protect Walls and Furniture
Before scrubbing, use towels to cover any baseboards or furniture legs that sit on the rug. This will protect them from splashes.
You may even want to move lightweight furniture off the rug to give yourself room to work. Protect nearby walls too if needed.
Scrub Every Inch
Now comes the elbow grease portion. Dip your scrub brush into the carpet cleaner solution and work it into a section of the rug. Apply pressure as you scrub to lift dirt and stains from the base of the fibers.
Keep re-dipping the brush into the solution as you systematically scrub every square inch of the rug. Take your time to really agitate and work the cleaner through the thick pile.
Get down on your hands and knees with your brush to scrub with force. Scrub sections in different directions to lift trapped debris. The hard work will pay off when you see how much dirt you’ve lifted out!
Rinse Thoroughly
Once the entire rug has been scrubbed with cleaning solution, the next step is to rinse. Use a wet towel to wipe away all traces of the soapy solution. Press down firmly and go over areas that need extra attention.
When the suds have been removed, go over the rug again with dry towels to absorb as much moisture as possible. Really press and blot to wick moisture from the base of the fibers.
Allow Plenty of Drying Time
Thick rugs hold a lot of moisture. After rinsing, lay the rug flat if possible, or drape it over a railing to dry. Keep fans running nearby to speed up drying time.
You’ll want to make sure it fully dries before replacing any furniture on top or walking on it again. This can take 24 hours or longer depending on the rug’s thickness.
To test if the rug is completely dry, press down on the pile with your hand. There should be no dampness deep inside the fibers. Extend drying time if needed.
Finish with a Final Vacuum
Once your rug is completely dry, give it one last pass with the vacuum. This will restore the fluffy, luxurious pile.
Go over the edges carefully to lift up any fibers that got flattened while drying. Your rug will now look refreshed and revived!
Freshen Between Cleanings
To keep your thick rug looking its best between deep cleanings:
- Vacuum high traffic areas frequently.
- Immediately blot spills and stains.
- Sprinkle with a light rug deodorizer and vacuum up.
- Spot clean as needed with a carpet cleaner.
Conclusion
Cleaning a dense, plush area rug takes a bit more physical effort than a flat weave rug, but it’s easy to do yourself at home. The key steps are highlighted above. And following this process every 3-6 months will keep your thick rug looking great and extend its lifespan.