Can you pressure wash a rug

Steps to Power Wash a Rug

Before starting the process of cleaning your rug, it is best to look at the rug’s tag for detailed instructions. The tag will tell you the rug’s material and how it is best clean. There are many other ways to clean a rug, so if pressure washing is not approved for your rug or may be too harsh on the fibers, you may still redeem your rug through other cleaning methods.

Vacuum Rug

• In order to get the best results with power washing your rug, it is vital to clean out any loose dirt and debris. You may shake out the rug, hang it over a washline and beat it, or remove large debris by hand. After that is done, vacuum your rug to ensure you have removed that excess debris and dirt you brought to the surface. 

Find a Location to Lay Out Your Rug

• Pressure washing should always be done in outdoor spaces, so you should find a large surface outside to place your rug on top of. That area should be as flat as possible and it should be cleaned before placing your rug on top of it to avoid picking up any dirt, rocks, and outdoor debris. 

Cleaning Solutions & Stain Removers

• Stains should be pretreated before using the powerwasher according to the tag’s label and directions. If the entire rug is dirty, then you may want to soak the entire surface in soapy water. That mixture may be sprayed onto the rug using a bottle sprayer or can be worked in with a bucket and rag.

Steps to Power Wash a Rug

Prepare the Power Washer

• Be sure that your power washer is set to go with plenty of water and proper flow to the hose. It’s best to try your washer on another item before using it on the rug to ensure it is in good working order and is equipped with all the essential components. The nozzle you use should be the least powerful tip to start with to avoid damaging the rug with too much pressure at once. 

Cleaning the Rug

• Keep the spray nozzle at least one foot away from the rug as you hold the pressure washer’s button. Cover the entire surface of the rug with a smooth, sweeping motion to thoroughly clean each area. Hold your nozzle at an angle of 24 to 40 degrees for optimal cleaning. If you do not feel confident cleaning the entire rug at once, try the sweeping motion over a more concentrated, smaller part of the rug. After the entire surface is cleaned, flip your rug over and clean the back. Then, reverse it and clean the surface once more in case any dirt was present on your outdoor surface. 

Drying the Rug

• Allowing your rug to fully dry is an essential part of the cleaning process. Your rug should be stored in a hygienic, dirt free location that is light and airy to ensure the fastest drying. Air drying the rug over a washline, set of chairs, or railing are three recommended methods for drying the entire rug and preventing it from growing mildew or mold. Drying the rug outside in the sun can also help get rid of any lingering odor and kill germs. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Power Washing Rugs

Can I power wash a wool rug?

Wool is a high quality material, but it is also too delicate to stand up to the pressure from a power washer. In order to clean stains out of a wool rug or clean it as a whole, read the tag’s care instructions and consider reading specific guides for your primary issue, such as a guide on getting dog pee out of rugs.

Can I power wash an indoor rug?

Indoor rugs made of synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester can stand up to the power of the pressure washer. However, other materials like wool, jute, sisal, and other natural fibers are often sensitive to excessive water or too much water pressure. 

Can I pressure wash an outdoor rug?

Outdoor rugs are specifically tailored to handle elements like water and heavy rain, so they are well equipped to stand up to power washers. However, be sure to still use the pressure washer on the lowest PSI to avoid damaging the rug.

Frequently Asked Questions (Continued)

How often should I pressure wash my rug?

Power washing is not necessary frequently and should be reserved for getting deep dirt and stains out of a large area of the rug. Other cleaning methods like spot cleaning should be used more frequently to remove stains as they appear. 

Can I dry my rug in the Dryer?

A power washed rug should not go in the dryer, since it will be absolutely drenched with water. A dryer also risks damaging the fibers of the rug, so it is often best to air dry a rug unless your rug’s tag specifically approves of it going in the dryer.