Rugs bring warmth, style, and personality to your home, but over time they endure foot traffic, spills, pets, and dirt. Proper care ensures your rug looks great and lasts for years. Here’s a comprehensive guide tailored for South African homes, using locally available products and methods to clean and maintain your rugs.
Always read the care label on your rug. Antique, Persian, and other delicate rugs require specialised care—leave these to professional rug cleaners to preserve their beauty.
Frequent vacuuming and spot cleaning can keep most rugs looking fresh. However, if your rug appears dull, has odours, or visible stains, it’s time for a deeper clean.
Take the rug outside and shake it vigorously to remove dust and loose dirt. For longer pile rugs, hang them up and beat them gently with a broom.
Vacuum both sides of the rug to eliminate remaining debris.
For synthetic or durable fibre rugs:
Place the rug on a clean, flat surface (avoid grass to prevent soap damage to plants).
Mix lukewarm water with a mild detergent like Woolite Handwash Liquid Detergent or a local rug cleaner.
Test the mixture on a small, hidden corner to check for colourfastness.
Use a soft-bristle brush to gently scrub the rug, working in small sections.
Rinse thoroughly using a hose or buckets of water until the water runs clear.
Roll the rug to remove excess water and lay it flat to dry in a well-ventilated space. Flip the rug to dry the underside.
Pro Tip: Dry the rug quickly to avoid mould—South Africa’s sunny weather can help!
For rugs that can’t handle excessive moisture:
Rent or purchase a steam cleaner (available locally at hardware or appliance stores).
Vacuum the rug thoroughly before steaming.
Add lukewarm water and a minimal amount of detergent to the cleaner (follow instructions).
Steam the rug in straight lines, starting at one end and working backward.
Let the rug air dry completely before use.
For outdoor or heavily soiled synthetic rugs:
Lay the rug flat on a driveway or tiled surface.
Use cool water with a pressure washer, moving in small sections.
Ensure thorough drying before bringing the rug indoors.
Note: Avoid pressure washing natural fibre rugs like jute or sisal.
For large synthetic rugs:
Vacuum the rug thoroughly on both sides.
Use a carpet cleaner with water and a South African-approved rug shampoo, such as Vanish Carpet Cleaner. (follow manufacturers instructions) Work in straight lines, ensuring even cleaning.
Speed up drying by placing the rug in a breezy area or using fans.
Use mild detergent like Woolite Handwash Liquid Detergent and lukewarm water.
Avoid harsh “oxy” cleaners—they may damage fibres or colours.
Blot spills gently—never rub.
Safe to use mild detergents or oxygen-based cleaners.
Avoid using laundry detergents as they leave residue.
Use minimal water and a neutral detergent. Dry quickly to prevent fibre damage.
Only clean with professional dry-cleaning services.
For spills with strong colours, sprinkle salt or bicarbonate of soda to absorb stains before cleaning.
Neutralise pet odours with a mix of 1 cup Borax and 2 cups maize meal—leave for an hour, then vacuum.
Use your vacuum’s suction-only setting to avoid damaging rug fibres.
Looking for an easier solution? Explore Woven Bliss’s washable rugs, designed for effortless cleaning and perfect for busy South African households.
For personalised advice or more details, contact us at info@wovenbliss.co.za. Transform your space with beautifully
maintained rugs that stand the test of time!
