How to Clean Fine Rugs

Fine rugs may be cleaned at home.

While you can throw some rugs in the washer and dryer, fine rugs need special care. With a little care, you can clean rugs made of wool or other delicate fibers yourself without the expense of a professional cleaner. It is best to use mild dish soap on these rugs because heavy-duty carpet cleaners will strip the rugs and make them prone to getting dirty again much quicker.

Things You'll Need

• Cold water
• Dish soap
• Sponge
• Clean white towels
• 2 spray bottles

Instructions

1. Fill one bucket with cold water and another half-full of cold soapy water.

2. Use a sponge to wet a 2-foot square of the carpet with plain water. Work with the nap of the carpet as you do this. Next wet the same square of carpet with soapy water, and finally with plain water again to rinse. Blot the square dry with clean, white clothes then let air dry thoroughly. Repeat until you clean the entire carpet.

3. Clean spots from your rug by filling a squirt bottle with cold soapy water and the other with plain water. Spray a clean, white absorbent cloth with soapy water and dab on the stain. Blot the stain away with a dry towel as you work at removing it. Once you remove the stain, spray a clean cloth with plain water and use it to blot away the detergent. Allow it to air dry.

References

• Good Housekeeping: Remove Rug Stains
• Reader's Digest: 9 Common Products to Remove Rug Stains
• Dallas News: How to Clean Fine Rugs