Runners and small rugs are beautiful and versatile, so it’s not surprising we see them in more and more London homes. Another reason people often choose rugs is that they are easier to maintain than wall-to-wall carpet. However, “easier to maintain” doesn’t mean they don’t need a proper deep cleaning every now and then. Sooner or later, every rug starts looking a bit scruffy, and that’s when many people realise they’re not quite sure how to clean it properly at home.
In this guide, we’ll share the best ways to wash a small rug at home, along with the most common DIY rug cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.
Read also: How Often to Call a Professional Rug Cleaning Service?
With small exceptions, small area rugs and runners, like those in front of the sofa and between the armchairs and the bookcase, can be washed safely at home without using a professional service.
What Type of Small Rugs Can Be Washed at Home?
Most small rugs nowadays can be cleaned without calling a professional carpet cleaner. Cotton and synthetic rugs are usually safe to wash at home, as well as some blended fabrics. In general, the smaller the rug, the easier and safer it is to wash by hand or in the washing machine. Smaller rugs also dry faster, which reduces the risk of damage and mould growth.
However, we do not recommend washing wool rugs yourself, even if they are very small. The type of rug backing also plays an important role. As a rule of thumb, rugs with soft, flexible backing are usually safe to wash, while rugs with thick backing should be avoided, as they can retain moisture and develop mould.
Some rug materials should never be washed at home. Besides wool, this includes viscose, jute, and silk rugs, all of which are easily damaged by excess moisture. The safest way to determine whether your rug can be washed is to check the care label. Many people cut these off because they are unsightly, but if yours is still attached, make sure to read it before cleaning.
Check also: How to Care for Wool Carpets and Rugs
Rag rugs like this one, and flat-weave rugs without backing, can be safely washed in the washing machine.
How to Wash a Small Rug in the Washing Machine
Most cotton, synthetic, and blended small rugs can safely be washed in a washing machine, provided you use the correct settings and avoid overloading the drum. Machine washing is usually the easiest option for runners, bedside rugs, kitchen rugs, and lightweight hallway rugs.
However, rugs with thick backing, delicate fibres, or decorative stitching are usually better cleaned by hand. Even if a rug physically fits inside the machine, that does not necessarily mean it should be machine washed.
Prepare the Rug Before Washing
Before putting any rug in the washing machine, vacuum it thoroughly, or shake it outside first to remove loose dirt, dust, hair, and crumbs. This prevents excess debris from clogging the machine and also improves the washing result. If the rug has stains, it is a good idea to treat them beforehand rather than relying entirely on the wash cycle. You should also inspect the rug for loose threads or damaged edges before washing. Small issues can quickly become much worse during a machine cycle.
Use Cold Water and a Gentle Cycle
When washing a small rug, always use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water is one of the most common reasons cotton rugs shrink, while synthetic fibres and rug backing can get damaged or distorted by high temperatures. A gentle cycle is usually the safest option. Cotton rugs are durable, but vigorous washing can still weaken fibres over time, especially on blended rugs or thinner runners.
Check also: How to Clean Your Washing Machine
Choose the Right Detergent
The choice of detergent matters more than many people realise. Avoid bleach, ammonia-based products, and strong alkaline cleaners, as these can weaken fibres, damage colours, and leave residues behind. Fabric softeners are also best avoided, as they often leave a coating that attracts more dirt after the rug dries. Using too much detergent is another common mistake. Excess soap is difficult to rinse out completely and can make the rug feel stiff or sticky afterwards.
Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
We also recommend avoiding top-loading washing machines with central agitators. These can twist and strain rug fibres, especially on cotton and blended rugs. Front-loading machines are generally much gentler and safer. Finally, avoid washing very heavy rugs in the machine. These tend to retain excessive moisture, which can damage both the rug and the appliance itself.
Read also: How to Clean and Maintain a Valuable Oriental Rug
If your rug has thicker backing, hand washing is the safer option as it protects both the rug and your washing machine from potential damage
How to Hand Wash a Small Rug at Home
If your rug is delicate, has decorative stitching, or feels too fragile for a washing machine, hand washing is usually the safer choice. It also gives you more control over the amount of moisture and friction applied to the rug, which is especially important for blended fabrics and rugs with softer backing.
Avoid Soaking the Rug
Start by vacuuming or shaking the rug thoroughly. Then place it in a large washbasin and wet it lightly with cold or lukewarm water. If the rug is too big, you can lay it directly on a clean tile floor. The important thing here is using water in moderation. Cotton rugs absorb a large amount of moisture, while some synthetic rugs can suffer from backing separation if oversaturated. Excess moisture also dramatically increases drying time, which can lead to mould and unpleasant smells.
Clean Gently Instead of Scrubbing
Apply a small amount of mild detergent, then gently work it into the fibres with a soft cloth or soft-bristled brush. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, especially on cotton rugs, as this can fray the fibres and push stains deeper into the weave. Blotting is always safer than rubbing aggressively, especially when dealing with fresh spills or delicate fibres.
Can You Wash a Rug in the Shower or Bathtub?
Many people ask whether rugs can be washed in the shower or bathtub. In practice, this is another form of hand washing and works perfectly well for small rugs and runners. The key is to keep rinsing controlled and avoid leaving the rug sitting in water for long periods. A quick rinse combined with gentle cleaning is usually much safer than fully soaking the rug.
Remove Excess Moisture Carefully
Once cleaned, rinse the rug carefully until no detergent remains. Never wring or twist the rug to remove water, as this can permanently distort its shape. Instead, place the rug flat on dry towels and gently roll it up to absorb excess moisture. This method removes water much more safely and helps the rug dry more evenly afterwards.
Check also: 4 Easy Eco-Friendly Recipes for Homemade Rug Cleaners
Although bathroom rugs are designed to handle moisture better than regular rugs and mats, even they should be dried properly before placing them back on the floor.
How to Dry a Small Rug Properly
Drying is just as important as washing. In fact, many rugs are damaged not during cleaning, but afterwards because they remain damp for too long. Here’s how to properly dry your small rug:
Proper Air Drying
The safest drying option is to let the rug air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Place it flat on a drying rack or on clean dry towels. Never hang a wet rug from one side or over a narrow rail, as the weight of the moisture can stretch the fibres and permanently alter the shape.
Avoid Direct Sunlight and High Heat
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided where possible. UV rays fade colours and make natural fibres more brittle over time. Likewise, tumble dryers and heaters are usually too harsh for small rugs, especially cotton ones, which can shrink significantly under high heat.
Never Put a Damp Rug Back on the Floor
Before placing the rug back on the floor, make sure it is fully dry. Even a slightly damp backing can lead to unpleasant odours, mould growth, and damage to wooden or laminate flooring underneath. If the rug still feels cool or heavy, it needs more drying time.
Try to avoid turbo brush heads on cotton and delicate rugs. While they can help extract more dirt, they also contribute to faster fibre wear.
Common Mistakes When Washing Small Rugs
There are a few things to avoid when washing your small rug:
Using Too Much Water
Over-wetting is one of the most common reasons rugs develop mould, mildew, and unpleasant smells after cleaning. It’s easy to assume more water means a deeper clean, but cotton and synthetic rugs don’t need to be soaked, and in many cases, excess moisture does more harm than good.
Using Harsh Cleaning Products
Many people reach for the strongest cleaner they have, assuming it will do a better job. In reality, bleach, ammonia-based products, and strong detergents are often the reason rugs come out looking faded, feeling stiff, or shedding fibres. A mild detergent used sparingly will almost always give better results.
Scrubbing and Rough Handling
Scrubbing is one of the fastest ways to shorten a rug’s lifespan. Aggressive rubbing pushes stains deeper into the weave and, over time, frays fibres. The same goes for using turbo brush vacuum heads, which can cause just as much mechanical damage as scrubbing, especially on more delicate fibres. And if you notice a loose thread, resist the urge to pull it, as it can cause the rug to unravel further. Trim it carefully with scissors instead.
Skipping a Spot Test
Most people skip this step because it feels unnecessary. However, testing a new cleaning product on a small, hidden area first takes only a few minutes and can prevent permanent colour bleeding or fibre damage.
Read also: The 5 Most Common Carpet Cleaning Mistakes People Make at Home
Don’t feel like DIY? Book our rug cleaning team and enjoy the results!
Need a Hand with Rug Cleaning?
Not every rug is suited to home washing, and not every stain responds to DIY methods. If your rug is made from wool, silk, or viscose, has deep-set stains, or you just want the job done properly without the hassle, get in touch. Our experienced rug cleaners will have it looking its best in no time.
