Can You Use a Carpet Cleaner on an Area Rug?

Rug Materials You Can Use Carpet Cleaner On

Rugs made of these materials can often benefit from a carpet cleaner thanks to their synthetic fibers and strong construction. Some of these rugs may even be labeled as machine washable, so you can treat the rug that way or through a carpet cleaner. Even with these approved cleaning methods, it is vital to choose a rug or carpet cleaner detergent that is safe for synthetic fibers and consult the rug tag for any specific formulas/cleaners to avoid. 

Polypropylene

• Polypropylene is one of the most durable synthetic materials on the market. It is frequently recommended for outdoor spaces thanks to being stain-resistant and resistant to moisture. They are easy to vacuum to remove debris and simple to spot clean since the material does not easily stain or take damage from soaps. With that in mind, these rugs can be cleaned with many different carpet shampoos and rug shampoos without much worry of damage. Be sure to still check the rug’s tag for any formulas or cleaners to avoid..

Vinyl

• Vinyl rugs are frequently used in high traffic spaces like kitchens, entryways, and outdoor spaces. They are incredibly robust and easy to clean since they are mats with no pile. Plus, they are highly difficult to stain with any daily spills or messes. Because of that, vinyl rugs can easily be cleaned with a carpet cleaner and rug shampoo. 

Rug Materials You Can Use Carpet Cleaner On (Continued)

Polyester

• Like the two options listed above, polyester is another rug material that is popular for its stain resistance and ease of cleaning. One key difference with polyester area rugs is that they can be stained more easily by oil-based liquids like mud or skin oil. However, thanks to their comfort, low price, easy cleaning, and style, these rugs can be used in high traffic rooms throughout the home. They can also be cleaned with carpet cleaners and approved shampoos.

Acrylic

• Acrylic is another synthetic material that is commonly used in indoor rugs. Acrylic rugs are known for their low maintenance and easy cleaning methods. Regular vacuuming is enough to maintain these rugs, but on the occasion where you do need a deep cleaning, carpet cleaners are an approved cleaning method. Be sure to avoid some common household cleaners and cleaning tools like bleach and washing machines, since these methods can damage or discolor acrylic rugs.

Rug Materials to Avoid Using Carpet Cleaner On

These rugs are not approved for rug cleaners and carpet cleaners. Their natural materials are often more susceptible to absorbing water, which can cause the fibers to deteriorate and increase the likelihood of mold. Here are some rugs to avoid using the carpet cleaner on and why to use a different cleaning method. 

Wool

• Wool is a strong natural fiber, but that does not mean it can be cleaned with a carpet cleaner. When they’re cleaned with hot or warm water, the water can cause the natural dyes of the rug to run and ruin the rug’s beautiful pattern. Plus, the pressure of the washer and going against the rug fibers’ grain with the cleaner will cause the fibers to rip and fray more easily. 

Cotton

• Cotton rugs can be spot cleaned with water, but most should not be fully cleaned with the carpet cleaner. Not only does the machine’s pressure washing risk damaging the fibers, but the colors may run. Machine washable cotton rugs can be cleaned with a carpet cleaner as long as the detergent is carefully chosen and the cleaning is done very gently. 

Rug Materials to Avoid Using Carpet Cleaner On (continued)

Jute and Sisal

• Jute and sisal are two rugs that absolutely should not be cleaned with carpet cleaner. Limited moisture is recommended for spot cleaning, but even then, it must be done intentionally and with the proper cleaners. These materials each absorb water and retrain it, potentially causing mold and mildew to grow in the rug and destroy it. 

Shag Rugs

• There are views that say shag rugs are carpet cleaner approved, but others advise not using a carpet cleaner on these rugs. Our conclusion is to err on the side of caution and not use the carpet cleaner. The detergent and shampoos may not damage the rug, but the cleaner itself can damage the delicate fibers and make the rug look matted and worn.

Persian Rugs

• Persian rugs are highly sensitive to different shampoos and cleaning chemicals. The dyes used in both Persian and Oriental rugs are different from synthetic dyes, and these dyes run more easily when exposed to hot water and certain cleaners.