Step One: Vacuum the Rug The first step is to vacuum the rug. Be sure to use the beater bar or upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner, as this will help remove any dirt and debris that may be embedded in the fibers of the rug.. Step Two: Soak Up Spills with a Cloth If there are any spills on the rug, soak them up with a cloth using warm water and mild detergent or dish soap.. What You'll Need . To clean most rug types, you'll need a vacuum (non-rotatory options are preferred to limit carpet damage) to remove debris, white cotton towels to absorb liquid spills, and baking soda to prevent stains from setting, says Mary Gagliardi, Clorox's in-house scientist and cleaning expert. Have paper towels, mild detergents (like watered-down dish soap), and clean water on hand.
Deep-Clean the Rug (Optional) Wool rugs with extensive stains or large areas of dinginess from foot traffic should be given an all-over deep clean. This can be done using a carpet cleaning machine or by hand using the method outlined in the step-by-step instructions below.. Cleaning your wool rugs with proper materials is essential to preserving their color and keeping them fresh. Even though wool might be naturally antimicrobial, debris can build up on your rugs without regular cleaning, resulting in mold, damage, and discoloration. Proper cleaning ensures the colors remain vibrant and the fibers stay strong.