How to Clean a Rug with a Pressure Washer

Area rugs can really tie a room together, but they also seem to attract every bit of dirt, dust, and pet hair in the house. While vacuuming and spot cleaning help, sometimes you need a deeper clean to really refresh your rug.

That’s where a pressure washer comes in. Yes, you read that right your trusty pressure washer isn’t just for the driveway or siding.

It can also work wonders on area rugs. Here’s how you can use a pressure washer to bring your area rug back to life.

Why Pressure Wash Your Rug?

Before we dive into the how-to, let’s talk about why you might want to pressure wash your rug in the first place. Traditional cleaning methods can only do so much.

A pressure washer, on the other hand, gets deep into the fibers, blasting away dirt, allergens, and even those stubborn stains that just won’t budge with regular cleaning. It’s fast, effective, and can make your rug look almost new again.

Getting Ready to Clean

Choose the Right Pressure Washer:

Not all pressure washers are created equal, and you definitely don’t want to blast your delicate wool rug with the same pressure you’d use on your driveway.

Look for a pressure washer with adjustable settings, and aim for a PSI (pounds per square inch) between 500 and 1,500 depending on the rug’s material. The more delicate the rug, the lower the PSI you’ll want.

If you have a pressure washer that has a higher psi just be sure to stay

Gather Your Supplies:

You won’t need much just your pressure washer, a mild detergent (make sure it’s safe for rugs), a soft-bristle brush for pre-treating stains, and a spot outdoors where you can get a little messy.

Don’t forget your protective gear like gloves and goggles, especially if you’re using a detergent.

Check the Rug:

Before you go full steam ahead, take a minute to check your rug’s material and overall condition. Some rugs, like delicate silks or those with intricate designs, might not hold up well under pressure washing.

Test a small, hidden corner with your pressure washer on a low setting to see how it reacts.

(Optional): Check for colorfastness wet a small part of the rug and blot it with a white cloth to see if any dye comes off.

Pick the Perfect Spot:

You’ll want to do this outside, on a clean, hard surface like your driveway or deck. Make sure you have good drainage, as you’ll be using quite a bit of water. Lay the rug flat, and you’re ready to start cleaning.

The Cleaning Process

Pre-Treat Any Stains:

If your rug has any obvious stains, it’s a good idea to pre-treat them. Use a mild detergent or a rug-specific cleaner, apply it to the stain, and gently scrub with a soft-bristle brush.

Let it sit for a few minutes to break down the dirt before you start pressure washing.

Set Up Your Pressure Washer:

Connect your pressure washer to a water source, and make sure it’s set to a low pressure to start. You can always adjust it up if needed, but starting low helps prevent any accidental damage to your rug.

Wet the Rug:

Begin by wetting the entire rug. Hold the nozzle about a foot away from the surface and move it evenly across the rug.

The goal is to get it thoroughly wet without blasting it with too much pressure right off the bat.

If cleaning outside on grass make sure to wet vegetation around you the make sure the chemical cleaners give them harm.

Apply the Detergent:

If your pressure washer has a detergent attachment, now’s the time to use it. If not, you can mix your detergent in a spray bottle and apply it that way.

Coat the rug evenly, and let the detergent sit for a few minutes to really penetrate the fibers and loosen the dirt.

Pressure Wash the Rug:

Here’s where the magic happens. Start at one end of the rug and slowly work your way across, keeping the nozzle about 12-18 inches from the surface.

Use a sweeping motion, and make sure you cover every inch. If the rug is especially dirty, you can go over it a couple of times.

Avoid holding the nozzle in one spot for too long to prevent damage.

Rinse It Out:

Once you’ve washed the rug, it’s time to rinse. Switch your pressure washer to a clean water setting and rinse away all the detergent. Again, work in sections and make sure you rinse thoroughly.

Leftover soap can attract more dirt if it’s not completely removed

Drying and Post-Cleaning Care

Get Rid of Excess Water:

After rinsing, you’ll need to get as much water out of the rug as possible. You can use a squeegee to push the water out, or roll up the rug tightly to wring it out. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fibers.

Dry the Rug:

Lay the rug flat in a sunny spot if possible, or hang it up to dry. If you hang it, try to distribute the weight evenly to prevent stretching.

Drying can take a while, so be patient, but make sure it’s completely dry before bringing it back inside to avoid any mildew or odors.

Final Inspection:

Once your rug is dry, give it a good inspection. Check for any missed spots or stains that might need another round of treatment. If everything looks good, you’re done!

Tips for Keeping Your Rug Clean

Now that your rug is clean, you’ll want to keep it that way. Regular vacuuming is your best friend here, along with quick spot cleaning whenever spills happen.

A good rule of thumb is to pressure wash your rug once or twice a year, depending on how much traffic it sees.

Stubborn Stains:

If you have a stain that just won’t come out, even with pressure washing, you might need to try a specialized stain remover or consult a professional.

Avoiding Damage:

The key to avoiding damage is using the right pressure and detergent. If your rug shows any signs of damage, stop immediately and reassess your cleaning method.

Always start with a lower pressure and a gentle detergent, and test a small area first.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning an area rug with a pressure washer might seem a bit unconventional, but it’s an incredibly effective way to get a deep, thorough clean.

With the right approach, you can rejuvenate your rug and keep it looking fresh for years to come.

Grab your pressure washer, and give it a try you might be surprised at just how well it works!

Happy cleaning!

Trust The Professionals at A&M Spotless today. For any house washing grime, give us a call at (484.255.4478). GET YOUR FREE QUOTE TODAY!!!