Yarn rugs can be a great additional fixture to any room in your house. It can add warmth and character, making the room feel even more comfortable. But keeping them clean and well-maintained is essential to ensure they can always look great. Because yarn rugs might require special care to preserve their fibers and color.
Check out our guide below on what are the best methods for cleaning and maintaining yarn rugs to ensure they look fresh for years!
What Are Yarn Rugs?
Yarn rugs are creative and colorful DIY rugs that can be made from any type of material. They come in a variety of colors and styles, making them a popular choice for homes, especially for kid’s rooms —as they are inexpensive, aesthetically pleasing, and easy to clean.
Yarn rugs are often mistaken for shag rugs due to their fluffy design, but while yarn rugs are inexpensive, they are more delicate than most rug materials. While there are many types of yarn rugs on the market, the most common materials used are synthetic, wool, acrylic, and cotton.
How to Clean Yarn Rug?
Regular Maintenance
Yarn rugs, whether made from wool, cotton, or synthetic fibers, can trap dirt and dust. Regular cleaning is a must to enhance their appearance and promote a healthier living environment. Regular maintenance can help remove this dirt and prevent the buildup of bacteria and mold.
Vacuuming
Vacuum is your best friend to maintain the cleanliness of yarn rugs. By vacuuming regularly, you don’t have to worry that you won’t be able to remove all the dust and dirt that is trapped on the carpet. Because a vacuum with a gentle brush attachment can do so in one sweep!
Helpful Tip: When vacuum cleaning yarn material, avoid using high suction or rotating brushes as they can damage the fibers of the yarn rugs. Also, make sure to remove the beater bar from the vacuum cleaner to avoid getting the fibers caught in the machinery.
Shaking and Beating
Once a week you can also do shaking and beating to your yarn rugh to dislodge embedded dirt and dust that vacuums might miss, especially in thicker or denser yarn rugs.
Shaking and beating can loose debris trapped deep within the fibers, ensuring a more thorough clean rug. Additionally, shaking a beating can also be a great way to clean rugs that are delicate and can’t withstand heavy vacuuming.
Spot Cleaning
Address spills immediately by blotting the affected area with a clean, dry cloth. Afterward, you can use a mixture of mild dish soap and water to address the spots that happen due to the spill.
Deep Cleaning
Hand Washing
If your yarn rug is not too large, you can use hand washing method to deep clean it. You can start by filling a tub with cold water and adding a mild detergent. Submerge the rug and gently agitate the water with your hands. Let the rug soak for 10-15 minutes, and rinse thoroughly with cold water until no soap remains. Press out excess water and lay the rug flat to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
Dry Washing
If your rug is too large to wash by hand, you can consider hiring a professional to dry-wash your yarn rug. This method uses minimal moisture and special dry-cleaning solvents to clean the rug. It is best performed by professionals, as improper handling can damage the delicate fibers.
How to Remove Stubborn Stains?
Extra Tips: How to Care for Different Types of Yarn Rugs?
Different yarns react differently to cleaning products and methods. By understanding your rug’s material, you can choose the appropriate cleaning technique, helping to preserve its texture, color, and overall condition for longer.
Yarn Rug - Wool
Wool is a popular, but expensive yarn rug material. The material is very durable but is not suitable for hot water washing. Use a wool-safe laundry detergent to hand wash your wool yarn rug, and use a soft scrubber to gently brush the fibers. Loosely wring out the rug of moisture, and hang the rug to air dry. Once dried, use a pet comb to brush and untangle the rug fibers.
Yarn Rug - Acrylic
Acrylic is made from polymer and does not work well with heat, so avoid using excessive heat in washing acrylic yarn rugs. Clean your acrylic yarn rugs with some mild laundry detergent. You can toss the rug in the laundry machine on a gentle cycle, then hang it to air dry. Alternatively, you may hand wash the acrylic yarn in cold water and gently scrub the fibers to loosen the dirt.
Yarn Rug - Cotton
Wash your cotton yarn rug by hand, making sure to use gentle and light scrubbing motions. Cotton yarn rugs can be placed in the tumble dryer, along with some dryer balls to keep the fibers fluffy.
Yarn Rug - Silk
Contrary to popular belief, a silk yarn rug can be washed in a laundry machine. However, to keep its shape and to keep the yarn fibers from detaching, you will need to place the rug in a mesh bag. Toss the mesh bag with the silk yarn rug along with the rest of your laundry load, and let cycle in a cold setting. Hang up the rug to air dry, by clipping the end of the rug to a clothesline and allowing the water to drip out of the dangling end.
Luce to the Rescue!
With the right care, a yarn rug can stay in great condition for many years. If you're unsure about how to clean it, consider reaching out to professional cleaning services at Luce. We are experts in cleaning and know the best methods and products to care for your yarn rug.
With years of experience, our team ensures the job is done thoroughly and correctly. Reach out to us today, and we'll help arrange a cleaning schedule that fits your needs!
