How to wash rugs at home: doormats, living room rugs and bath mats

Quick answer: most small rugs (doormats, bath mats) can be machine washed on a gentle, cool programme if the label allows; don’t tumble dry hot if they have a rubber backing. For large living room rugs: vacuum both sides thoroughly, spot clean stains, scrub gently with diluted laundry liquid, then wipe with a damp cloth. Most important of all: dry them completely, because damp rugs smell.

Before washing: get the dust out

• Shake the rug outside or beat it gently to loosen dust and grit.
• Vacuum both sides, especially thick rugs.
• Dust and sand left in a rug turn to mud with water, making it harder to clean and dirtying the drum.

Doormats and bath mats (small rugs)

1. Check the label: machine washable or not, maximum water temperature.
2. Wash separately, not with clothes.
3. Choose a gentle programme, cool water, a moderate dose of laundry liquid, and an extra rinse.
4. Spin at low or medium speed.
5. Rugs with rubber or non-slip backing: no hot tumble drying and no long hours in strong sun, as the backing can crack and peel.

Bath mats are always damp, so wash them every week or two.

Large living room rugs

Large rugs don’t fit most home washing machines. Clean them in place:

1. Vacuum thoroughly on both sides.
2. Dilute laundry liquid in cool water in a bucket.
3. Test on a hidden corner for colour run.
4. With a soft brush or cloth dipped in the solution, scrub gently in the direction of the pile, one small area at a time.
5. Wipe several times with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove the detergent so the rug doesn’t feel stiff or sticky.
6. Blot excess water with a dry towel, then dry.

For wool rugs, thick shag rugs, handmade or very large rugs, use a laundry service to avoid shrinking or fading.

Treating stains on rugs

• Blot, don’t scrub: use a clean cloth and blot from the outside in so the stain doesn’t spread.
• Drinks and sauces: blot dry, dab with diluted laundry liquid, wait a few minutes, then blot with a damp cloth.
• Grease: dab a little laundry liquid directly on the stain, wait a few minutes, wipe several times with a damp cloth.
• Mud: let it dry completely, brush and vacuum first, then dampen.

Drying: the step that decides whether rugs smell

• Dry somewhere airy, laid flat or hung over a railing or rail.
• Turn the rug over after a few hours so both sides dry.
• Check the backing and middle layer before putting it back: thick rugs can feel dry on top but still be damp inside.
• In humid weather, wait for a dry day before washing large rugs.

The floor under the rug

While the rug is rolled up, mop underneath: fine dust collects there. Dilute floor cleaner correctly, such as SPY Floor Cleaner, and wait until the floor is completely dry before laying the rug back. See: Sticky floors after mopping

How often to wash rugs

• Doormats and bath mats: every 1–2 weeks.
• Living room and bedroom rugs: vacuum weekly, deep clean every few months or when they smell.
• The deep clean before Tet is a good time for large rugs. See: Deep cleaning checklist before Tet

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