How do you clean an area rug without damaging hardwood floors? Learn how to clean an area rug on hardwood floor in this comprehensive guide.

How to Clean an Area Rug on Hardwood Floor in 5 Steps

Let’s look at the procedure for cleaning your area rug on a hardwood floor.

What You’ll Need

Before you start cleaning your area rug, you will need some basic supplies and equipment, such as:

A vacuum cleaner with a carpet beater bar attachment
A soft-bristled brush
A bucket and a sponge
A dishwashing liquid or a carpet shampoo
A baking soda or an oxygen-based bleach
A carpet stain remover
A steam cleaner or a pressure washer (optional)
A plastic tarp or sheeting
Some old towels or a fan

These items will help remove dirt, stains, and odors from your area rug without harming the hardwood floor. You can find most of them in your local grocery store or online.

1. Vacuum Away Dirt

The first step to cleaning your area rug is to vacuum away any loose dirt and dust from both sides of the rug. It will prevent the dirt from getting deeper into the fibers and damaging the carpet and the hardwood floor.

Take the rug outside and shake it well to remove any stubborn dirt. You should also vacuum or dry mop the hardwood floor under the carpet to remove any debris that could scratch the surface.

To vacuum your area rug, follow these steps:

Set your vacuum cleaner to the highest suction setting and attach the carpet beater bar.
Start from one corner of the rug and work across straight lines, slightly overlapping each stroke.
Flip the rug over and repeat the process on the other side.
Check for any remaining dirt or dust and vacuum again if needed.

2. Spot Clean Stains

If your area rug has any stains, you should treat them as soon as possible before they set in. To spot clean stains, you will need to place a plastic sheet under the affected area of the rug to protect the hardwood floor from moisture.

You can use a carpet stain remover or baking soda and water mixture for tougher stains. Always test the cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area of the rug first to ensure it does not damage the color or texture.

To spot clean stains, follow these steps:

Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm water in a spray bottle.
Spray the solution on the stain and let it sit for about 5 minutes.
Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the stain in a circular motion gently.
Blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel and rinse with cold water.
Repeat until the stain is gone, or use another method.

Use Sodium Bicarbonate to Remove Stains

Another way to remove stains from your area rug is to use sodium bicarbonate, also known as baking soda. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and stain remover that can help remove dirt and odors from your rug.

To use baking soda, follow these steps:

Sprinkle some baking soda on the stain and rub it gently with your fingers.
Let it sit for about 15 minutes or longer for tough stains.
Vacuum up the baking soda using a hose attachment.
Check if the stain is gone, or use another method.

3. How to Use Carpet Shampoo to Remove Dirt

If your area rug is dirty, you may need carpet shampoo to clean it. Carpet shampoo is a specially formulated detergent to help remove dirt, grease, and stains from your rug.

To use carpet shampoo, follow these steps:

Read the instructions on the carpet shampoo bottle and measure the amount of shampoo and water needed.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add the shampoo. Stir well to create a sudsy solution.
Place a plastic sheet under your rug to protect the hardwood floor, and move any furniture away from the rug.
Dip a sponge or a brush into the solution and wring out the excess water.
Apply the solution to your rug in sections, starting from one corner and moving across in straight lines.
Scrub the rug gently with the sponge or brush, paying attention to any stained or dirty areas.
Rinse the sponge or brush frequently and change the solution as needed.
Rinse the rug with clean water using a hose or a spray bottle.
Blot the rug with old towels to remove excess water.

4. Steam Cleaning Is The Fastest Way To Clean

Steam cleaning is one of the fastest and most effective ways to clean your area rug on the hardwood floor. It uses hot water and steam to loosen and remove dirt, bacteria, and allergens from your rug without using chemicals.

You will need a steam cleaner machine with a carpet attachment to clean your area rug. You can rent one from a local store or buy one online.

To use a steam cleaner, follow these steps:

Vacuum your area rug thoroughly to remove loose dirt and dust.
Fill the steam cleaner’s water tank with hot water according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Plug in the steam cleaner and turn it on. Wait for it to heat up and produce steam.
Place a plastic sheet under your rug to protect the hardwood floor, and move any furniture away from the mat.
Attach the carpet nozzle to the steam cleaner’s hose and adjust the pressure setting if needed.
Start from one corner of the rug and run the steam cleaner over it in straight lines, overlapping each stroke slightly.
Move slowly and evenly across the rug, ensuring not to overwet it or leave any dry spots.
Empty the dirty water tank as needed and refill it with fresh water.
Check for any remaining dirt or stains and repeat if required.

5. How to Pressure Wash an Area Rug

Another way to clean your area rug on the hardwood floor is to use a pressure washer. A pressure washer is a device that uses high-pressure water to blast away dirt and grime from various surfaces.

To use a pressure washer, follow these steps:

Vacuum your area rug thoroughly to remove loose dirt and dust.
Take your area rug outside and lay it flat on a clean surface, such as concrete or grass.
Connect the pressure washer to an outdoor faucet using a hose and plug it into an electrical outlet.
Turn on the water supply and the pressure washer. Wait for it to build up pressure and produce water spray.
Adjust the nozzle setting on the pressure washer according to the type and condition of your rug. Use a low-pressure setting for delicate rugs and a high-pressure setting for sturdy rugs.
Hold the nozzle about 12 inches from your rug’s surface and spray from one end to the other.

6. Air Dry the Area Rug

The final step to clean your area rug on hardwood floor is to dry it thoroughly. Drying your area rug is essential to prevent mold, mildew, and damage to the carpet and the hardwood floor. To dry your area rug, you can use one of the following methods:

Hang it outside in a sunny and breezy spot. Make sure to flip it over occasionally to dry both sides evenly.
Lay it flat on old towels or a plastic sheet and use a fan to speed up the drying process. You can also use a hair dryer or a dehumidifier to help remove the moisture.
Take it to a professional cleaner or a laundromat with a large dryer to accommodate your rug.

Whichever method you choose, check your rug for any dampness or odors before placing it back on the hardwood floor. You can also use a moisture meter or a hygrometer to measure the humidity level of your rug and the floor. Ideally, both humidity levels should be between 40% and 60%.

If your rug is still wet or smells musty, you may need to repeat the drying process or use another method. You can also sprinkle some baking soda on your rug and let it sit for a few hours to absorb any odors. Then, vacuum up the baking soda and enjoy your clean, fresh rug.

How Do You Clean an Area Rug Without Damaging Hardwood Floors?

To clean an area rug without damaging hardwood floors, you need to take some precautions and follow some tips, such as:

Always use a plastic sheet or tarp under your rug when cleaning it to prevent water or detergent from seeping through. Ensure the plastic sheet covers the entire area under the rug and extends beyond the rug’s edges.
Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach on your rug, which can cause discoloration or damage. Instead, use mild and natural cleaners, such as dishwashing liquid, baking soda, or vinegar.
Do not scrub or rub your rug too hard, as this can cause fraying or tearing of the fibers and damage.

Tips for Maintaining an Area Rug on Hardwood Floor

Rotate your rug regularly to prevent uneven wear and fading from sunlight exposure. You can rotate your rug every few months or whenever you notice signs of wear.
Avoid placing heavy furniture or objects on your area or Persian rug, as they can cause indentations or damage to the fibers. If you have to place furniture on your rug, use rug protectors.
Keep your rug away from sources of moisture, such as spills, leaks, or humidity. Moisture can cause mold, mildew, or rotting of your rug.
Use a rug pad under your rug to provide cushioning, prevent slipping, and protect the hardwood floor from scratches.
Clean your rug regularly according to its material and condition. Vacuuming, spot cleaning, and deep cleaning are some methods you can use.

I hope these tips are helpful for you. Check out our other helpful guides for more surface and carpet cleaning tips. Learn how Pressure washer surface cleaner works.

How to Clean an Area Rug on Hardwood Floor