How to Clean an Area Rug Without Water: 10 Most Effective Ways
Most people believe that the only way to clean an area rug is by using water. Cleaning an area rug without water might sound strange and ineffective, however, if you obtain all the necessary cleaning equipment and follow any of the cleaning methods described below, you can achieve amazing results. You just need to determine how bad is the state of your area rug.
If it is just a regular cleaning process, you won’t need to go crazy with adding a lot of dry cleaning solvent. If you have heavy stains, then you will have to use something more powerful than just baking soda. Anyway, this post is for those, who want to learn how to clean an area rug without water fast and effectively.
What advantages does cleaning an area rug without water have?
There are quite a few advantages of cleaning an area rug without water. It all depends on the kind of area rug you have. Water can cause damage to some types of carpet fibers.
This will lead to an area rug losing its appearance sooner, making the stains more noticeable.
Constant water cleaning results in the rug colors fading.
Your favorite area rug will not look as new anymore.
When you clean carpets without using any water, you can control the state of the fibers and will be able to react in time and remove the dry cleaning solvent that will not be suitable for your area rug.
This is such a rare occasion though, as all the methods described in this post will highly unlikely damage any area rugs.
When you perform regular vacuuming, it will help to ensure your area rug stays fresh and clean for longer.
Don’t forget to vacuum the other side of the area rug, as it also accumulates a lot of dirt.
Heavy stain removal will include some special cleaning agents that are designed to fight stubborn stains. Just start with inspecting the entire area rug and then decide which method will suit the most.
10 methods of how to clean an area rug without water
Like any other kind of carpet, area rugs must be cleaned regularly because dust lands on them and stays between the fibers. Over time, it turns into dirt particles that become visibly seen. The stains have to be addressed immediately. That way, the chances of removing stains completely are quite high.
The cleaning process doesn’t have to include water. Area rugs can be successfully cleaned without it. Below are the methods that will help you to keep your area rug clean.
You have to find all the necessary supplies for mechanical cleaning first. Prepare your vacuum cleaner and all the attachments you have for it. Ideally, you will need a soft brush attachment.
A dry cleaning solvent will be required along with a clean cloth and a steam cleaner. For large area rugs, a cloth underneath will be needed to protect it.
1. Start cleaning an area rug using a vacuum cleaner
Inspect your area rug for all the visible dirt particles and all kinds of different stains, including pet stains. Large pieces of dirt must be removed manually, as the vacuum cleaner can get clogged.
After that, you can proceed with vacuuming the entire rug and removing all the loose particles of surface dirt. It is best to set the setting on high, so it is more effective and faster.
Once you are done with vacuuming, most of the dirt must be gone. If you have located stubborn stains on the area rug surface, move on to the next step.
2. Sprinkle some dry powder
If your area rug still has dark stains or a bad odor, you should use dry powder to help you remove all of it. You can look into using baking soda as a dry powder. Simply sprinkle the entire surface with baking soda.
Pay attention to the high-traffic areas of the area rug with the heaviest stains. Leave baking soda for a day. If the smell is bad, you might have to wait longer than just a day.
Once you have waited for the required time, vacuum slowly to remove the remaining dirt. If necessary, this process can be repeated.
3. Use a steam cleaner
If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it for spot-cleaning stains on your area rug. This cleaning method has proven itself to be effective when you need to clean carpets. Even if you call out a professional rug cleaner, he will bring a steam cleaner as well.
When you clean rugs with a steam cleaner, not only does it remove loose dirt, but also fights dust mites and bacteria. It can even remove allergens that the carpets might have. Deep cleaning of area rugs is vital for those, who suffer from respiratory conditions.
If you don’t clean an area rug, the dust will accumulate, aggravating your health state. Regular vacuuming ensures your carpet stays clean. It also prolongs the lifespan of your area rug and keeps it in good condition.
4. Clean with a carpet brush
Using a soft brush attachment when you vacuuming, increasing the chances of a good outcome. It gently scrubs the natural fibers and lifts all the dirt in a stained area, making it easier to be picked up by the vacuum.
This method can be used for cleaning all kinds of area rugs, including outdoor rugs. It also helps with removing the pet hair from the rug’s surface. If you don’t have a special attachment for your vacuum, just a soft brush will be sufficient.
It will require more time to clean the area though as you will have to do it twice. First scrub the stained area of your carpet, using the brush, then proceed with vacuuming.
5. Add some baking soda
If you haven’t used baking soda as a dry powder in the second step, it is time to add some to the carpet area. It is perfect for fighting bad smells. Especially if you have stains left after your pets. Sprinkle baking soda on top of the stains and use a damp cloth to rub it into the fibers.
Wait for a few hours. It is better to leave it in for a day or even two if the stains are bad. All the loose dirt and remnants of baking soda will have to be vacuumed afterward. If there is some smell left after that, you can do it all over again. Usually, all the stain spots get removed after the first time cleaning with soda.
If the stain persists, you can try adding some dish soap to the stain area. Scrub the carpet with a cloth and remove the soapy residue off the surface, using a wet cloth.
6. Try hydrogen peroxide
Another way to deep clean a rug without water is by using a homemade cleaning solution. The main ingredient is peroxide. Find a spray bottle and pour some water in. Add peroxide in a proportion 1:4 and shake well. You can either spray this solution directly onto the affected area or use a cloth and rub the solution into the stain.
If your area rug is made out of delicate materials, try the solution on some inconspicuous area first. Otherwise, you are risking ruining the fibers of your carpet. Once you have applied the solution, you have to wait for a few minutes. After that, wipe the remnants of the dry cleaning agent and dirt with a damp cloth.
7. Clean with white vinegar
Vinegar is known for its exceptional cleaning properties. It is more than suitable to deep clean an area rug without water. It is one of the most effective dry methods, which is also safe for any type of carpet you might have.
Prepare a solution of white vinegar and water in proportion 1:1. You can add it into a spray bottle. It will be easier to apply the solution to the stain. Once you spray it onto the carpet, rub it in, using a brush or a cloth, and leave it for a few hours.
If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, you can mix it with baking soda, which will neutralize an unpleasant smell. When you see the stain has disappeared, wipe the spot with a damp cloth to remove the remnants of the solution.
8. Pay attention to the tough stains
Spot cleaning of the tough stains is possible if you use a carpet cleaner, purchased at your local store. Choose the one that will suit your type of rug to avoid damage. If you aren’t sure about the carpet cleaner you are going to use, test it on an inconspicuous area first to see, how the fibers will react. If everything is good, it is safe to use for spot cleaning.
9. Try cleaning an area rug with a wet-dry vacuum cleaner
If you own a wet-dry vacuum, count yourself lucky. It is one of the best cleaning methods that will remove stains effectively. If the stain is still wet, the vacuum will remove all the excess moisture along with dirt particles. If you act fast, there will be no stain left on your carpet, and you won’t need to use any carpet cleaner.
10. Call a professional carpet cleaner
The last resort is calling a professional rug cleaner. They have all the necessary equipment that can fight the toughest stains effectively. Not only they can remove dirt from all kinds of carpets, but they can clean pet hair as well. The only drawback of calling professionals is the cost. It is not as cheap as cleaning the carpet yourself.
Tips for cleaning carpets
Below are the main rules you should follow if you want your area rug to be spotlessly clean.
1. Always examine the whole surface of your area rug. There might be small stains that aren’t very noticeable. The faster you remove them the better the result will be. Greasy stains are the most difficult ones to get rid of.
If you have discovered a fresh greasy spot, dab it with a paper towel first to remove excess fat. Then proceed with one of the cleaning methods highlighted above.
2. Stock up with cleaning supplies. You should keep a carpet cleaner and other dry cleaning agents in the cupboard. You never know when you might need them. As you know with stains the faster you act, the higher the chances of removing the stains completely.
3. If the stains are from the wax, the most effective way to remove them would be to place an ice block right on top of them. Leave it there for some time. It will help you to remove nearly everything. If there is some dirt left, it can be cleaned with any cleaning methods described above.
4. To remove oily spots you will need to use vinegar. Mix it with water in a proportion of 1:2 and apply directly onto the stained area. Wait for some time and wipe the carpet with a damp cloth. After that, you can vacuum the carpet surface to remove any leftover dirt particles.
5. You have to be careful with colored carpets. Not all cleaning methods are suitable for them. Any dry cleaning agent has to be tested on a small area first to see, whether it is going to affect the colors of fibers. Acidic cleaning solutions aren’t suitable for delicate materials some area rugs are made out of.
6. If you used a lot of water to clean dirt off your carpet and didn’t let it dry properly, mildew might start growing. In this case, you will have to clean your carpet again using a spot cleaner. Just remember, any carpet has to be completely dry before placing it back onto its spot.
7. As a temporary cleaning solution, it is possible to use dry shampoo. Dry shampoo will just give your carpet a fresh smell, but won’t remove any dirt or pet fur. Dry shampoo also won’t be able to get rid of dirty spots. If you decide to use dry shampoo to temporarily refresh the carpet fibers, don’t forget to vacuum it afterward to remove any excess particles.
How often should I clean carpets?
It depends on several moments you have to consider. Firstly, how often do you walk over the area rug? Secondly, whether you have animals or not. If you have small kids, they can make your carpet dirty by spilling liquids or leaving Play-Doh stuck in the carpet’s fibers.
Usually you clean area rugs without water, using dry cleaning agents every half a year. If it gets dirty sooner, you have to respond fast and remove any dirt as soon as you can. Regular vacuuming every week will ensure the carpet stays clean at all times and doesn’t lose its appearance.
Remember to inspect carpets for the spots daily. If you see a stained area, use dry cleaning agents to get rid of it. The sooner you act, the better the result will be. Carpets can also be refreshed with dry shampoo. Keep this in mind.
Read also: Black Spots On Carpet, How To Clean Them Out?
FAQs
What carpet cleaners don’t use water?
Cleaning carpets with water isn’t always required. You can cope with most dirt spots just by using dry cleaning agents. Such methods won’t require you to dry your carpet for a long time.
They are fast and effective. Professional carpet cleaners have all the necessary cleaning equipment and know all the correct techniques to achieve the best result.
How Often Should I Clean My Area Rug without Using Water?
Vacuum your area rug every week to keep it in clean condition. It will remove all the loose dirt particles and dust. Check the area rug for stained spots. As you already know it is important to respond fast if you want to get rid of them completely.
Is it Possible to Remove Severe Stains and Odors with Waterless Cleaning Methods?
Absolutely! There are a few different options available. They all are quite effective. You should choose the one based on the amount of dirt and dirty spots on your carpet.
Also, you should check first what cleaning supplies are available for you in your household. Baking soda effectively removes all the bad smells. You sprinkle it on top of the carpet and vacuum it after a few hours.
Why Cleaning an Area Rug Without Water is Beneficial?
Cleaning area rugs without using water helps to keep them in good condition. You can handle all the stained spots delicately. There is an opportunity to try cleaning solutions on small areas first to ensure they won’t damage the fibers of the carpets.
Most of the time if there are no visible dirty spots, vacuuming weekly is sufficient to have a clean and refreshed carpet.
Is a Rug Ruined if It Gets Wet?
Not necessarily. It is important to let the rug dry completely before you can place it back on the floor. Air-dry it outside, then put it back on its spot and vacuum. Carpets that get laid back wet, are prone to forming mildew.
If that happens, it is going to be difficult to get rid of the smell and its remnants. Mildew can affect your health state, so it is important to not allow this to happen to your rugs.
How to make an effective cleaning solution?
The best cleaning solutions include white vinegar. It is effective in fighting dirt spots and removing bad smells. You mix it with warm water and apply on to the carpet using a spray-nozzled bottle. After leaving it for some time, you remove the remnants with a cloth.
Can all kinds of area rugs be cleaned without water?
You have to be careful with the rugs that have delicate fiber material. You never know how the rug is going to respond to different cleaning agents.
Always test the cleaning solution on a small area first and if there is no damage, you can clean the whole area using it. Remember to vacuum the carpet afterward.
Summary
As you now know, there are a lot of different cleaning methods that you can use for cleaning area rugs without water. You start by determining how dirty your area rug is and whether you will need to use any sort of carpet cleaner or dry cleaning agent. If there are no visible spots, vacuuming the carpet will be sufficient.
For large stained areas, it is best to use either a homemade cleaning mixture or a spot cleaner if you want to achieve a satisfying result. If you have tried everything, but your area rug is still dirty, call a professional cleaning company.
If this article helped you to clean your area rug, please share it with your friends and members of your family. If you still have questions left, contact us in the comment section below.
Read also our guide: How Long Should Carpet Smell After Cleaning
Hi, I’m Anna Jeffery, an experienced author and cleaning expert. I strive to share my knowledge with everyone by writing useful guides and tips to keep their living and working spaces clean and healthy. I believe everyone deserves to live in a clean and organized environment, and I take pride in knowing that my articles are helping people achieve that goal. Stay tuned for practical and useful cleaning tips!
