Plug the vacuum, turn it on, sweep it around, and you are done cleaning your rug! Yes, using a vacuum to clean the rugs thoroughly is without a doubt an effective way. But not the only way indeed. Check out this article to know how to clean a rug without a vacuum cleaner.
You may not be thinking about investing in a vacuum machine, or your machine broke down and now you need to find other ways or simply you are not in the vacuum machine fan club. Whatever, the reason it is, let me tell you there are many more options out there to get your rug or carpet spotless.
How To Clean A Rug Without A Vacuum
Dry Cleaning Methods
Here are ways for you to checkout, if you want to do it all by hand.
Using Broom and Dustpan
A broom, dustpan, and your hands will remove dirt and debris from carpets. The broom’s bristles must be stiff to effectively loosen and lift away the dirt from the rug. You can use a small dustpan or one with a handle to reduce the need to bend. Use short and quick strokes while using the broom.
Shake the Rugs
If your rug is small and can be lifted easily by hand, then it is a good option. Lift the rug and take it outside. With all force, shake the rug until you see rarely any dust is flying out from the rug anymore. Also, be aware the wind is not blowing hard.
Rub with Brush
Choose them wisely. The type of fiber in your rug decides which type of brush might be effective. Stiffer bristles are better for short fiber carpets. Soft synthetic bristles won’t have enough power to push dirt off. A brush with metal teeth is good for faux fur rugs or very fine carpets. Be careful though as it may damage and separate a delicate weave. Start at the top and work your way down the surface of the carpet pile using short, quick strokes.
Using Packaging Tape or Lint Roller
This method is useful to pick up any fur, hair, or other delicate, light things. The light adhesiveness can pick up stuff that you can’t easily do by hand. Cut out a few inches of tape and press it to the carpet to pick up loose hair, fur, or dirt. Discard the tape strip when its stickiness is gone and cut off a new piece. This is a time-consuming method. But if you want to avoid any washing task this can help you to get rid of finer dust. If you want something easier to use or more convenient, you can use a lint roller, this acts the same way.
Using a Rug Beater
This method is used for heavier rugs. Take the rug outside and hang it on a clothesline or fence. Beat with the beater as hard as you can. You will see a good amount of dirt flying out. Be sure to beat both sides of the rug. This method is better to do on a sunny day. You can also use old sturdy rackets as the beater.
Baking Soda
Sprinkle some baking soda on the rug. Let it sit for some hours. It will dry out dampness, also will kill pathogens and cancel out any odor. After some hours, take the rug outside and shake the baking soda away.
Wet Cleaning Methods
Before you try to give your rug a deep cleaning by washing them, check if the manufacturer provides any cautions to follow or even recommend washing it. Once you figure these facts out, then go ahead to wash the carpets or rugs.
Steam Mopping
To sanitize carpet steam mop is a convenient option. Steam mops use only water, no other chemical is needed. The steam vapor can kill pathogens and germs within some seconds. Steam mops can also kill dust mites due to the heat of the water vapor they emit. You can also count on them to kill adult and larval fleas, plus some of their eggs. Since the water vapor reaches high temperatures of around 55 degrees Celsius, direct contact may damage the carpet. In that case, you might need to buy a carpet glider for the steam mop.
Fill your steam mop with water. Plug it in and wait for it to heat up and release steam. Attach a plastic clip on the mop head. This way, the steam is evenly spread out canceling the chance to heat damaging the carpet. Then just glide the mop over the rug.
Spot Cleaning
Before you go washing the whole rug, first remove any significant stain.
- Sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and spray it with water. Leave it to sit on the stain for around three hours. Then you can brush it away. If it’s a fresh spill, blot it and dab to remove the baking soda, don’t rub or scrub at it. This can make stains worse
- Use diluted hydrogen peroxide for saliva, urine, or other bodily liquid stains.
- Pour club soda into a rag and dab on the affected area for stains from alcohol, beers, or wines.
Washing the Rug
For washing, detergents can be used. Alternatively, the homemade natural option works well as well. Castile soap can be another option.
Fill the bucket with water and put a few drops of soap in to make some bubbles. Wring out any excess water so you don’t saturate the carpet.
For a natural home remedy instead of dish soap, combine baking soda and vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda on sections of the carpet, spray enough vinegar to make it foamy, then sop it up with paper towels.
Some fabrics may react to vinegar differently. So before using vinegar (or any wet cleaning solutions), be sure to test out small portions first to see if there are adverse effects.
Let the rug dry out but don’t over-dry them. Don’t dry the rugs under the bright sun, some fabrics may get discolored.
Conclusion
You can indeed clean your rug thoroughly without using a vacuum machine. Following the right steps for the specific type of rug you have, will take you a long way while it comes to making them spotless.
Hopefully, this article helped you to clean the rug without a vacuum cleaner.
