There comes a time when your rug has to be washed thoroughly, not just vacuuming. If the stains or debris pile up, washing the rug is highly recommended. Fortunately, you don’t need to hire a professional. You just need the right cleaner, tools, and approach to get the job done. Here is how a rug is maintained over a long period of time; Gather your tools and supplies The following tools can be essential in a successful rug cleaning process; Rug shampoo Bucket Water Brush Optional Rubber gloves Wet-dry vacuum Garden Hose Remove Dirt and Debris Vacuum the rug on both sides thoroughly to remove dirt. If pets are present, use the brush attachment to remove hairs. Mix your cleaner Use a rug shampoo or a mild dish detergent in a bucket with warm water while following its specified directions. Do a color test Test the solution to make sure it’s safe for colored surfaces. If the color doesn’t bleed, it safe for cleaning the rug. Wash the rug Using a sponge, make a lather using the cleaning solution onto the rug and let it sit on the rug for five minutes. After the five minutes are over, the dirt will start lifting away. Rinse the rug Rinse the soap out of the rug using water from your garden hose or bucket. Ensure that all the cleaning solution is removed with clean water. Remove excess water Use a wet-dry vacuum to get rid of the excess water for it to dry faster. A squeegee can also be used. Let the rug dry Lay the rug flat for it to completely dry. Flip it to the bottom side and let it dry too. Fans can be useful to speed up the drying. Vacuum out the rug After washing, you can vacuum the rug to restore it to its former glory. After vacuuming the rug, you can safely return it to the house. Cleaning a modern rug can be done by yourself with the right tools and cleaning solution. It may take more effort but it’s a worthwhile endeavor to restore your rug’s former glory.