How To Clean Area Rug With Pressure Washer

Clean your area rug with a pressure washer to keep it from dust and allergens-free.

Clean Area Rug With Pressure Washer

Rugs surely add a touch of luxury and comfort to any room, but they can also be difficult to keep clean.

If you have a rug that needs a good cleaning, it’s important to choose the right location, the right pressure washer, and a good detergent in order to avoid any potential damage.

Is vacuuming a rug or carpet enough?

Vacuuming a rug once a week is the recommended amount to keep it clean and free of dirt, dust, and other allergens. However, vacuuming too much can damage the fibers in the rug, causing it to wear down more quickly.

Moreover, you cannot deep clean the rug or carpet by just vacuuming because of underlying dirt and allergens. Therefore pressure washing your area rug is only the best option to deep clean it to prevent health risks.

How does A Pressure Washer Clean A Rug?

Cleaning a rug with a pressure washer is a great way to get the job done quickly. The high-pressure streams of water can blast away dirt and stains with ease.

Plus, it’s a lot faster and easier than trying to clean the rug by hand. By using a pressure washer, you can remove all the dirt, dust, and stains from the rug.

In addition, using a pressure washer will also help to get rid of the tough odors that may be embedded in the rug.

How To Clean An Area Rug With A Pressure Washer?

When you are going to clean an area rug with a pressure washer, volume is certainly not the most important aspect to note but PSI is. Pressure washing machines come in all sorts of ranges of pressure and volume.

You must use a pressure of around 1600-1800 PSI at the maximum to achieve the right level of cleaning without damaging the rug.

Hot water is also not a great idea when it comes to cleaning area rugs, so make sure that you set the temperature to an average and ideal level.

An area rug can be very soiled and it certainly can’t be washed indoors because of all the muck that it can accumulate. That is why you should find a clean, flat surface to place it on.

What pressure-washing accessories will I need?

how to pressure wash a rugMake sure your pressure washer comes with a way to adjust the pressure – be it in the form of attachable nozzles or spray tips, twistable nozzles, interchangeable spray lances or wands, or anything.

The pressure has to be variable so that you can use a lower pressure on the area rug compared to hard surfaces like floors, windows, and walls.

Secondly, you can use a rotary brush to make sure that the rug is cleaned in a safer and improved way. That is an accessory that you can buy anywhere and attach to almost any standard pressure washer which supports third-party accessories.

Some accessories are designed specifically by a brand for their own products, and they are always preferable.

Pressure Washing an Area Rug – Step-by-Step Guide

There are a few things you need to take into account before you start pressure washing your area rug:

  • What type of fabric is the rug made from?
  • What is the rug’s color?
  • Is the rug waterproof?
  • What is the rug’s condition?

If you can answer these questions, you can then make a more informed decision about whether or not to pressure wash your rug. If you think you are right about pressure washing your carpet then let’s go do it.

We have broken down everything into simple steps to make sure that you understand easily how to properly pressure wash a rug.

Step 1:  Choose a Clean And Flat Surface For The Task

Find the perfect surface. It has to be clean, flat, and easily drainable. If it is not clean, wash it neatly before you place the area rug on it.

Make sure there’s no bump on the surface, the rug must be lying flat on it.

Any ups and downs might become potential targets for damage due to pressure.

Step 2: Connect Your Pressure Washer With Water And Electric Source

Connect your electric pressure washer to a water source – some can use buckets as well, so that’s a plus. Most require a continuous water source.

Plug it in and turn it on. Attach a suitable lance if there are multiple spray wands available.

Step 3: Attach Necessary Attachments With a Pressure Washer

Attach a rotary brush to the spray wand if you have one – remove the pressure nozzle. Use that brush to remove the dirt and dust from the material of the rug, be it fabric or something else.

If you have an extendable lance, choose a suitable length that you can use to start spraying pressurized water from a distance.

Step 4: Choose an Accurate Spray Nozzle

If you have multiple pressure nozzles or spray tips, choose the one that offers the widest angle and lowest pressure. That’s the way it works, usually.

The one with the widest angle – let’s say, a 45° nozzle provides the lowest pressure washing. If you have a twistable nozzle, make sure that it is at its lowest pressure level.

Important Read: What to do if your pressure washer is pulsating?

Step 5: Start Spraying In A Sequence

Start spraying water at it from a safe distance to analyze if the material can handle the pressure that you are using.

Slowly move closer to blow off smaller particles and clean in detail. If you want to use soap or detergent, first make sure that it does not contain chemical substances that can potentially harm the material.

Step 6: Apply Soap

Attach a foam cannon or soap nozzle to the lance. Some pressure washers come with a detergent bottle that can make things easier for you.

You can mix detergent in that bottle and use that source to apply it on any surface that you are cleaning. Spread the foam evenly across its surface and let it trickle in.

Step 7: Use a Rotary Brush To Spread Soap 

You can attach the rotary brush again and use it to make the foam denser and remove micro-particles from the fibers of your area rug.

Step 8: Spray Clean Water To Remove Soap

After you are done brushing through the fibers with the foam, return to the same low-pressure spray tip. Attach it to the lance and start spraying clean water again from a distance.

Step p: Dry Your Rug

Finally, make sure that you drain all the water from your area rug nicely. Pick it up and let it undergo gravity-based drainage.

Let it dry off on its own or use a preferred appliance for the purpose according to the material of the area rug.

That will give you a perfectly clean area rug anytime. The most important things to remember are that you should not exceed the safe pressure limit of 1600-1800 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure.

It is also necessary to start spraying from a distance and slowly inch closer to see how the material deals with the adjusted pressure.

Tip To Keep In Mind Before Pressure Washing a Rug

If you have a rug that you would like to clean by pressure washing, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.

  • First, you will want to make sure that the rug is made of a material that can be safely cleaned with a pressure washer. Do not pressure wash wool or silk rugs, as this could cause them to shrink or become damaged.
  • Second, always choose the right location to lay the rug for pressure washing. The surface must be clean and have a good drainage system. The best place to wash your area rug is the driveway in my opinion.
  • Always choose between 1300PSI and 1600 PSI to pressure washer the carpet or area rug. This is the best psi for this task. Increasing PSI than this limit can cause extreme damage to the rug.
  • Test the pressure washer on a small area of the rug to make sure that it does not damage the fabric.
  • Pressure washers should always be used at a low setting, and you should never hold the nozzle directly against the rug.
  • Use a detergent compatible with the fabric of your rug to save it from any chemical damage.
  • Use a soft-bristle or cotton brush to remove stains if necessary.
  • Start from the top and work your way down.
  • Finally, you will need to thoroughly rinse the rug after cleaning to remove any soap residue.

Best Rug Spot Removers Before Pressure Washing Area Rugs

how-to-pressure-wash-area-rug-3

  1. Folex Instant Carpet Spot Remover, 36oz
  2. Biokleen Bac-Out Stain Remover for Clothes – 32 Ounce
  3. Rocco & Roxie Stain & Odor Eliminator for Strong Odor
  4. Angry Orange Enzyme Cleaner & Pet Stain Remover Spray – 32oz

How to dry a rug after pressure washing?

When you’re finished pressure washing your rug, it’s important to dry it as soon as possible. The longer it takes to dry, the more likely the rug will become moldy or develop mildew which can cause health problems.

  • Hang the rug outside in the sun. The sun will help to evaporate any remaining water.
  • Hang the rug inside near a heat source, such as a radiator or heater.
  • Put the rug in a dryer on the lowest setting. Be sure to check the rug for any moisture before putting it in the dryer.

Whichever method you choose, make sure the rug is completely dry before you unroll or hang it back up.

Can you pressure wash outdoor rugs?

Yes! You can definitely pressure wash outdoor rugs. In fact, it’s a great way to clean them and remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have built up over time. Be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions before you start, as some rugs may not be able to withstand the high pressure of the water.

And always use caution when working with pressure washers – they can be dangerous if used incorrectly.

Can you pressure-wash wool rugs?

No, you should not pressure wash wool rugs because they are delicate to withstand high-pressure water. There are other ways to clean wool rugs – some people might try to shampoo them, and others might try to vacuum them.

Can you pressure wash indoor rugs?

There is a right way and a wrong way to pressure wash indoor rugs. The wrong way is to use too much pressure and water, which can damage the rug and the floor underneath it.

The right way is to use low pressure and flow settings and to only clean the top of the rug. You can also use a wet/dry vac to remove any excess water.

How to pressure wash an oriental rug?

Oriental rugs are a beautiful addition to any home, but they can be difficult to keep clean. If you have an oriental rug, you may want to consider pressure washing it from time to time. Pressure washing can get rid of dirt and dust that has built up on the rug over time. It can also help remove stains and odors.

Before you start pressure washing your oriental rug, you will need to make sure that it is safe to do so. Some rugs are not made to be washed with water. You will also need to make sure that you have the proper equipment.

You will need a pressure washer, a garden hose, and a bucket. You will also need to wear protective clothing, such as goggles and gloves.

The first step is to wet the rug with water. Next, you will need to attach the nozzle to the pressure washer.

Point the nozzle at the rug and start washing. Be sure to keep the nozzle moving so that you do not damage the rug.

When you are finished, use the garden hose to rinse the rug off. Then, use the bucket to scoop up any excess water.

Allow the rug to dry completely before using it again.

If you’re not familiar with how to pressure wash an oriental rug, it’s important to take some precautions before starting.

Precautions To Follow before Pressure Washing an Oriental Rug

If you’re not familiar with how to pressure wash an oriental rug, it’s important to take some precautions before starting.

Avoid spraying the rug directly with the water pressure. Instead, hold the nozzle a few inches away and slowly move it back and forth across the surface of the rug.

Be careful not to saturate the rug with water. Too much water can damage the fibers and lead to mildew or mold problems.

NEVER use a pressure washer on a wool rug. The high-pressure jets of water can easily damage the delicate fibers.

How to clean a large area rug with pet urine?

Urine can be one of the most difficult stains to remove from a rug. Not only is it unsightly, but it can also be quite pungent. If you have a large area rug that has been stained with pet urine, there are a few things you can do to clean it and restore it to its former glory.

  • The first step is to identify the source of the stain. Once you have done that, blot as much of the urine as possible with a paper towel or cloth.
  • Next, mix together one part vinegar and two parts water, and pour it over the stain. Let the mixture soak in for a few minutes, and then blot it up again with a paper towel or cloth.
  • Finally, apply a carpet cleaner to the area and let it dry.

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Flinn Milan

Flinn Milan is the content director at Washwith. He is responsible for developing helpful content in collaboration with other hard-working team members. Over several years, his content strategy is mainly focused on describing and highlighting every product with its positive and negative points

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