How to wash and clean rugs
Rugs can add warmth and style to any space, but keeping them clean can feel like a challenge. From machine-washable rugs to those that require special care, each type has its own cleaning needs. Use this guide to discover how to clean a rug and care for everything from sheepskin and fur to wool and shag, so you can help keep your rugs looking fresh and cozy.
How can I wash a rug at home?
Depending on your rug’s size and material, you may be able to wash it at home—either by hand or in the machine—but the right approach depends on what the care label recommends. Some fabrics or larger rugs aren’t machine-friendly, so always check the tag before you start.
For machine washing, you can usually start by vacuuming the rug and spot-treating stains, then running it in the washer set to a Delicate or Gentle Cycle. Air-dry the rug or use low heat in the dryer (if the care label allows).
The steps for hand washing a rug can vary by material type. Generally, you can expect to fill a tub with cool water and mild detergent, immerse and gently scrub the rug, and then rinse it thoroughly before air drying. You may be able to use a carpet cleaner—but test it on a small patch of the rug first. And always check your care tags first.
Is it okay to wash a rug in the washing machine?
Whether your rug is washing machine friendly depends on its size, material and care label instructions. Cotton and some synthetic fibers are usually good to go, but wool, silk, jute and shag aren’t typically washer friendly.
Smaller rugs—think kitchen or bathroom mats—often fit in a standard top load or front load washer, as long as they don’t exceed the machine’s weight limit. Larger rugs might struggle with the Spin Cycle or push your washer’s capacity to the edge, unless you plan to use a large capacity washer.
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What is the best way to wash and clean different types of rugs?
Tossing your rug in the washer on a Delicate or Gentle Cycle is likely the simplest way to give it a thorough clean, but rugs that aren’t machine washable require a bit more care. Find more information about cleaning different types of rugs below.
How to wash machine-washable rugs
The rug’s care label should provide specific instructions on the wash cycle and water temperature best suited to cleaning your rug. Read the steps below for general information about cleaning your rug in the washer.
Step 1: Vacuum
Vacuum both sides of the rug to remove any loose dirt and crumbs.
Step 2: Treat for stains
Patch test stain remover or laundry detergent in a hidden spot to make sure it's color-fast. If no negative reactions occur, continue by spot treating any stains.
Step 3: Choose cycle settings
Position your rug in the washer with a few towels to help balance the load. Follow the directions on your care tag for wash settings. Otherwise, use a cold water setting and select the Delicate or Gentle Cycle, then add the right amount of a detergent that’s safe for the fabric. Be careful with fabric softeners, bleach or Heavy Duty Cycles—these can cause shrinkage or damage.
Step 4: Air or machine dry
Consult the care tag to find out if you should air- or machine-dry your rug. If you opt for air-drying, hang the rug or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area.
How to clean area rugs at home
The size and material of your area rug can play a big role in deciding the best way to clean it. Most rugs can benefit from a good shake or beating to remove loose dirt, followed by a thorough vacuuming and spot-treating for lingering stains.
For machine-washable rugs, a Delicate or Gentle Cycle with cold water usually does the trick. Larger rugs, or those that aren’t washer-friendly, can often be hand washed with cold water and mild detergent. Keep reading to learn how to handle rugs that can’t go in the washer.
How to wash a sheepskin rug
Caring for a sheepskin rug can feel tricky—its plush texture tends to mat and tangle over time. Start by checking the care tag to see if machine washing is an option. If it is, wash the rug on a Delicate Cycle with cold water and a wool-safe detergent.
Keep in mind that matting in the rug doesn’t always mean that you’ll need to wash the whole thing. A slicker brush or wool comb can often work wonders for gently smoothing out knots without water. If gently brushing to remove matting and tangles doesn’t work, and your rug isn’t machine washable, follow the handwashing instructions below to give the rug a deeper clean.
Step 1: Fill a basin with cold water
Pick a basin that’s roomy enough to fully submerge your rug. For smaller rugs, a sink or bucket may work, but larger ones will likely need the bathtub. Once you’ve got your spot, fill it halfway with cold water to get started.
Step 2: Add wool-safe detergent
Add wool-safe detergent to the water, dosing according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Step 3: Soak the rug
Submerge the rug in the water, then gently agitate it using your hands to help remove dirt. Let the rug soak for about 30 minutes.
Step 4: Rinse and dry
Drain the soapy water and rinse the rug thoroughly with clean water. Gently press out the excess water—avoid wringing, as it can damage the fibers. Hang the rug on a drying rack or clothesline to air-dry.
Step 5: Fluff rug fibers
Once it’s completely dry, give it a finishing touch by using a wool comb or slicker brush to fluff up and smooth the fibers.
How to wash a wool rug
Professional dry cleaning may be the most effective choice when it comes to washing a wool rug, but you can also try cleaning at home with a mix of wet and dry methods. Just remember that wool rugs, regardless of their size, generally don’t belong in the washing machine. Learn more about handwashing a wool rug below.
Step 1: Shake out dirt and vacuum
Take your rug outside and give it a good shake to get rid of loose dirt. For larger rugs, hang them over a railing or clothesline and use a broom or rug beater to knock out any debris. Finish up with a thorough vacuuming on both sides for a deeper clean.
Step 2: Prepare cleaner
Fill two buckets, one with cool, clean water and another with cool water combined with two tablespoons of a wool-safe detergent.
Step 3: Gently scrub with a sponge
Start at one end of the rug and dip your sponge into the cleaning solution. Be careful not to soak the fibers—wool is highly absorbent, and if it gets too wet, it’ll take a long time to dry. Use gentle pressure as you lightly scrub and work in small sections. Rinse out the sponge often to avoid spreading dirt around instead of removing it.
Step 4: Sponge to rinse soap away
Don’t leave any soap behind on the rug, as it can attract dirt and cause your rug to get dirty again quickly. Dip a clean sponge into fresh water and gently go over the area you just cleaned to remove any lingering soap.
Step 5: Absorb excess moisture
As you work your way across the rug, use a towel to soak up any excess moisture from each section. Do this right after you scrub with soap and rinse, but before moving on to the next area.
Step 6: Hang dry
Hang the rug or set up a fan nearby to help it dry faster. Be sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in the room.
How to wash a shag rug
Shag rugs usually aren’t machine-washable, so if yours is heavily soiled, you’ll probably need to clean it by hand. Start by checking the care tag for any specific cleaning instructions, then follow the general steps below to help revive your rug.
Step 1: Beat out dirt
Shag carpets have deep fibers that can hide everything from crumbs to tiny toys. To start cleaning, take the rug outside, hang it up and give it a good beating with a rug beater or a broom. This will help shake out dirt and debris hidden in thick fibers.
Step 2: Vacuum
Shag rug fibers are delicate, so use the upholstery or dust tool attachment—rather than the vacuum’s beater bar—to remove residual dirt. Flip the rug over, then vacuum the back using the beater bar on the lowest pile setting.
Step 3: Remove stains and rinse
Combine one cup of water with a few drops of dishwashing detergent, then dip a soft-bristled brush in the solution and gently rub the stain. Use a clean microfiber towel to remove any soap residue.
Step 4: Dry
Hang your rug to dry outdoors on a clothesline if possible. If you need to keep your rug indoors, elevate it in front of the window and point a fan towards the damp area. Use your hands or upholstery brush to fluff the fibers once the rug is dry.
How to wash a fur rug
Fur rugs are usually too delicate for the washing machine, but you can freshen them up by removing dirt, spot cleaning and rinsing. Check the care tag for any specific cleaning instructions, then follow the general steps below to help refresh your rug.
Step 1: Remove loose debris
Shake out a small rug to loosen dirt and debris, or hang a large rug outside and beat it using a rug beater or broom.
Step 2: Vacuum
Give the rug a good shake to bring any loose debris to the surface, then vacuum it using only suction before you start washing. Make sure to vacuum in the direction the fur lies, not against it, to avoid damaging the fibers.
Step 3: Spot clean
Fur rugs are typically cleaned using a mixture of liquid soap and warm water. Just make sure the soap is safe for your rug’s material by spot-testing a hidden area first. Combine two tablespoons of liquid soap with six cups of warm water in a bucket, then use a dry cloth or a soft-bristled brush to apply the solution. Gently dab each spot two to three times and be sure to avoid scrubbing, which may damage the fur’s texture.
Step 4: Rinse away detergent
Fill a container with cold water, then softly dab the soapy area with clean water using a sponge to help remove detergent residue.
Step 5: Dry
You can hang dry your rug outside or point a fan toward it to help accelerate drying. Make sure the rug is completely dry before you put it back.
Explore Whirlpool® Washing Machines
Whirlpool® Top Load and Front Load Washers let you customize your settings to suit the needs of your favorite machine-washable rugs. The industry-first 2 in 1 Removable Agitator on select models lets you customize any load to care for your items the way you want by easily swapping the agitator post in or out. The Delicate Cycle on select models offers gentle cleaning, using an intermittent wash action, cool water and slow spin to clean delicate items.
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