How to do Rug cleaning in 9 Steps – Costs and Prices From the Experts

Keeping your rugs and carpets clean not only makes your home look nicer, but it also helps remove allergens and extend the life of your floor coverings. However, professional rug and carpet cleaning can be expensive, especially if you have large or numerous rugs. This article will walk you through a 9 step process to clean rugs yourself to save money, along with average price information for professional services.

At Vip Carpet Cleaning London, our trained technicians use industry-leading equipment and eco-friendly solutions to deep clean your rugs and upholstery. We are happy to provide free quotes for residential and commercial customers in the London area. Keep reading for DIY cleaning tips or contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our carpet cleaning experts!

Step 1: Vacuum Thoroughly

Use a vacuum cleaner with an adjustable wand and hose attachment to remove loose dirt and debris from the entire surface of the rug. Vacuum both sides if possible. Vacuuming first will make the rest of the cleaning process more effective.

Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes

Step 2: Mix Cleaning Solution

Fill a bucket with warm water and add an approved rug cleaning solution, following label directions for dilution. For light cleaning, some distilled white vinegar can be used instead. Swish the solution to mix it.

Estimated Time: 3 minutes

Supplies Needed: Bucket, cleaning solution, water

Step 3: Spot Clean Stains

Use a clean white cloth to blot liquid stains. For mud or dirt, allow the stain to dry and vacuum up any residues. Apply a small amount of cleaning solution directly onto tough food, grease or pet stains. Gently blot the area with a damp sponge, working from the edges toward the center. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain.

Estimated Time: 10-15 minutes

Supplies Needed: Cleaning solution, sponges, white cloth

Step 4: Scrub All Sides

Dip a stiff brush in the cleaning solution and scrub all sides of the rug. Focus on high traffic areas. For best results, move the rug outdoors or onto a tarp for cleaning if possible. Always test solutions on a small hidden area of the rug first to check for colorfastness.

Estimated Time: 10-20 minutes

Supplies Needed: Stiff brush, cleaning solution

Step 5: Rinse

Use a garden hose or bucket of clean water to rinse away all residue. For indoor cleaning, place extra towels under rug edges to absorb excess moisture. Work in sections and blot with clean towels as you go. Thorough rinsing is key to avoiding future staining or accelerated re-soiling of the rug.

Estimated Time: 15 minutes Supplies Needed: Water hose or buckets of clean water, old towels

Step 6: Extract Remaining Water

For indoor cleaning, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to extract rinse water from the rug, moving slowly across the surface. A carpet cleaning machine can also be used if available. Allow the rug to air dry completely before using or placing furniture on it.

Estimated Time: 15 minutes Supplies Needed: Wet/dry shop vacuum and/or carpet cleaner machine

Step 7: Speed Dry With Fans

Indoors, set up fans or air movers around the rug to speed drying time. Never place a wet rug back into service or re-install floor moldings until the rug is completely dry to avoid mold, mildew and shrinkage issues. Outdoors, allow the bright sun to naturally dry things out.

Estimated Time: 4-12 hours

Step 8: Brush Pile When Dry

Once fully dry, use a soft bristle hand brush or plastic comb to fluff and restore the natural pile of the rug. Brush against the natural grain direction first to loosen fibers, then brush in the direction of the pile to restore it. This achieves a freshly cleaned look.

Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes Supplies Needed: Soft brush or plastic comb

Step 9: Schedule Professional Cleaning

For periodic deep cleaning, professional hot water extraction is recommended every 12-24 months for wall-to-wall carpeting and high traffic area rugs. Upholstery and delicate area rugs may require specialized solvent-based cleaning methods.

Contact Vip Carpet Cleaning London today at 02080503535 for a free quote on making your rugs look their best! Our rug cleaning prices start from £79 per average sized rug.

The Bottom Line on DIY Rug Cleaning With some basic supplies and elbow grease, you can effectively clean small to medium sized rugs on your own to save money. However, leaving the deeper cleaning for the professionals using truck mounted systems can really extend the life of your carpets and rugs while removing more dirt, bacteria, pollen and dust.

Our rug carpet cleaning prices are very competitive, with no hidden fees and free quotes. As members of the National Carpet Cleaners Association, Vip Carpet Cleaning London follows industry best practices for quality assurance. Contact us today to schedule cost effective rug cleaning services in the London area!