How to clean a large rug at home, step-by-step | Atticgo

Your large rug has gotten dirty and it seems impossible to get it clean without spending hours scrubbing, or maybe you don't even know where to start. Large rugs accumulate dust and stains, just like small rugs. The problem is that their size presents the challenge of deep cleaning them without moving large furniture and without resorting to professional machinery.

Cleaning a large rug at home is not only possible, but it's also much simpler than you imagine. With the right techniques, the correct products, and a little patience, you can restore your rug to its original appearance and keep it in perfect condition. In this post, we'll tell you about some methods you can try for a deep clean of your rug without leaving home, using products you already have or can easily get.

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Step-by-step to clean a large rug at home

A good cleaning process consists of several stages that, when done correctly, offer almost professional results without leaving home. The secret is not to skip any step and to take the necessary time to do things well.

Preparation: step-by-step for cleaning your rug

Preparation is possibly the most important step in the entire process, although it's also the one we tend to overlook the most. The first thing you should do is remove all the furniture and objects that are on the rug. Although it may seem like a heavy task, we recommend doing it, as from our experience it ends up giving better results. If some furniture is too heavy to move, at least move it to one side to be able to clean the entire surface of the rug.

Once you have the rug completely free of furniture and obstacles, check its general condition, looking for any stains, areas of greater wear, or accumulated dirt that require special treatment. Next, give the rug a first vacuum for about 10 minutes. Don't be surprised if the vacuum cleaner's container fills up, as in this first phase you are removing the largest amount of loose dirt. Finally, prepare the area where you are going to clean the rug, and now, let's get to work!

Method 1: Dry cleaning

Dry cleaning is recommended for rugs that don't tolerate cleaning with water, such as jute rugs, which can't get very wet due to the type of fiber, or if you need the rug to be usable again quickly. Baking soda is a product that is in every kitchen and is tremendously effective at neutralizing odours and absorbing greasy dirt. To clean a large rug at home, you need about 200-300 grams of baking soda.

Sprinkle the baking soda all over the surface of the rug. Don't worry if you think you're using a lot; it's better to be generous than to come up short. Once you've covered the entire surface, use a soft-bristled brush to work the baking soda into the fibers. Let it act for at least 2 hours, although 4-6 hours is ideal, and if the rug is very dirty or gives off a strong smell, you can even leave it on overnight. After this time, vacuum the entire surface. You will probably need to vacuum several times to completely remove all the baking soda.

Method 2: Wet cleaning

This method is recommended if the rug has ingrained stains, a lot of accumulated dirt, or when it hasn't been deep cleaned for a long time. But you must bear in mind that the rug must be suitable for getting wet and pay special attention to the drying process.

Our recommendation is to mix two litres of warm water, two tablespoons of neutral laundry detergent, and one tablespoon of white vinegar. It's important that you mix these ingredients in a large container and stir them well until they are completely integrated with each other. The water temperature should be warm, not hot, as very hot water can damage the fibres and set some stains instead of removing them.

To apply the solution, never pour it directly onto the rug. Use a spray bottle or a well-wrung sponge. The goal is to dampen the fibers without soaking the base of the rug. Once you've dampened a part of the rug, brush with firm movements, always in the direction of the fibers. This will help you remove the dirt and make the mixture more effective.

Now, it's time to remove the dirt with a white cloth or rag so that its colour doesn't transfer, and if the fabric is cotton, even better. Press on the surface, but without rubbing, as this can damage the fibers or spread the stains. Change towels frequently so that the dirt doesn't spread to other areas of the rug. Once you have worked the entire rug with the cleaning solution, prepare a second container with only warm water and repeat the application and absorption process. This helps to remove any detergent residue that may have been left behind.

Method 3: Machine cleaning

The cleaning process with any cleaning machine, whether it's steam or injection-extraction, requires patience. To get a better result, work the rug in parallel strips and go over it twice. Do it slowly to allow the machine to clean more and better. Always keep the machine moving; never leave it standing on one spot, as this can over-saturate that area.

Drying process

Improper drying can not only leave unpleasant odours but can also cause mould and mildew to appear, or even permanently damage the rug. To not fail in this step, the first thing you should know is that the drying time varies a lot depending on the humidity of the environment, the temperature, the ventilation, the thickness of the rug, and the amount of water used during cleaning. So, a large rug, under normal conditions, can take between 6 and 24 hours to dry completely.

The best thing you can do at this point is ventilate. Open all possible windows to create air currents that speed up the evaporation process. If you have fans, you can direct the air towards the rug. Ceiling fans are also very effective if you have them. During the first few hours after cleaning, we do not recommend walking on the rug.

To check if the rug is completely dry, don't just trust the feeling it gives you to the touch. Use your hand and press firmly along several points, especially in the thicker areas. If you notice even the slightest moisture or coolness, the rug needs more drying time.

Mistakes you shouldn't make

Read carefully, these mistakes can not only lead to an incorrect cleaning of your large rug but can also permanently damage the rug, making it useless.

Using too much water: Excess moisture can penetrate to the base of the rug, where it is almost impossible to dry completely. This creates the perfect environment for mould and mildew growth, generates persistent odours, and can cause the rug to warp or the base adhesive to deteriorate.
Rubbing too hard: By rubbing hard, the stain becomes more deeply embedded in the fibers and damages the structure of the rug.
Using inappropriate products: Products like bleach cause permanent discoloration, and using highly concentrated detergents ends up leaving soapy residue that attracts more dirt.
Not letting it dry long enough: Walking on or placing furniture on a damp rug can create permanent marks, transfer dirt from footwear, and compress the fibers so that they lose their original shape.
Not doing a cleaning test: Each rug reacts differently to cleaning products, even those that are apparently made of the same material. Always test any new product or method in an inconspicuous corner before applying it to the entire rug.
Not reading the manufacturer's instructions: All our rugs come with cleaning instructions on the label. Read them, otherwise, you might ignore specific details about that rug that you should take into account when cleaning it.
Cleaning with inadequate frequency: Cleaning too often accelerates the wear of the fibers, while waiting too long causes too much dirt to accumulate.
Working against the direction of the fibers: This not only leads to a less effective cleaning but can also damage the rug, creating areas with an uneven appearance.
Not vacuuming beforehand: If you use the wet cleaning method, and you don't remove the dry dirt, it ends up creating mud and stains that are much more difficult to remove.
Lack of planning: Starting to clean a large rug at home without having enough time, without the necessary materials on hand, or in unfavourable conditions for drying can turn a simple task into a bigger problem.

As you have seen, cleaning a large rug at home is not only perfectly possible but can also give you exceptional results. You just need to have enough patience, use the right technique, and have the correct products. Don't be discouraged if the first attempts don't give perfect results; cleaning a rug requires skill and practice that comes with time.

Do you have any tricks you've discovered for cleaning large rugs? Have you tried any combination of products that has given you especially good results? At Atticgo, we would love to know about your experience cleaning large rugs at home. If you need to buy a new one, take a look at our online store and get yours.