In olden times, homemakers and housekeepers used to haul their rugs outdoors, throw them over a sturdy rope hung horizontally and beat them with a device that looked like a tennis racket. All the dirt and dust would then blow away in the wind.
Airing anything outside also makes for naturally fresher and cleaner smelling textiles.
Ideally, it’d be great to pull out your area rugs and allow them to freshen up and get some sunshine on a warm day.
But what if you can’t do that?
Well, there are some other methods you could try! Here are three natural options for deep cleaning your area rugs:
1. Baking Soda + Vinegar Method
This method is great for odor & light stains
Sprinkle baking soda generously over the rug. Let it sit for 30-60 minutes to absorb odors and loosen dirt.
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz over the baking soda, being sure not to oversaturate.
Use a soft brush or cloth to work the mixture into the fibers.
Let it dry completely, then vacuum up the residue!
2. Castile Soap + Warm Water
This provide a gentle & non-toxic cleaner
Mix 1 teaspoon of Castile soap with 1 quart of warm water in a bucket.
Dip a soft brush or sponge in the solution and scrub the rug in circular motions.
Wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap residue.
Let the rug air dry completely before putting it back in place!
3. Hydrogen Peroxide + Dish Soap
This method is fabulous for stains & disinfecting
Mix 1 cup of hydrogen peroxide with a few drops of natural dish soap.
Apply the mixture to stained or soiled areas and scrub gently with a soft brush.
Let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean, damp cloth.
Allow the rug to air dry.
The other nice thing about utilizing these methods with these ingredients is that they are probably the same ingredients our great-grandmothers used. You know, back before organic and natural was the trendy thing to be. I’m a huge believer in going back to those basics.
Now that we’ve got our area rugs deep cleaned, how do we keep them that way longer in between deep cleanings?
I’m glad you asked, because here are some tips for drying your rug properly and preventing buildup between deep cleans:
Proper Drying Tips:
Blot excess moisture with a clean towel after scrubbing to speed up drying.
Air dry outdoors if possible, draping the rug over a railing or drying rack in the sun to kill bacteria and prevent mold.
If drying indoors, place a fan nearby or use a dehumidifier to circulate air.
Avoid putting the rug back in place until it’s completely dry to prevent mildew.
Preventing Dirt & Buildup Between Deep Cleans:
Vacuum regularly (at least once a week) to remove dust, pet hair, and dirt before they settle in.
Use a natural carpet refresher by sprinkling baking soda over the rug, letting it sit for 15-20 minutes, then vacuuming it up.
Rotate your rug every few months to prevent uneven wear and dirt accumulation in high-traffic areas.
Spot clean spills immediately with a simple mix of water and mild dish soap to prevent stains from setting.
Utilizing these methods will definitely help you to lovingly steward your area rugs well! And isn’t that part of what homemaking is all about? Taking pride in the care and maintenance of the things in your possession that are your responsibility. It’s a small thing, maybe even overlooked because of how mundane it is, but it’s one of those tiny things that, I believe, add up to something important in the end.
