How to Clean a Carpet and Leave It Like New - Tom's Guide

Rugs are a great feature to add warmth, color and character to any space. This is often the case if you have parquet floors and want to provide children with a comfortable place to sit or play.

But just like rugs, rugs tend to collect dirt, dust, or stains on a daily basis. That's why it's important to know how to clean a carpet and leave it looking new.

Because carpets come in all sorts of materials, shapes, and sizes, it can often be difficult to know how to clean a carpet without damaging it. Luckily, there's an easy way to gently clean your carpets to keep them fresh and looking their best. Best of all, you don't have to spend a fortune on cleaning supplies because you can easily use items from the kitchen cupboard. So if you want a spotless rug, follow these tips to clean a rug and keep it looking like new.

If your carpets are looking less worn, here 's how to clean them with or without a carpet cleaner . Or you can always hire or buy a carpet cleaner if all else fails. If you have stains on leather goods, learn how to clean leather to restore its shine .

How to clean a carpet

Before you begin, always check the care label on your rug to determine if it should be hand cleaned, dry cleaned, or just spot cleaned.

1. Vacuum the carpet

White vacuum mat (Image credit: Shutterstock)

First, vacuum the carpet thoroughly with one of the best vacuum cleaners . Use it to remove dirt, dust, crumbs or other residue from the surface. It is also advisable to vacuum the carpet well as it hides a lot of dust and dirt.

2. Take the mat outside

Carpets hanging outside (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you have an outdoor space, spread it out and place the mat on a fence or railing for support. Using a large broom or stick, tap the sides of the rug to remove excess dirt. Repeat this until you no longer see clouds of dust coming off the mat. Keep in mind that if your mat has a latex backing, over-pounding can damage it.

3. Mix your cleaning solution

Soapy water in a bucket with a wrung out yellow cloth (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you want to make your own DIY cleaning product , simply mix two capsules of mild liquid dish soap in a bucket of warm water. Avoid using hot water as this can discolour or even damage the fibres. Remember to always test the solution on a small area of ​​the carpet first to make sure it doesn't stain or damage the surface.

4. Apply the cleaner well to the carpet

Spraying a white carpet (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Then spread out your mat on a patio or on a tarp on the ground. Before cleaning your entire carpet, test the solution on a small area of ​​the carpet first to make sure the colors don't run. Then use a sponge or soft-bristled brush to gently work the solution into the carpet until you see suds. A simple way to do this is to visualize the mat in four sections and give each section a good rub before moving on to the next.

TIP: If you notice that the colors are fading after a test, it is best to take your carpet to a dry cleaner.

5. Allow the solution to settle before rinsing

Rinse the carpet with a hose (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Then leave the solution on the carpet for about five minutes and allow it to sit before rinsing it off with a hose or bucket of clean water . You want to make sure any dirt or soap scum is removed. Alternatively, you can use a carpet shampoo on your carpet, but always follow label directions. To treat spots we can use Dr. Recommend Beckmann's Carpet Stain Remover ( $11 (opens in a new tab) , Amazon (opens in a new tab) ) for a spotless carpet.

6. Allow the mat to air dry.

Blue carpet in the center of the living room floor (Image credit: Shutterstock)

Then use a towel to soak up excess water before hanging to air dry. If you don't have space outside, let it dry in the laundry room, garage or basement. Keep in mind that this can take up to 24 hours or more, so always wait for it to dry completely before putting it back on the floor.

Other types of carpets

Brown jute rug (Image credit: Shutterstock)

For jute, sisal and bamboo rugs, avoid washing them with water as this will only weaken and destroy the fibres. Instead, vacuum the top, bottom, and bottom of the rug to keep it clean. If you find stains, simply use a household solution of detergent and warm water. Blot the stain well with a microfiber cloth before rinsing. Then pat dry with a cloth and let air dry.

Additionally, if you have a large or old carpet, it is advisable to seek the advice of a professional carpet cleaning service to ensure it is cleaned properly.

How to remove stains from a carpet

Spilled red wine on a carpet (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If you have unsightly stains like dreaded red wine stains on your white carpet, don't panic. Simply mix a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar, place in a bowl and dip a stain treatment sponge in it. Alternatively, you can put it in a spray bottle for easy application. Leave the mixture on the surface for a few minutes before blotting the stain with a clean towel or tea towel.

How to remove odors from carpets

Lemons and Baking Soda (Image credit: Shutterstock)

If your carpet starts to smell from spills, food, or pets, sprinkle a layer of baking soda over the carpet. Leave on for fifteen minutes before vacuuming. Baking soda is a natural air freshener that eliminates unpleasant odors and removes stains. For more tips, find out what makes baking soda and vinegar so great for cleaning around the house.

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Do you have something other than wine stains to remove? Well, here 's how to remove oil stains from clothes without damaging them. And learn how to clean a leather sofa to remove everyday stains. Also check out 11 Things You Didn't Know You Can Clean With Toothpaste .

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