5 Easy Ways to Wash Carpets at Home.
•Posted on December 08 2025
Adding warmth, richness, and comfort to the home are all part of what carpets provide.
But over a period of time, they have accumulated dust, stains, and hidden dirt within the Rugslane Handmade carpet fibre structure. While the best practice for getting rid of these contaminants is by having your carpets professionally cleaned, it can be cost-prohibitive and not an option for everyone. Fortunately, you will be able to maintain your own carpets at home in a simple, safe, and economical way.

1. Vacuuming and Surface Cleaning – The Foundation of Carpet Care
Before beginning the process of cleaning carpets with water, it is necessary to vacuum each Rugslane Abstract Rugs that is to be cleaned to complete a thorough vacuuming. Dust and dirt accumulate deep within the pile of the carpet, and if not vacuumed up on a regular basis, will stay in that position permanently and make the future cleaning of the carpet more challenging.
How to Do It:
- Start by lifting your carpet and dusting the underside (optional but very effective).
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a rotating brush or strong suction.
- Vacuum in two directions – horizontally and vertically – to pull out deep-set dirt.
- For thick-pile or shaggy rugs, use the suction-only mode to avoid damaging the fibers.
Why It Works:
Rugslane Regular vacuuming of your carpets removes approximately 75% of the dirt, dry soil, and pet hair that builds up over time in your carpets. Not only will this keep your carpets looking fresh, but it also prevents the dirt from turning into "mud" when you are wet cleaning.

Pro Tip:
Sprinkle a little baking soda before vacuuming. It neutralizes odors and adds freshness without using harsh chemicals.
2. Shampooing Your Carpet – One of the Easiest At-Home Cleaning Methods
Modern Carpet shampooing is one of the most popular home cleaning techniques. It Rugslane offers deep cleaning, removes stubborn dirt, and restores the carpet’s softness and vibrancy.
What You Need:
- Carpet shampoo (store-bought or homemade)
- Bucket of warm water
- Soft brush or microfiber cloth
How to Use Carpet Shampoo:
- Dilute the shampoo according to instructions.
- Dip a soft brush into the solution and scrub gently in circular motions.
- Avoid oversaturating the carpet with water.
- Let the carpet sit for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse using a clean, wet cloth to remove soap residue.
- Allow the carpet to air-dry completely before placing it back on the floor.
Best For:
- Synthetic carpets
- Thick pile rugs
- Modern living room carpets
Avoid For:
- Wool carpets, viscose rugs, or delicate handmade pieces (they absorb water quickly and may shrink).
3. Steam Cleaning – Deep Cleaning Without Harsh Chemicals
Rugslane Steam cleaning is a professional-grade technique you can now perform at home using a compact steam cleaner. This method cleans, sanitizes, and removes harmful bacteria, making it perfect for homes with kids or pets.
Benefits of Steam Cleaning:
- Uses only hot steam (no chemicals)
- Removes 99% of bacteria
- Removes dust mites and allergens
- Revives flat or dull carpet fibers
How to Steam Clean at Home:
- Vacuum the carpet thoroughly.
- Fill the steam cleaner with water.
- Run the machine slowly over the carpet.
- Let the steam penetrate and dissolve dirt.
- Allow the carpet to dry naturally for a few hours.
Important Tip:
Never overheat the machine when cleaning delicate material carpets like viscose or silk blends.
Best For:
- Medium to high-pile synthetic carpets
- Busy areas such as living rooms and hallways
- Homes needing deep disinfection
4. Baking Soda & Vinegar Cleaning – A Simple, Natural Home Remedy
If you prefer chemical-free cleaning, this method is ideal. Baking soda and white vinegar form Rugslane a powerful cleansing combination that removes stains, odors, and dirt naturally.
How to Use This Method:
- Sprinkle baking soda generously over the woolen carpet.
- Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
- Spray the mixture on the baking soda until it begins to bubble.
- Let it sit for 2–3 hours (or overnight for tough stains).
- Scrub gently with a soft brush.
- Vacuum the remaining powder once dry.
Why It Works:
- Baking soda absorbs odors and loosens dirt.
- Vinegar breaks down stains and disinfects the surface.
Best For:
- Light stains
- Pet odors
- Every day, refresh cleaning
Avoid On:
Handmade wool or viscose carpets – vinegar is acidic and may weaken the fibers.
5. Spot Cleaning Tough Stains – Quick Remedies for Spills
Accidental spills like tea, coffee, wine, or food stains are unavoidable, but immediate action can prevent permanent marks.

How to Spot Clean:
- Blot the spill gently using a microfiber cloth.
- Never rub – it spreads the stain.
- Apply a mixture of soap and cold water to the affected area.
- For oily stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder to absorb the grease before washing.
- For stubborn spots, apply a paste made of baking soda and water.
- Rinse the area using a damp cloth to remove product residue.
- Allow the area to dry completely.
Effective Spot Cleaners at Home:
- Dishwashing liquid
- Hydrogen peroxide (for light-colored carpets only)
- Club soda (works well on wine and coffee stains)
Pro Tip:
Always test any cleaning solution on an unseen corner of the carpet first to make sure it doesn’t fade the color.
How Often Should You Wash Your Carpet at Home?
The ideal cleaning frequency depends on usage:
- Daily Use / High Traffic: Vacuum twice a week, deep clean every 3 months
- Moderate Use: Vacuum once a week, deep clean every 4–6 months
- Low Use Rooms: Deep clean once a year
Homes with children or pets may need more frequent maintenance.
Drying Your Carpet Properly – Don’t Skip This Step
Proper drying is crucial. A damp carpet may look clean, but it can grow mold, mildew, and bacteria if not dried completely.
Best Drying Tips:
- Dry the carpet in natural sunlight whenever possible.
- Keep fans or windows open for faster drying.
- For large rugs, hang them over a sturdy railing or balcony.
Avoid placing furniture on a damp carpet, as it can leave permanent indentations and trap moisture underneath.
5 unique, high-quality FAQs
1. How often should I wash my carpet at home?
To keep your carpets clean, they need to be vacuumed at least weekly; Rugslane however, depending on how much foot traffic comes through your home, they should also be deep cleaned every three to six months. Stains, bacteria, and allergens can accumulate more quickly in homes that have a lot of children or pets, so you may need to clean them much more often.
2. Can I wash wool or handmade carpets using regular shampoo?
No. Wool and Rugslane handmade carpets should never be cleaned with strong chemicals or excessive water. Use mild, wool-safe detergents or opt for gentle dry-cleaning methods to avoid shrinking, fading, or fiber damage.
3. Is vinegar safe for all types of carpets?
Vinegar is effective for synthetic carpets and basic stain removal, but it is not recommended for wool, silk, or viscose rugs. Its acidity can weaken delicate fibers and cause discoloration, so always spot-test before using.
4. What is the quickest way to remove fresh stains at home?
Immediately blot the spill with a clean cloth—never rub it. Then apply a mixture of mild soap and cold water. For oily stains, use cornstarch or baking soda to absorb the grease before cleaning the area.
5. How long does it take for a carpet to dry after cleaning?
Rugslane Carpet drying time typically ranges from 3 to 12 hours, depending on the cleaning method, carpet thickness, and ventilation. Speed up drying by placing the carpet in sunlight, using fans, or keeping windows open.