How to Clean Small Rugs

Clean small rugs with laundry detergent and water.

You can place small rugs in many places around the home---near a kitchen sink, beside a bathtub or in an entryway to the home. These rugs protect the underlying flooring from water spills, food droppings and mud that people or pets track into the home on a rainy day. Since these rugs are small and fairly inexpensive, you can clean and care for them with little effort.

Things You'll Need

• Baking soda
• Vacuum cleaner
• Bowl
• Water
• Laundry detergent
• Cleaning rags

Instructions

1. Take the rug outdoors and shake vigorously for about 20 seconds. This will shake off loose dirt, preventing it from transferring onto your flooring.

2. Deodorize and freshen the small rugs by sprinkling a light dusting of baking soda over them. Let sit for 30 minutes.

3. Vacuum the rugs to collect dirt and the baking soda. Stay away from edges that have seams and tassels, as the vacuum cleaner will quickly suck up fringe and tear apart seam threading.

4. Mix 2 cups warm water and 1 tsp. laundry detergent in a bowl.

5. Dip a cleaning rag in the detergent and water, wring out and wipe over the small rug. Flip the rug over and shampoo the underside using the same process to remove spills and stains.

6. Allow the rug to air dry. Vacuum the rug once more or run your hand over the rug in both directions to restore the pile.

References

• Jacobsen Oriental Rugs: Cleaning Oriental Rugs