Can I wash a carpet withoud damaging it?

Question

I have in my appartment at the entrance such a piece of grey carpet. I found it there when I moved and since I cannot afford to change it at the moment and I have a lot of free time I was thinking to wash it. But can this be done without destoying it? It is that kind of carpet that can be bought by meter. I mean that one can buy 1 meter as well as 10. On the back it has a layer of sponge or something. It is not such a great quality and I would say it also at least a few years old. So, what do you think?! Should I wash it? And what kind of washing powder or shampoo should I use? Thanks a lot!

Answer 1

Many years ago I was a residential carpet cleaner. The back of the carpet you described is rubber. As the rubber gets older it will peel or break into flakes. If you machine wash or dry it's a good chance it will break the rubber into a thousand pieces, ruin the carpet and fill your machine with an awful mess.
Your best bet is to hand wash it with a mild laundry detergent. Mix the detergent in a bucket, and use a light bristled brush. Be sure your mix is sudsy and focus on using more suds than water. Scrub in circular motions and when done rinse with a bucket of water or hose. Air dry.

Answer 2

It's probably all synthetic, so that will make it easier to clean. I would not put it into a washing machine, though; the backing might come off. I would get some liquid laundry detergent, pour it in a tub of water, dip the carpet into the soapy water, scrub it--maybe even let it sit for 5 or 10 minutes to soak--drain the tub, add clean water, and rinse the carpet or use the showerhead to rinse it. Then place the carpet on an outdoor railing or other support where it can dry. Don't put it in a machine to wash or dry, it might be too hard on the backing.

Answer 3

you should not wash it in the washing machine because the sponge backing will come off. you could rent a steam cleaner and clean it that way, or borrow a steam cleaner to clean it.

Answer 4

sure