Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on a Rug?
First off, you should know that not every rug can handle a carpet cleaner. In fact, it can do more damage than good. The worst kinds of rugs to clean with a carpet cleaner include those made of cotton, silk, jute, and wool. Make sure to read the label of your rug to find out which cleaning methods are safe for it.
For larger rugs, you can use a garden hose and several buckets to saturate the carpet. However, this is not always possible, and not everyone has access to a garden hose. Another option is to use the shower head in the bathroom to saturate the entire carpet. Large area rugs can also be rolled up and washed in sections.
To clean a rug with a carpet cleaner, it is best to use a mild cleaner, like a dish soap and laundry detergent. It is important to use a mild cleaner because too much can ruin the color of the rug. It is also important to test a cleaning solution on a hidden part of the rug, like the floor side.
You can also use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to clean your rug. Do not use hot water for this because it can damage the fabric of the rug. Using hot water can also shrink the rug and cause it to fade. To be safe, test the cleaning solution on a small area of the rug to check for any color transfer. If the rug shows signs of fading or shrinking, it’s best to use a professional carpet cleaner.
