What is the best way to clean a rug at home?

The best way to clean a rug at home is to vacuum weekly, blot spills immediately, avoid rubbing, and never steam clean delicate fibres like viscose, bamboo silk or art silk. Spot clean wool or polyester rugs using mild detergent or a carpet-safe stain remover.

How do I clean a viscose rug?

To clean a viscose rug, avoid over-wetting and blot spills immediately. Use only tiny amounts of a diluted vinegar solution if needed, and dry the area quickly with a fan. Never steam clean viscose rugs as they can yellow or lose texture. Contact a specialist cleaner for stubborn stains.

How do I remove red wine from a rug?

Blot red wine immediately and pour soda water through the fibres to lift the stain, then blot again. Avoid salt or plain water as a first step. For wool or polyester rugs, a carpet-safe stain remover may help. For viscose or bamboo silk rugs, use only tiny amounts of diluted vinegar and dry quickly.

Can I steam clean my rug?

Steam cleaning is not recommended for most rugs and should never be used on viscose, bamboo silk or art silk. Steam can cause shrinking, fibre damage, yellowing and long-term texture changes. Professional rug laundering is safer.

Why is my rug shedding?

Rug shedding is completely normal in the first few months, especially for wool and hand-tufted rugs. It settles over time with regular vacuuming. Shedding does not mean the rug is faulty.

When should I get my rug professionally cleaned?

Most rugs benefit from professional cleaning every one to three years depending on foot traffic and fibre type. Wool rugs can go longer between washes. Viscose and bamboo silk rugs should only be cleaned by specialists.

How do I clean pet accidents from a rug?

Blot the accident immediately using paper towels, removing as much liquid as possible without rubbing. For wool or polyester rugs, use an enzyme-based pet cleaner sparingly to break down odour and bacteria. Avoid soaking the rug, especially if it is viscose, bamboo silk or art silk, as these fibres absorb moisture quickly and can discolour. If odour or staining remains, contact a professional cleaner.

Four Corners Rugs Cleaning Guide

We know rugs, and we know that life happens on them. Muddy shoes, pets, dinner parties and the occasional glass of red wine are all part of having a rug in a real home.

That’s why we predominantly work with practical, easy-to-care-for fibres like wool and polyester. Different rug materials still respond differently to spills, moisture and cleaning, so knowing what your rug is made from is always the best place to start.

Prefer watching over reading? Jump to to our Rug Care Short Videos.

General Rug Maintenance

Shedding

• Completely normal for all rug fibres in the early stages
• Settles naturally after the break-in period
• Regular vacuuming reduces loose fibres and keeps the rug looking clean

Vacuuming

• Vacuum weekly following the pile direction
• Avoid rotating or beater-bar vacuum heads (can damage fibres)
• For mud: allow it to dry fully, then brush or vacuum off
• Ideal cleaning method for wool rugs, polyester rugs and most synthetic rugs

Washing

• Avoid dry cleaning and dry-cleaning solvents
• Avoid steam cleaning (can cause moisture damage and shrinkage)
• Never steam clean bamboo silk, viscose or art silk rugs (risk of yellow staining)
• Professional rug laundering every couple of years is ideal
• Avoid over washing artificial silk fibres, like viscose (colours and texture may change)
• For delicate or viscose rugs, always choose a specialist rug cleaner

Sprouting

• Common in hand-spun or hand-cut rugs
• A stray thread popping up is normal
• Do not pull it, just trim to pile height with clean scissors

Liquid Spills and Spot Cleaning

General Liquid Spills

• Blot immediately with clean paper towels or cloths
• Never rub or scrub (causes fibre damage)
• Place paper towels above and below the rug
• Apply pressure or a heavy object to draw out moisture
• Avoid carpet shampoos on bamboo silk, viscose or art silk rugs
• For wool rugs and polyester rugs, you can use Dr Beckmann Floor Carpet Stain Remover
• Use a fan on a cool setting to speed up drying
• Avoid heat, especially on silk, artificial silk or polyester fibres
• Once dry, gently brush the pile with a soft bristle brush

Food or Oil Spills

• Lift solids gently with a spoon
• Use 1 drop of mild dish detergent mixed with soda water (safe for all rug types)
• For polyester or wool rugs, you can use Dr Beckmann Floor Carpet Stain Remover
• Apply sparingly
• Blot, don’t rub
• For large oil stains, call a professional rug cleaning service

Red Wine Spills (Non-Viscose Rugs)

• Blot immediately
• Place a bowl under the spill
• Pour soda water through the fibres to lift the stain
• Blot and repeat if needed
• Avoid salt (bleaches dyes)
• Avoid plain water first (sets the stain)
• For wool or polyester rugs, Dr Beckmann is safe to use

Red Wine Spills (Viscose, Bamboo Silk, Art Silk Rugs)

• Highly absorbent so act fast
• Do not over-wet
• Blot thoroughly
• If stain persists, mix 1 tsp white vinegar with 3 tsp warm water
• Apply sparingly using small amounts only
• Blot again, then gently sponge with a damp cloth or microfibre
• Blot dry with absorbent towels
• Use a fan on a cool setting
• Avoid heat
• Once dry, gently brush the pile
• For stubborn stains, contact a specialised viscose rug cleaner (we recommend Jumbuck Cleaning & Restoration - below)

Stain Protection: Fibre ProTector

• Adds premium protection from stains, mould, wear and UV fade
• Ideal for bamboo silk, viscose and artificial silk rugs
• Non-toxic and non-allergenic
• Does not change colour or texture
• Best for liquid spills
• Helps professional rug cleaners achieve better results

We recommend reaching out to Premium Surface Protection for any Fibre ProTector need. They operate Nation-wide.

When to Call a Professional Cleaner

• Large spills or stains with strong colouring
• Pet accidents that have soaked into the fibres
• Persistent odours
• Any viscose, bamboo silk or art silk rug stain
• When you’re unsure and don’t want to risk damage

Recommended Rug Cleaners

Victoria

Melbourne Rug Wash
• Ideal for wool rugs and general cleaning
• 22 Edward St, Brunswick VIC
• (03) 9388 9666
• rugwash.com.au

New South Wales

Devine Rug Care
• 17 Mitchell Rd, Brookvale NSW
• (02) 9982 1000
• rugclean.com.au

These are the rug cleaners we know and trust. If you're outside Victoria or NSW, get in touch with either team, they may be able to recommend a trusted rug cleaner in your area.