We’re all guilty of scrolling through Tiktok only to fall into a rabbit hole of satisfying cleaning videos. Rug cleaning has become increasingly popular, with over 892.6 million posts on Tiktok of professionals and amateurs alike, demonstrating how to clean rugs with black, dirty rug transformations to new again.
While they’re enjoyable to watch, you can’t always trust the advice, with some of the rug cleaning hacks proving to be detrimental. Particularly, one that has gained momentum is submerging rugs in bathtubs, and sprinkling laundry detergent, fabric softener, and other products such as scent boosters and disinfectants to clean them.
Director of Product at Ruggable, Liza Garrison is warning against this as it’s causing more harm than good.
“Whilst this method looks to work well at getting the dirt and grime out of your rugs, don’t let the colour of the bath water fool you. Yes, your rug will be cleaner and more sanitary after soaking it in the bath with various cleaning products, however, laundry detergents and fabric softeners are not always suitable for cleaning rugs.”

“Fabric softeners can damage the fibres of your rug, making them flat and limp in some cases. They also contain properties that can alter the colour of your rug, either making it lose colour or giving it a permanent yellow tinge. So I would strongly advise keeping fabric softeners away from any rug, whether it be made of natural or synthetic fibres.”
For natural fibres such as wool, silkor jute, it’s also not advised to use laundry detergent on it under any circumstances.
“If however, you are machine-washing rugs made with non-natural fibres, or those specifically designed as machine-washable, then a mild laundry detergent may be used. The problem with using detergents when following this hack is that it involves soaking the rug and not properly rinsing it afterwards. This can lead to a dirtier rug than before. Detergents can leave a sticky residue on the rug when not thoroughly rinsed off, leading to a build-up of dust and dirt over time, leading to the need for more frequent cleaning.”
3 tips to cleaning rugs the right way
If you have a dirty rug and you’re not sure how to clean it, here are 3 tips from the experts at Ruggable that you must consider before getting down to business.
1. How to spot clean a rug
Even if you’ve got a dirty spot on your rug, it doesn’t mean you should wash the whole thing. Sometimes, focusing on that area and giving it a light clean is more effective.
“If your rug requires cleaning, remove large debris by hand or by shaking out the rug, then vacuum using the carpet or rug setting. Avoid excessive pressure. For liquid spills, blot with a paper towel or colour-safe cloth, but do not rub,” Garrison said.

“Next, mix 5-10 ml of dish soap with 250-500 ml of cool water in a bowl or spray bottle. Dampen a cloth or sponge with the mixture and then dab the stain from the outer edge inward with the soapy water to lift it. Rinse with clean, cool water, either dabbing or spraying and absorbing it with a dry cloth.”
“Repeat this until the stain is gone and no soap residue remains. Lay a dry towel over the damp area and press firmly. If still damp, place another dry towel and a heavy object on top for 30-60 minutes. Ensure the area is fully dry before replacing furniture or allowing foot traffic.”
2. How often to clean your rug
“You can wash your rug whenever it has a stain or spill. To keep it in good condition, regular spot cleaning and machine washing – if suitable for your rug type – are recommended, but avoid washing too frequently as some detergents can affect the rug’s vibrancy.”
“Vacuum your rug once or twice a week to remove dirt, debris, and allergens, using the proper vacuum setting to protect the fibres and texture. If you have pets, children, or a high-traffic area, you may need to vacuum more often.”
3. Consider rug materials
“Cleaning different rugs requires specific care so it is important to always read any cleaning instructions that accompany your rug. Whilst there are many machine washable rugs on the market now, something we specialise in, it is good to be cautious as not all rugs will be washing machine safe. Rugs to be particularly cautious of are those made from natural fibres such as wool, silk and jute, and particular styles such as shaggy, tufted and fluffy rugs. However, do consider machine-washable alternatives if you’re keen on the style but want to stay on top of the cleanliness.”

Rugs that are easy to clean
If you’re after rugs that are easy to clean, take a look at these machine-washable rugs.

01
Justina Blakeney Josephine Midnight Rug
from $179, Ruggable
When it’s time for a wash, simply remove the rug cover from the pad and throw it in the washing machine. Reattach your refreshed cover back to its pad and enjoy your freshly cleaned home!

02
Cabanela Cream and Beige Distressed Washable Rug
from $169.15, Miss Amara
Cabanela is a bordered distressed style rug with elaborate motifs and ornate patterns in beige and cream tones. It is machine-woven using modern looming techniques and is constructed from a plush 8mm pile of ultra soft polyester fibres. An absolute dream underfoot! It’s a washable and foldable rug, making it a perfect rug for medium-traffic zones, kid and pet-friendly homes.

03
Supersoft Checkerboard Sage Washable Rug
from $167.99, Adairs
Machine washable, stain resistant and easy to clean, our plush Supersoft Washable Rug has been designed for all walks of life. Suitable for high-traffic areas, pets, parties, and children alike this plush rug can be styled back in any room.