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Small Natural Rugs (Cotton or Wool)
Wash colorfast rugs by hand with a mild detergent, using a soft brush or a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water mixed with a small amount of white vinegar to remove residue. Roll it inside a thick towel, then stand on it to remove as much moisture as you can. Hang the rug so it dries as quickly as possible.
Small Synthetic Rugs
If the rug is very sturdy and machine woven, clean it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Check the care tag for notes on the recommended water temperature and detergent. Hang it in a spot where it will dry quickly to prevent mold and mildew from forming.
Larger Area Rugs
Hire a pro for a deep cleaning every few years. In between, vacuum regularly and deal with spills ASAP. If the dyes are colorfast, dampen the area with a sponge dipped in seltzer, using as little liquid as possible. Blot with a white cotton cloth, then sandwich the stain between two towels and stand on top briefly to remove excess water. If the dyes aren’t colorfast, use a mixture of four parts cold water and one part white vinegar, or sprinkle cornstarch on top and vacuum after 24 hours.
Wall-to-wall Carpet
You can rent a steam cleaner, but a real carpet cleaning is best left to the pros (visit carpet-rug.org to find providers). Vacuum before the crew arrives—they’ll move the furniture. The cleaning is quick, but wear only white socks on the carpet until it’s fully dry (up to 24 hours). To maintain, treat stains by blotting with a white cotton cloth. Pretest a carpet cleaner in an out-of-the-way area first. If it’s OK and doesn’t affect the dyes, apply a small amount to the white cloth and blot. Then blot with water.
