Washing Carpets: Quick & Easy Tips

Contents

What methods are there?
Washing Your Carpet Yourself: What You Need to Know
Which carpets can be washed?
How often should you wash a carpet?
Before washing your carpet: dry cleaning
Washing in the washing machine
Washing in the Bathtub
Have the carpet professionally cleaned
Drying a carpet properly
Avoid these mistakes
Washable rugs

"What's the best way to wash my rug?" is a question we're often asked by customers. Get some quick and easy tips today to help you clean your rug properly. Learn the right cleaning method for your rug's specific type and find out what you absolutely must keep in mind when washing it so you can enjoy your rug for as long as possible.

There are different ways to clean rugs. When we say “clean,” we always mean a damp cleaning of your rug. Generally, there are two main categories: manual methods and mechanical methods. While manual cleaning—for example, using a cleaning foam or washing by hand in the bathtub—is one option, you can also clean some carpets at low temperatures either in the washing machine, using a special cleaning device, or by taking them to a professional carpet cleaner.

If you want to wash your carpet yourself, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. From care labels and carpet material to carpet size and how dirty it is, there are quite a few pitfalls that can affect the success of the wash—and thus the quality and lifespan of your carpet. So be sure to pay attention to the following points:

• Care symbols: Care symbols are listed on the label inside your rug. These provide specific instructions on how to clean your rug and help you wash and care for it properly. Always follow the instructions carefully and avoid experimenting.
• Carpet Material: The type of carpet material is a key factor in determining the appropriate cleaning method. While carpets made of cotton, wool, and polyester are generally quite easy to wash, other carpet fibers cannot tolerate water or moisture under any circumstances. The carpet’s flexibility and the weight of the pile are also factors that influence the choice of specific cleaning methods.
• Size: The size of the rug is an important factor, especially when it comes to machine washing. Rugs that are too large limit your cleaning options, as not all washing machines have a large enough capacity. It’s better to wash large or heavy rugs in the bathtub or take them directly to a professional carpet cleaning service.
• Dirt: The level of soiling gives you an idea of the best way to clean your carpet. You can effectively tackle localized stains with a few household remedies. The more soiled the carpet is, the sooner you should consider professional carpet cleaning. Depending on the type and severity of the stain, off-the-shelf cleaning products won’t do the trick.

Not all carpet materials are suitable for washing. Under certain circumstances, carpet fibers may be too sensitive to moisture. There are important differences that determine the proper way to care for a carpet.

Care Labels: What Do the Symbols Mean?

Care symbols are standardized internationally. They indicate, across the five categories of washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning, the maximum treatment your carpet can withstand.

• The first symbol shows a tub, which many people consider the most important laundry symbol. It represents the entire washing process and indicates whether hand washing or machine washing is permitted at all—and, if so, at what maximum temperature. A single horizontal line beneath the tub indicates that your rug should be washed gently without spinning. Two lines mean that the material is very delicate and may only be cleaned using a special wash cycle without spinning. If the tub symbol is crossed out, washing is not possible, and dry cleaning is the recommended method instead.
• The triangle is the symbol for bleaching. Only when the triangle is empty are all forms of bleaching permitted. This, in turn, affects the choice of the appropriate cleaning product.
• The square symbol indicates drying. Only if a circle is shown inside the square may your rug be dried in a machine. If this is not the case, you should opt for natural drying—either lying flat or hanging. This care symbol also indicates whether the rug can be exposed to sunlight while drying.
• The iron symbol indicates whether fabrics can be ironed. For carpets, you'll almost always see a crossed-out iron on the label.
• Finally, the fifth symbol indicates chemical or professional carpet cleaning. This is recommended only if the circle is empty. The letters and circles indicate exactly how your carpet should be treated.

Can you wash cotton or synthetic rugs?

Carpets made of cotton or polyester, as well as other synthetic materials, are generally easy to care for and can be washed without any problems. You can wash them by hand using lukewarm water and soap or a mild detergent. They can also be safely washed on the delicate cycle in the washing machine at 30 degrees. Another option is to use special wet and dry vacuum cleaners.

Can you wash carpets made of natural fibers?

Rugs made of natural fibers such as sisal, coconut fiber, or raffia are delicate and not suitable for washing. You should definitely avoid exposing them to moisture and use alternative cleaning methods instead. Always treat stains or dirt on a spot-by-spot basis using a damp, soft cloth moistened with a small amount of liquid detergent. If the stain is stubborn, brush it out and then vacuum it dry.

As a general rule, it’s advisable to wash your carpet regularly, but you shouldn’t do it too often. It’s usually a good idea when your carpet is dirty. Dry cleaning, on the other hand, is a process that can easily be done weekly, for example, as part of your general cleaning routine. Vacuum your carpet and remove surface dust. You can then tackle deep-seated stains and dirt by washing it. This will keep your carpet looking beautiful and help maintain its quality and longevity.

It's important to dry-clean the carpet before washing it to remove larger stains. Here's how to do it step by step:

• Vacuum your carpet using a vacuum attachment suitable for your carpet type to remove coarse dirt and dust. For delicate carpet surfaces, you can instead beat out or brush out the dirt.
• Now remove dried-on stains by first scraping off the surface dirt with the back of a knife or a brush, and then treating the remaining stains as gently as possible before washing. As a general rule, however, stains should be removed as soon as possible after they occur to avoid damaging the carpet fibers.
• You should proceed with caution when pre-treating stains. It’s best to use only cleaning products that won’t damage the texture and surface of your carpet. Often, a mild soapy solution applied to a soft kitchen towel is all it takes.

To make sure cleaning your rug goes smoothly, you should always be well prepared. As always, a checklist and the right supplies are essential. With our step-by-step guide to washing in the washing machine, nothing can go wrong:

• After cleaning is before cleaning. Before washing, prepare a suitable place for drying. Since wet rugs are usually quite heavy, flat, clean surfaces that can absorb liquid are best suited for this. A lawn or patio are possible places where your rug can dry undisturbed after being washed in the washing machine. Be sure to avoid direct sunlight, as this could cause your rug to fade.
• If your rug has a thick pile or fringes, you should use a rug bag when cleaning it. This protects the fibers and the rug's quality and prevents them from being pulled out or tangled.
• Always wash your rug by itself in the washing machine, and do not add any other textiles.
• When cleaning carpets, use only cleaning products that are suitable for the specific carpet material. The milder, the better—that’s the rule of thumb.
• Check in advance which wash cycle is best suited for your rug. A spin speed that’s too high can lead to unsatisfactory results. Here, too, we recommend that, if in doubt, you choose a wash cycle with a low temperature and a low spin speed.
• You should avoid using a dryer. It's always better for your carpet to let moisture evaporate naturally.

Hand-washing a rug has its own set of challenges, too. So be sure to follow our step-by-step guide when cleaning your rug in the bathtub:

• Before hand-washing your rug, remove any coarse dirt and dust from it. Vacuuming, beating, and shaking it out work best.
• You should check high-pile or long-pile carpets for knots beforehand and fluff up the carpet fibers as much as possible.
• Pre-treat heavy stains. Often, a little soapy water or a mild detergent is enough.
• Fill the bathtub with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent.
• Soak your rug for a sufficient amount of time (between fifteen and sixty minutes).
• Now start tackling carpet stains with a soft brush.
• Rinse the sink with clean water until there is no more foam or soap residue.
• Wring out the rug thoroughly so that the drying process can begin with as little moisture as possible in a shaded, well-ventilated area.

In some situations, it may make sense to have your carpet cleaned by a professional. We recommend professional cleaning for heavily soiled carpets, if you want to have your carpet treated with a water-repellent finish, or if your carpet has delicate fibers. Even if you have pets or suffer from allergies, it may be a good idea to hire a professional service provider from time to time. Professional carpet cleaning is generally not needed all that often. Once every three to five years is perfectly sufficient. You should expect costs of approximately 15 to 35 euros per square meter. Cleaning delicate silk carpets, long-pile tufted carpets, and many shaggy carpets is a bit more expensive than cleaning short-pile carpets.

Of course, you can also gently dry your wet carpet on your own. Our list of five tips will help you do just that:

• Always adjust the drying method to the material and size of your rug. Use drying racks and clotheslines only for small rugs, and don't lay your rug back out until it is completely dry.
• The best time of year to dry a rug is summer. It’s best to pick a date with two or three consecutive rain-free days—that way, you’ll be on the safe side.
• To dry it, use a flat surface that can withstand moisture and isn't exposed to too much sunlight.
• Good ventilation is necessary to ensure that your rug has the best possible conditions for drying.
• If you need to act quickly, you can lay towels on the carpet. Replace them as soon as they’re soaked through. But remember: The carpet can’t be used again until it’s completely dry.

Of course, you can also make some mistakes when washing your carpet. Below, we've listed what you should never do when washing a carpet:

• Only wash rugs that are suitable for washing. You'll find the relevant information in the product details and on the care labels. But always remember that washing rugs made of natural fibers—such as raffia, jute, or sisal—is a no-no.
• If you use the washing machine to clean carpets: 30 degrees is the absolute maximum. When washing by hand, be sure to avoid hot or boiling water.
• Never use cleaning products without first testing them on an inconspicuous area to make sure they're suitable. The rule is: The gentler, the better.
• Don't forget to let the items soak before washing so that stains can be completely removed.
• You should never dry dark or colored rugs in direct sunlight. However, shaded areas are generally preferable.
• Banish "dryer" and "hair dryer" from your drying vocabulary.
• Never lose your patience, and wait to lay the carpet back down until it is completely dry.
• Avoid experimenting, and if you have any questions, consult a professional who specializes in carpet cleaning.

Modern, washable rugs are practical and stylish must-haves for interior design. Many of the modern designs in our store are perfect for everyday use. Choose a rug that suits your style from well-known brands and turn your home into a cozy retreat.

Whether you're looking for shaggy rugs, modern Scandinavian classics, or cozy deep-pile rugs, we offer a selection of high-quality, washable rugs that are sure to delight fans of beautiful interior design. If you have any further questions about rug cleaning, feel free to contact our experts directly.