Rugs and carpets quietly collect everything that comes through the house, dust, pet hair, spilled chai, muddy footprints and a fair bit of stale air. They don’t always look dirty, but they often smell a bit tired, and that’s usually when it’s time for a proper clean. You don’t need an expensive cleaning service for most of this. A few household basics, plus a little patience, can do a lot. Here are five simple ways to get rugs and carpets fresh again, from everyday dust to the stubborn marks
Leave it for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a stronger smell, so it can draw out the odour and light moisture, then vacuum it up thoroughly. Baking soda is a handy, gentle way to get rid of stale smells. Sprinkle a thin, even layer over the whole carpet or rug, and for extra freshness, mix in a couple of drops of essential oil first. It works well on pet smells, food odours and musty rooms, and it’s gentle enough to try on most colours, but test a small hidden patch first. Speed matters most with spills. Blot the stain with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel, pressing down to soak up as much as you can, and never rub, which pushes it deeper into the fibres. Then mix a few drops of mild dish soap in a cup of cool water, dab it on with a cloth, and keep blotting from the outside in until the mark lifts. Finish by dabbing with plain water and pressing with a dry towel. Use cold rather than hot water, since heat can set some stains. A damp rug can quickly turn musty or even grow mould, so drying is just as important as cleaning. Open windows, switch on a fan, or hang smaller rugs in a shaded, airy spot until they’re completely dry, and avoid long direct sun on coloured rugs, which can fade them. Brush or vacuum the pile once it’s dry. To keep things fresh, use a doormat, take off outdoor shoes, vacuum weekly, and rotate rugs every few months so wear is even.
This article is intended for general informational and household purposes only. Always test any cleaning method on a small, hidden area first, as results can vary with the fabric, dye and age of the rug or carpet. Take extra care with wool, silk, antique, hand-knotted and delicate rugs, and check the manufacturer’s care instructions or consult a professional cleaner. Make sure rugs are fully dry before use.