Regular vacuuming and treating stains as soon as they happen go a long way toward keeping rugs looking their best. But if your rug still looks dingy or holds onto odors, it's probably time for a deeper clean.
Vacuuming removes surface dirt, but it can't reach the embedded dust, pet dander, and grime that settle deep into rug fibers over time. Fortunately, you don't need to hire a pricey pro or rent a bulky carpet-cleaning machine. When used correctly, a dedicated consumer-grade carpet cleaner can remove deep-down dirt and help make most rugs look almost as good as new. The pros in the Good Housekeeping Institute Home Care and Cleaning Lab explain how the best way to deep-clean a rug at home.
What you'll need:
- Vacuum
- Carpet cleaning spray
- Carpet cleaning machine
- Carpet cleaning solution
- Clean water
1. Vacuum thoroughly.
Before you lug the carpet cleaner out of the closet, remove as much loose dirt, dust, and debris as possible by vacuuming the entire rug slowly and thoroughly. Go over high-traffic areas more than once, and, if possible, vacuum in both directions to help loosen trapped dirt before adding moisture.
2. Pretreat stains.
Deep cleaning can refresh the entire rug, but visible stains may need a little extra attention first. Apply a carpet cleaning spray to any visible stains or use a portable carpet cleaner, like the Bissell Little Green or Bissell Little Green Mini, following the product instructions. Let the treatment to sit for the recommended amount of time before moving on to deep cleaning.
3. Test the carpet cleaner before using it on the entire rug.
Before cleaning the entire rug, test your carpet cleaner (our top pick is the Bissell Revolution HydroSteam Pet Carpet Cleaner) and solution on a small, inconspicuous area to make sure it won't cause discoloration, fading, or damage to the fibers. Let the spot dry completely before continuing, so you can see the full result.
4. Fill the carpet cleaner with water and solution.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to fill the machine with clean water and the recommended amount of carpet cleaning solution. Some carpet cleaner manufacturers require that you use their own cleaning solution, and using another brand may void your warranty, so check your owner's manual before filling the tank. Use only the recommended amount of solution, too. While it may be tempting to add extra for a "deeper" clean, more product won't make your rug cleaner—it can leave behind a sticky residue that attracts more dirt.
5. Clean the rug in slow, overlapping passes.
Starting at the far end of the rug, make slow, steady passes with the carpet cleaner, pulling the machine toward you as it sprays, scrubs, and extracts. Slow passes give the machine more time to lift dirt and remove moisture, while slightly overlapping each pass helps ensure you don't miss any areas. Avoid lingering in one spot or oversaturating the rug, which can leave it wetter for longer and contribute to odors or mildew.
6. Rinse.
If your carpet cleaner has a rinse setting or allows you to make a pass with clean water only, use it to help remove any remaining cleaning solution from the rug.
7. Let the rug dry completely.
Allow the rug to dry fully before walking on it or putting furniture back in place, since trapped moisture can contribute to odors or mildew. Some carpet cleaners have a dry-only or water-extraction setting that can help remove excess moisture after cleaning. Good airflow can also speed drying, so open windows or run fans nearby if possible.
8. Vacuum again.
Once the rug is completely dry, give it one more vacuum to lift the pile and restore its appearance, especially if you have a plush rug.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women's Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
