How To Clean Area Rugs

Most area rugs can be cleaned at home: vacuum regularly, shake or beat out loose dirt, then deep-clean two to three times a year by washing with a rug-appropriate detergent, rinsing, and air-drying flat. The right method depends on the material — synthetic and cotton rugs handle water well, while wool, sheepskin, cowhide, and jute need gentler, low-moisture care. Always blot spills immediately and spot-test any cleaner first.

Area rugs need more care than people assume — regular cleaning extends their life and keeps them looking and smelling fresh. Whatever yours are made of, here’s how to clean them properly, by material and by stain.

How do you clean an area rug at home?

Some people think rugs need a professional dry cleaner, but most can be cleaned at home just as effectively. Deep cleaning keeps them vibrant and fresh, so it’s a chore worth doing.

Area rug maintenance:

• Vacuum area rugs at least weekly, more often in high-traffic areas
• If possible, flip the rug and vacuum the back each time too
• Lift or roll large rugs to vacuum underneath as part of your routine
• Use the highest vacuum setting to protect long-pile rugs
• Use the upholstery attachment for sheepskin or hide rugs

Aim to deep clean area rugs two to three times per year. Here’s how.

Step 1: Vacuum the rug as normal.

Step 2: Take it outside and shake it vigorously.

Step 3: If it’s too large to shake, hang it over a railing or clothesline and beat the back to dislodge dirt.

Step 4: Hang it or lay it flat on a driveway and spray with water until wet but not saturated.

Step 5: Apply an appropriate detergent.

Step 6: Massage the detergent into the pile by hand or with a brush, moving in the direction of the fibers.

Step 7: Rinse to remove the soap.

Step 8: Blot dry with an old towel, or use a wet/dry vacuum to pull out as much water as possible.

Step 9: Hang and allow to air dry completely.

This works for most rugs made of natural or synthetic fibers. Sheepskin, cowhide, and jute need a different approach — see below.

Pro Tip: Some small rugs are machine washable. Check the label first.

Want to see a professional cleaning in progress? Check out this video!

How do you clean a large area rug?

Large rugs are hard to clean simply because they’re hard to move. Enlisting a friend is the easiest fix. If you don’t have the outdoor space to clean one properly, a local self-service car wash lets you hose and shampoo the rug without any fuss.

Pro Tip: Got pets that shed everywhere? Learn how to keep your house clean when you have dogs!

How do you clean an outdoor rug?

Outdoor rugs are far more durable than indoor ones and clean up easily. Just follow these Pro tips.

• Shake the rug from each corner to dislodge loose dust and dirt
• Wet it with a hose or bucket
• Massage in a suitable soap or detergent with a soft-bristled brush
• Hose it off until the water runs clear of suds
• Use a wet/dry vac to remove excess water, or roll and stand the rug upright to drain
• Lay it flat and allow to air dry

Outdoor rugs are durable and dry quickly, but some detergents can cause discoloration — always spot-test an inconspicuous area first.

If you notice mold or moss growing on your outdoor rug, treat it with a solution of 1 cup bleach to a gallon of water. Spray it on, let it stand 5-10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with plain water.

How do you remove stains from an area rug?

It’s easy to stain a rug, and the best removal method depends on the material and the type of stain. Some stains, like vomit, need extra treatment. For everything else, here’s our Pro stain guide.

With any stain, blot up as much as possible first to contain the spread, and use cold water to dilute and lift it without setting it. Then tackle it with the right cleaning solution for the material.

Pro Tip: Some stains are trickier than others. Learn how to clean nail polish off carpets and other surfaces now!

How do you clean a rug with baking soda?

Baking soda is every cleaning Pro’s best friend — a cheap, powerful cleaner and deodorizer that keeps area rugs fresh year-round.

How to clean area rugs with baking soda:

• Vacuum the rug to remove loose dirt and debris
• Sprinkle a layer of baking soda over it
• Leave 30+ minutes to absorb dirt and smells
• Vacuum again to remove the baking soda

That’s it — a fast, easy refresh. For extra cleaning power, mist the rug with hot water or white vinegar after applying the baking soda, but allow longer to dry before vacuuming. This version takes at least 3 hours, ideally longer.

Pro Tip: Area rugs aren’t the only tricky fabrics in your home. Check out our Pro guide on how to clean lampshades!

How do you clean a wool or sheepskin rug?

Whether you’ve got a pure woolen rug or a sheepskin, this natural fiber needs a little extra TLC. Our Pros know the tricks to keep it looking like new.

Step 1: Vacuum the top 2-4 times a month with the beater bar turned off.

Step 2: Vacuum the back every 2 months.

Step 3: Take it outside and shake or beat it every 2 months.

Step 4: Rotate it every 6 months to prevent uneven wear and discoloration.

Step 5: Spot clean spills or stains immediately.

Step 6: Always use wool-safe detergents, and never soak a wool rug.

The secret is regular maintenance. If your wool rug does need a deep clean, call in a professional — they have the right equipment to clean deep into the pile without risking the fibers.

How do you clean a cowhide rug?

Cowhide rugs are popular because they’re large and low-maintenance. You can vacuum one safely as long as the beater bar is off — always go in the direction of the hair, never against it, to avoid bald spots.

Other tips to keep a cowhide rug in top condition:

• Brush it with a broom or hard-bristled brush every 1-2 weeks
• Treat stains with non-alkaline shampoo
• Lift grease stains with a little eucalyptus oil
• Steam cleaning is safe — just don’t get it excessively wet

With the right care, a cowhide rug will look great for many years.

How do you clean a jute rug?

Jute is a popular natural fiber that’s hardwearing and easy to clean when treated right. Follow these tips to keep yours looking good.

• Vacuum a jute rug just like any normal carpet
• Use the brush attachment to get between the woven strands for a more thorough clean
• Keep jute dry — always spot-clean sparingly
• Skip detergents; stick to natural, non-toxic cleaners like white vinegar
• Water can stain jute, so use a hairdryer on gentle heat after cleaning

Final thoughts

Whatever material your rug is made from, there’s a way to clean and maintain it — and with a little Pro know-how, you can lift even the trickiest stains. Follow this guide and you’ll enjoy beautiful rugs for years to come.

Pro Tip: Now your rugs are clean, tackle the rest of the furniture. Learn how to clean your fabric couch and sofa now!