What is a good way to clean an area rug?

Question

Are there any "at-home" ways to thoroughly clean an area rug? My senior dog was incontinent for her last couple of days and the rugs smell a lot

by the way, its a pretty big rug (about 10x12)

Answer 1

rent a "rug doctor" machine.
works wonders

Answer 2

If the rug's been "outside" outside, it could've mildewed. If it's been out in the garage, it's probably OK. How much do you like the rug you had? Would it cost more to clean than it's worth? Do you have carpeted rooms that could be cleaned at the same time & save money? In stores there are several products for removing pet stains/odors. If these don't help enough, call a professional for an estimate. We contacted a rug store (not a carpet dealer) for recommendations & had a couple of small (3x5) Oriental rugs cleaned for about $25 each.

Answer 3

Sorry to hear about your dog. It must be an awful thing for him/her as well.
When it comes to your area rug:
I would suggest having it cleaned by a professional area rug cleaner, as they can get a lot more stains, smells and dirt out then you ever will be able at home, but this might help:
Try cleaning it with warm water & detergent then white vinegar & water (deluted 1:3)...
You'll be supprised!
Do not use over-the-counter chemicals, as those can absolutely damage your area rug, resulting in the need of a much more expensive rug repair service.

To give you a little "heads-up" with stains, I have copied and pasted an article that I had on my old website in here for you.
Hopefully it will come in handy some day ;o)
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Removing Stains:
Many rugs are treated to be stain resistant which delays the stain setting in, giving you a chance to act. The key is to treat the stain or spill quickly before it is absorbed by the rug and dries. Basic cleaning steps for typical everyday stains:
1. Scoop up as much of the spill as possible
2. Absorb as much of the liquid that's left with a dry cloth/paper towel by blotting.
3. Apply warm water to the stain then blot again If the stain remains visible, mix warm water with a mild non-bleach laundry detergent.
Using a clean cloth apply some of the mixture to the stain and let it soak for 5 minutes.
Rinse the stain with warm water and blot it well to extract the residue. Repeat until there is no detergent on the rug. When satisfied and the rug is completely dry, vacuum the area.

Specific Stains:
Since different stains require different cleaning treatments, it is important to identify the source and nature of the stain. Below is a list of common stains and how they are best removed.

--- Stain - Cleaning Treatment ----

Alcohol - Warm water & detergent

Asphalt - Dry cleaning solvent then warm water & detergent

Blood - Warm water & detergent

Butter - Dry cleaning solvent then warm water & detergent

Chewing gum - Freeze using ice, shatter gum, vacuum, warm water & detergent

Most Makeup - Dry cleaning solvent then warm water & detergent

Shoe Polish - Dry cleaning solvent then warm water & detergent

Urine - Warm water & detergent then white vinegar & water (1:3)

Vomit - Warm water & detergent then dry cleaning solvent

Wax - Freeze using ice, shatter gum, vacuum, dry cleaning solvent then water & detergent

Wine - Talcum powder then warm water & detergent

Answer 4

Most of what I call an area rug can be thrown in the washer and on low in the dryer. I wash mine regularly and I don't have a dog. If you are asking about larger room rugs, they need to be steam cleaned or if they are an asian rug of quality, they need to be professionally handled. If you have animals and are concerned you may want to look at the new polypropolene rugs. All you do is take them outside and hose them down. These rugs come in designer looks and are available just about everywhere including catalogs such as Frontgate and Grandinroad.

Answer 5

Spray it good with a Urine Gone type of enzyme cleaner that breaks down urine and then clean it with a steam carpet cleaner. I have also taken them outside on a sunny day and hosed them down after spraying with cleaner then hang over the porch so the water runs out and it dries. I only do this if the rug is old and I'm desperate to get some more wear out of it without the odor. It did work for me. The rug still looks good and smells nice.

Good Luck

Answer 6

I have great results using Spray & Wash stain remover and a stiff brush. Don't wet the rug with water, just use the spray, rub throughly with the brush. Blot the wet spots with a dry towel.
Let dry, then use the electric sweeper . I have also flipped the rug and repeated the process on the back. Works very well on spotted areas, if the entire rug is soiled, I would rent a machine.

Answer 7

Professional help required.

First check out the price and see if it's worth a replacement.
Why go thru a whole lot of trouble cleaning when you can easily replace it.

I went for smaller sized rugs after having my dog. It is easier to wash and to dry.

Look out for a kind of spray that will deter your pet from going near your rug. This spray is actually targetted for sofas and furnitures but gave the same result on my rugs. Check it out at any pet stores.

Answer 8

Ooh, if you have a pad under those rugs, it's gonna be bad. I would get them off my wood floors and cut off and trash any sections of the pad, or the whole thing. I would steam the rugs, let 'em dry outside and make a trip to petco for a pet deodorizer.

I would treat my rugs before they go back inside.

I don't have a pet because I cannot stand walking in a house and smelling nasty carpet, any more. I had pets for 20 years, no more for me, thanks.

Answer 9

Take it outside, use a scrub brush on a handle, Tide laundry detergent and a garden hose. Tide has enzymes that break down the urine. Rinse well and let dry over a fence or a strong line.

Answer 10

Best to throw it out, or send it to a professional cleaners ( might be too expensive though), failing that, use a Fabreeze cleaning solution to make it smell nice and fresh.
Good luck!