Cleaning an area rug with a pressure washer can be a daunting task. But if done correctly, the rug cleaning process can be a quick and easy way to get your rug looking like new again! In this blog post, we will walk you through the process of how to deep clean an area rug with a pressure washer.
We will give you tips on where to wash the rug, what supplies you need, and how to prep the area for cleaning rugs. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about power washing area rugs. So read on for all the information you need to know on how to clean your area rug using a pressure washer!
How to Pressure Wash an Area Rug: Step by Step
Step 1: Choose the Right Location to Pressure Wash an Area Rug
Pressure Washing Outdoors
The first step in pressure washing an area rug is to pick the right location. Ideally, the best location to use a pressure washer on an area rug is outside. Outdoor cleaning will allow the rug to dry quickly and prevent any water damage to your home.
If you are pressure washing an area rug outside, be sure to keep the rug away from any mud or grass. Pressure washing can cause dirt and debris to splatter, and you don’t want any getting on your rug or any surrounding surfaces.
Pressure Washing Indoors
If you don’t have an outdoor space that is large enough to accommodate your rug, you can also wash area rugs on a garage floor, on a concrete floor, or in a basement. You want to choose a spot that is well-ventilated and away from any furniture or walls, if possible. Be sure to open up all the doors and windows in the room to ensure proper ventilation.
Step 2: Gather the Right Supplies to Clean an Area Rug with a Pressure Washer
The next step is to gather the supplies you need for pressure washing your area rug. You will need a pressure washer, a bucket, a hose, and a cleaning solution. If you are using an outdoor space to wash your rug, be sure to bring along a water source (like a garden hose) so that you can give the rug a final rinse to remove any dirty water.
Choosing the Right Pressure Washer
When picking a pressure washer, you want to choose one that is powerful enough to clean your rug but not so powerful that it will damage the fibers. This will depend on the type of rug you have, how old it is, and how delicate it is.
A good rule of thumb is to start with low pressure and carefully increase the pressure until the pressure washer reaches an effective level. Higher degree nozzles will be your friend for this job.
What Cleaning Solution to Use
As for the cleaning solution, you can either use a store-bought cleaner or make your own using water and dish soap. If you are making your solution, be sure to mix it in a bucket before adding it to the pressure washer. This will help avoid any spills.
You can either put the cleaning product directly into the pressure washer’s soap tank. Or if your pressure washer doesn’t have a soap tank, you can apply it directly to the rug.
Step 3: Remove Loose Dirt and Stains Before Pressure Washing
Removing Easy Debris
The next step is to prep your area rug for pressure washing. This includes removing any loose dirt, debris, and stains from the surface of the rug. You can do this by scrubbing the rug’s surface with a soft bristle brush or cotton cloth, vacuuming the rug, or flipping the entire rug upside down to shake loose dirt and debris.
Using Stain Remover
Be sure to remove as much debris as possible before you being to wash an area rug. If the rug has any stubborn stains, you can try to treat them with a stain remover before using the pressure washer.
Just be sure to read the directions on the stain remover carefully so that you don’t damage the rug’s fibers. Some rugs that are particularly old or fragile could be harmed by stain remover. In this case, it is best to just focus on removing the debris and leave the tough stains for another day.
Step 4: Set up Pressure Washer to Clean Area Rug
Start by connecting the pressure washer to a water source and filling the soap tank. Next, connect a high degree (usually black) nozzle and test it on an inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure it is not too powerful. You don’t want to damage the fibers of your rug with high pressure.
Always follow the cleaning instructions of the pressure washer you are using, and research the proper way to treat whatever type of fabric makes up your area rug.
Step 5: Use Pressure Washer to Clean Area Rug
Once you have found the right water pressure, start pressure washing the rug, moving the wand back and forth across the surface of the rug. Be sure to keep the nozzle of the pressure washer about 18 inches away from the rug so that you don’t damage it with too much water force. Do not use hot water.
Try not to step on the area rug while you are washing it, which can create marks on the rug. This can be particularly difficult if you are washing a larger rug, so be careful.
Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Area Rug After Pressure Washing
Rinse the Rug Thoroughly
After you are done pressure washing the area rug, consider rinsing it off if there is a lot of cleaning solution remaining. This will help avoid any staining on the surface of the rug. You may also consider washing the underside of the area rug at this time.
Allow the Rug to Dry
Once the rug has been pressure washed, allow it to completely dry. How long this will take depends on the size and material of the rug, but it can usually be accomplished within a day or two. If the rug is small enough, try ringing it out.
The sun can be a powerful tool when it comes to drying an area rug. If possible, place the rug in a sunny spot to speed up the drying process. Lay the rug flat during this time to avoid creases.
FAQ About How to Clean an Area Rug with Pressure Washer
Q: Can I use a pressure washer on my area rug if it is made of delicate fibers, like a wool rug?
A: You should always consult the manufacturer’s instructions before pressure washing an area rug. In general, it is best to avoid using a pressure washer on delicate or fragile fibers, such as wool rugs and expensive rugs. The high-pressure stream of water can damage these fibers and ruin wool rugs or Persian rugs.
Not all rugs are pressure washable.
Q: What type of detergent should I use when pressure washing to clean an area rug?
A: You can use a variety of different detergents to pressure wash and clean an area rug. However, it is best to avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the fibers when rug cleaning. Instead, opt for mild dish soap or laundry detergent. Read the directions on the detergent carefully before use.
Q: How often should I use a pressure washer on my area rug?
A: The frequency with which you should pressure wash your area rug depends on multiple factors, including the type of rug, regular vacuuming, the amount of traffic it gets, and how dirty it becomes. In general, however, it is a good idea to give your area rug a good washing every six months to a year.
Q: What temperature should the water be that I use to pressure wash an area rug?
A: The temperature of the water you use when cleaning rugs is not as important as the pressure of the stream. However, in general, it is best to avoid using very hot or very cold water on your rug. Always follow cleaning instructions. Lukewarm water is usually best. This is why power washing with hot water may not be the best cleaning process for rug cleaning.
Q: Can I dry my area rug in the dryer?
A: It is not recommended that you dry your area rug in the dryer. The heat from the dryer can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage. Instead, allow your area rug to air dry naturally.
