How to Freshen Throw Rugs

Throw rugs add so much to the interior decor of our homes. Just as we clean the rest of our home, we have to also freshen the throw rugs. Use the following to learn how to freshen throw rugs in your home.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Freshen Cotton or Washable Throw Rugs

1. Vacuum your throw rugs often, especially if you have children or pets that are tracking in dirt and debris from outside. Dirt left to settle on throw rugs works down into the weaves of the rug, building up grime and dirt that is hard to remove. A quick vacuum over the throw rugs helps keep the throw rugs fresh for a longer period.

2. Wash your throw rugs in the laundry if they are made of a washable material. Use a mild soap and wash on a gentle cycle. Let the throw rugs air dry or line dry. If the weather is warm and sunny, hang your throw rug outdoors to air dry thoroughly.

3. Remove stains from your throw rugs with a carpet cleaner if you do not have time to wash them. Use one part white vinegar to three parts of water to dab on the stain if the carpet cleaner doesn't take out the stain.

4. Sprinkle baking soda all over the throw rug, let it sit for a few hours and then vacuum to freshen. The baking soda absorbs smells, and when you vacuum up the baking soda, the throw rug smells much fresher.

Freshen Wool Throw Rugs

5. Vacuum your wool throw rugs just as often, if not more, than the standard throw rugs. The wool throw rugs actually shed wool fibers that pick up dirt and debris. The more you vacuum, the less the throw rug sheds, therefore the throw rug stays fresher.

6. Use the baking soda on your wool throw rug to absorb odors and leave a fresh scent after you vacuum up the baking soda.

7. Take your wool throw rug to a professional rug cleaner for proper cleaning. There are some dry cleaners that do wool throw rugs, but check with them to make sure, before you leave your rug with them.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't wash a wool throw rug as it will ruin the rug.