8 Methods to Clean an Area Rug on Hardwood Floor

Carpets are used to cover the whole flooring while area rugs are used in high-traffic areas in a home to prevent your hardwood floors, vinyl, or concrete floor from scratches and stains they are the best source to style the aesthetic of the room as well.

All types of area rugs whether they are made from wool, natural grasses, or synthetic fibers can get dust or spots easily and require routine cleaning in order to save their life.

You can try your best to not get stains on your area rug but you can’t avoid its share of stains.

Area rugs should be cleaned properly but the stain-affected area should be treated as special
specifically.

The best way to maintain the look of an area carpet is to have the knowledge of how to clean an area rug on the hardwood floor.

It will be a good decision to purchase a high-quality carpet or an area rug and maintain it with great care. Having a low-budget carpet can ruin your room’s aesthetic with an ordinary vibe.

In order to maintain the long lifespan of an area carpet maintenance is the key. Maintenance of an area rug depends upon the solution of a query prescribed before too, how to clean an area rug on a hardwood floor.

Here you will find clear and crisp methods to solve that problem. So if you are successful in achieving the professional level maintenance of a high-budget carpet it’ll preserve your room or area’s beauty.

How do we clean and Area Rug on Hardwood Floors?

It is not advisable to clean an Area Rug by using a washing machine. Instead, use a high-quality vacuum cleaner to remove the stains, dust mites, and smells with the help of, sodium bicarbonate, carpet shampoo, or steam cleaner.

Let’s have a cup of solution:

Before curling off the cleaning methods to clean an area rug, let’s have a short conversation on some presets to do.

Prepare the Space for a Thorough Cleaning

After some time your carpet or an area rug utterly needs deep cleaning in order to live again. What about your precious wood flooring underneath as carpets are not always convenient to move around?

So the solution to this problem fits in your comfort zone. Take a thick-layered plus water-resistant plastic sheet to spread in between the carpet and flooring.

It is advised to not replace the carpet until it gets completely washed and to inspect thoroughly the plastic sheet to check if it does the job correctly. Vacuum all the debris and dust particles to save your flooring from scratches.

Precautions for Cleaning the Area Rug

Before stepping into the methods of How to Clean an Area Rug on a Hardwood Floor, you must have the knowledge of what type of method will suit your carpet or area rug.

Test the methods on a small section of an area rug to check if it goes with your carpet fabric or not. If the fiber gets damaged avoid using it and pick the alternate melody of cleaning an area rug.

Follow these 5 steps before steaming your rug:

• Remove your rug from the flooring

• Put a waterproof barrier like a plastic sheet onto the floor to protect your wood flooring

• Replace your carpet with a plastic sheet to get started

• Follow all the procedure instructions while steaming

• After completing the task of cleaning leave your carpet for 24 hours to dry in order to save your hardwood flooring

Types of Area Rugs That Can Be Cleaned on Hardwood Floors

There are several types of area rugs that can be safely cleaned on hardwood floors, but not all rugs are created equal. Some of the most popular types of area rugs that can be safely cleaned on hardwood floors include:

• Natural fiber rugs such as wool, cotton, sisal, and jute
• Synthetic fiber rugs such as nylon, polyester, and olefin
• Handmade or machine-made Oriental rugs
• Flat weave rugs such as kilims and dhurries

Cleaning an Area Rug on a Hardwood Floor

1. Using Sodium Bicarbonate

Have a good tablespoon of sodium bicarbonate and pore focally over the area of the stain. To rub the stain have the help of a damp cloth.

Avoid spreading water directly onto the rug. There is an alternate way to apply this procedure adding some water to sodium carbonate to have a good thick paste. Mix it well until it gets bonded.

Here’s an old but clean toothbrush into the scenery to help you to get the stain off by rubbing gently with some pressure techniques.

Now you have to let sit the paste onto the stain until it gets dry. Vacuum the rug to have the final transformed look of your area rug. Hey, I am clean and spotless (area rug).

Happy vacuuming

2. Steam Cleaning

Steam cleaning utilizes hot water vapor to penetrate deep into the rug fibers, dislodging stubborn dirt and killing bacteria and dust mites.

This method is effective for removing tough, set-in stains as well as eliminating odors. However, steam cleaning requires careful execution to avoid damage. Make sure to extract as much moisture as possible afterward using a wet vacuum, and allow the rug to dry thoroughly before placing it back on the hardwood floor.

Also, remember to place a protective barrier between the wet rug and the hardwood floor during the cleaning process. Some professionals suggest steam cleaning your area rugs every 18-24 months, depending on the amount of traffic they receive.

Steam cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your rugs but also extends their lifespan by maintaining the integrity of the fibers.

3. Shampooing

Shampooing your area rug is an effective way to remove grime and stains. This method involves utilizing a specially formulated rug shampoo or a mild detergent. Start by testing the shampoo on a small, inconspicuous part of the rug to ensure it doesn’t cause discoloration.

If it’s safe, proceed by applying the shampoo solution evenly across the rug and gently working it into the fibers with a soft-bristle brush. Circular motions can help to lift dirt effectively.

After scrubbing, rinse the rug thoroughly with water and ensure all shampoo residue is removed, as leftover soap may attract more dirt.

Once the rug is thoroughly rinsed, squeeze out excess water using a squeegee or by rolling the rug in dry towels. Following this, lay the rug flat to dry, flipping it over periodically to ensure both sides dry evenly.

Avoid placing the wet rug onto the hardwood floor to prevent possible damage. Shampooing should be done every 12-18 months, depending on the rug’s use and exposure to dirt and traffic.

4. Regular Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is the simplest way to maintain your area rug’s cleanliness. Use a high-quality vacuum cleaner at least once a week to remove surface dust and debris.

Ensure the vacuum cleaner is set to the appropriate height for your rug’s pile to prevent damage. Start vacuuming from the center of the rug and work your way outwards in overlapping rows, making sure to cover all areas.

It’s also beneficial to flip the rug over and vacuum the underside occasionally. This helps in removing any fine dust particles that may have settled beneath the rug.

However, if your rug is delicate, like an antique or silk rug, it may be best to avoid vacuum cleaning as it could cause damage. In such cases, consider professional cleaning services.

5. Spot Cleaning

While spot cleaning with a simple water and mild detergent solution can tackle most stains, stubborn spots might need a bit more attention. Always remember to test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous part of the rug to ensure it won’t cause any discoloration.

Use a gentle, circular motion when blotting the stain, and avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain further into the fibers.

For tough stains like red wine or coffee, consider using a professional-grade spot cleaner, but again, always test it first on a hidden part of the rug. Once the stain is removed, blot the area with a dry cloth to absorb any remaining moisture.

6. Remove Odors on Area Rugs

We have discussed all the aspects but if your carpet does not smell fresh is not considered to be cleaned. To get rid of awful odor baking soda works magic.

Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on the entire carpet surface with the help of a sponge mop and move it down into the fibers to the backing.

Let it sit overnight to get the perfect outcome. After vacuuming the carpet the baking soda is not only good for absorbing odor but also loosens the soil with its abrasive nature.

How do you clean a Large Area Rug at your home?

7. Cleaning with a Pressure Washer/ Hose

It is recommended to take your carpet to an outdoor area for cleaning thorough cleaning. Below are the steps for washing an area rug with a pressure washer below:

Into a bucket of warm water Add 1 or 2 cups of mild detergent or shampoo. Scrub the cleaner solution into the rug using a soft brush and leave the solution to stay for 15 minutes.

Using clean water from a hose or with a pressure washer, rinse off the leathery cleaning solution from the rug.

To squeeze out excess water use a squeegee, and let the carpet dry entirely before taking it
to the flooring.

After placing it back in its position vacuum or brush the rug to loosen compacted fibers.

8. Use a Carpet and Rug Dry Cleaning Solution

A capture dry cleaning kit is available on the market and is considered handy for removing all sorts of stains, smells, and moisture.

They are good to use on almost all rug types, fabrics, and even silk. By the fact of their nature of adding moisture as compared to wet shampoo cleaning solutions, Dry Cleaning solutions are easy and breezy to use.

They are extremely good for removing potential stains and extending the life span of carpets as moisture not only does damage to the carpets but also where moisture is present, there are bacteria as well.

Related Topics:

• How to Carpet Plywood | The Definitive Guide

• How Do You Replace A Piece Of Click Flooring: Is It Possible?

How to Dry an Area Rug?

1. Carpet Steamer Passing over Area Rug

Fast Dry the Cleaned Carpet:
For fast speed, and drying turn on ceiling fans or add a circulating fan to the area to increase airflow and Open windows. If you are satisfied with the dryness level of one side turn the rug over and allow the backing to dry.

2. Dry clean your Area Rug

Using this method you don’t need to protect place a waterproof barrier underneath when cleaning, it doesn’t damage our hardwood floors. It can cover large areas.

3. Easy Peasy Technique to Dry Fast an Area Rug

To increase air circulation in order to fast dry elevate the cleaned carpet area with books or plastic bowls.

Protecting Your Hardwood Floors

It is highly advised to save your wood floor while cleaning an area rug from water to preserve its original life span. As hardwood floors are not designed as waterproof.

You need to protect it with great care to save yourself from the worries of renewing the hardwood floor. Ponder about having a water-resistant material between the carpet and the floor before washing your carpet with a lot of water.

Cost to Clean an Area Rug Professionally

The cost taken to give your carpet professional cleanup can vary from size to size or the type of fabric. Rug cleaning professional’s charges depend upon cleaning feet. The average cost is around 5$ but it can differ from 2$ up to 7$.

Tips

• A rug with fringe should be cleaned by using a hand with the help of a mild solution of dishwashing detergent and lukewarm water. A soft sponge or microfiber cloth can also be used for this purpose.

• Apply the cleaning method in small chunks of carpet at a time and cleaning that is done, rinse it up with fresh water and give it a blot dry between two clean towels.

• A wide-tooth comb or your fingers are considered to be a better option to straighten the fibers.

• While you clean an area rug, give an inspection to the hardwood floors underneath too.

• To avoid potential damage to the area rug try it on some small corner and see how it reacts to chemicals.

Bottom Line

Without cleaning your hardwood floors cleaning area rugs is pointless.

Before starting any cleaning process on your rugs ensure you vacuum properly. Dust and dirt that accumulate on a hardwood floor are likely to settle under the rug and will start affecting how it looks.

For the longer life span of your carpet and flooring Dust your wooden floors daily and schedule a thorough cleaning on a weekly or monthly basis.

So if you want to not only clean your carpet but also make it germ-free steam cleaning is the best method as steam cleaning kills fleas and their eggs.

You should clean your area rug more often if your area rug usually bears high traffic. Wise Maintenance of an area rug graduates the aesthetic and coziness of your home.

FAQs

Q: How often should I clean my area rug on a hardwood floor?

It is recommended that you vacuum your area rug at least twice a month and deep clean it every six months. Additionally, be sure to spot-clean any spills or messes as soon as possible.

Q: What type of cleaning products should I use on my area rug?

When cleaning an area rug, always use gentle products that are safe for both the hardwood floor and the fibers of the rug. It is best to avoid abrasive cleaners or powerful chemicals as these can damage the material or cause discoloration.

Q: Can I put a pad underneath my area rug?

It is not recommended that you place a pad underneath your area rug as this can cause discoloration and damage to the hardwood below. Instead, consider investing in high-quality, non-slip mats or rug grippers to keep the rug from moving around on the floor.