How To Clean An Area Rug With A Water Hose

Are you thinking about tackling spring cleaning? One task that you can easily handle yourself is cleaning your area rug. Say goodbye to expensive professional services because today we’ll show you how to clean your area rug at home with a water hose, right in the convenience of your own driveway.

I have a very large sisal area rug in my living room. In the past I have called professionals out to clean it. When the last professional laid it out in my driveway and cleaned it, I obviously thought, “Geeze, I could have done that.” So, that’s what I do now.

Let’s start with the process. Whether you have a large sisal area rug or any other type of rug, this method works wonders. Follow these simple steps to achieve a fresh and rejuvenated rug:

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Step 1: Prepare a Suitable Outdoor Space

Begin by preparing a suitable outdoor area for cleaning your rug. This might be the most challenging step, but with a little effort, you’ll have the perfect space. Clear the surrounding furniture to create enough room for the rug. Roll up the rug and carefully drag it outside. In the past, I’ve found two excellent options: placing it on top of iron chairs on the pool deck or laying it out in the driveway. Both options have their advantages.

Option 1: Iron Chairs on the Pool Deck

If you have access to iron chairs on your pool deck, this can be a convenient choice. By placing the rug on top of the chairs, you can easily access both sides. This setup allows for efficient cleaning as you can spray the backside of the rug from underneath. Additionally, the enhanced air circulation promotes faster drying.

Option 2: Driveway Convenience

If you don’t have iron chairs, don’t worry! The driveway works just as well. Lay the rug flat on the driveway surface, ensuring it’s fully extended. This setup provides ample space for maneuvering and cleaning the rug effectively. The driveway’s solid and flat surface allows for easy rinsing and ensures proper drainage.

Choose the option that best suits your available resources and preferences. Whether it’s the iron chairs on the pool deck or the convenient driveway, both options will enable you to clean your rug at home with ease. Let’s move on to the next step to ensure your rug receives a thorough and refreshing clean.

Step 2: Thorough Rinse

With the rug laid out flat on the driveway, it’s time to give it a thorough rinse. Using your water hose with a jet setting, spray the rug from top to bottom, ensuring you cover the entire surface. This rinsing step is essential to remove any residual cleaner or dirt that may have accumulated over time. Pay extra attention to areas that you previously spot cleaned to ensure thorough cleaning and freshening.

Step 3: Choosing the Right Soap for How To Clean an Area Rug at Home

Many people were curious about the soap I use when I shared this process on Instagram. My go-to choice is usually Dawn dish soap, although other dishwashing soaps can work as well. I typically use a large bottle and squirt it directly onto the rug, distributing it evenly across the surface. At this stage, you have a couple of options for cleaning. Be sure to check out my video below where I show you exactly how to clean an area rug at home with a water hose.

Option 1: Scrub with a Large Broom

One effective method is to use a large broom to gently scrub the soap into the rug. This helps to agitate the fibers and work the soap into any stains or dirt present. Use gentle, sweeping motions to avoid damaging the rug. Ensure you cover the entire rug, paying attention to high-traffic areas or spots that require extra cleaning.

Option 2: Let it Sit

Alternatively, you can allow the soap to sit on the rug for a while. This gives the soap time to penetrate the fibers and break down any dirt or grime. Letting it sit also enhances the soap’s cleaning power, ensuring a more thorough and effective cleaning process. The amount of time you let it sit can vary depending on the rug’s condition and the level of dirtiness.

Choose the cleaning method that suits your preferences and the rug’s needs. Both options can deliver excellent results when combined with the following steps. Let’s continue to the next stage of this DIY rug cleaning process for a truly refreshed and revitalized rug.

Step 4: Thorough Rinse

Once the soap has been applied and scrubbed, it’s crucial to rinse the rug thoroughly to remove all traces of soap. This step may require several passes with the water hose to ensure complete rinsing. Take your time and make sure you cover every inch of the rug, paying special attention to areas that may have more soap residue. This final rinse is essential to leave your rug fresh, clean, and free of any soapy residue. The last time I did this, I spent about 20 to 30 minutes on the whole process and the majority of the time was on the final rinse.

Step 5: Efficient Drying

After the thorough rinsing, it’s time to let your rug dry. If possible, find a surface or prop that allows air to circulate beneath the rug. This can expedite the drying process. In my experience, leaving the rug in the driveway is a great option. On a cloudy day, my sisal rug typically dries within about four hours. However, if you can choose a bright and sunny day, the drying time will be even shorter, thanks to the sun’s natural warmth and airflow.

Remember, drying times may vary depending on the type of rug and weather conditions. Be patient and ensure the rug is completely dry before bringing it back inside.

By following these steps, you can confidently clean your area rug at home using a water hose and achieve professional-level results. This cost-effective method saves you money while allowing you to take pride in maintaining a clean and refreshed living space.

For more cleaning tips and home improvement ideas, be sure to subscribe to our blog and stay tuned for upcoming articles. Happy cleaning!

This is really the easiest cleaning hack. I will never again pay a professional rug cleaner.

Say goodbye to expensive professional rug cleaners! Cleaning your area rug with a water hose is the ultimate cleaning hack you need to try. Not only is it incredibly easy, but it also saves you money. Why pay for professional services when you can achieve the same results at home?

With just a few simple steps, you can effectively clean your area rug at home and enjoy a fresh and revitalized living space. No need to call in the professionals anymore – take charge of your rug cleaning with this cost-effective DIY method. Say hello to a clean and refreshed area rug without breaking the bank!