There is a lot of debate within the Mumsnet forums on how to remove stains and clean carpets, with many users sharing their hints and tips on the best carpet shampoos, stain removers and cleaners for the job. The type of rug you own will determine how you maintain and clean it, says Scott Johnston, owner of Carpet Care of the Carolinas in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Natural fiber rugs have to be treated differently than a synthetic rug. No question,” he says. Johnston notes that wool rugs should only be cleaned with a cold water process, which protects the fibers from damage or distortion. “You can be much more aggressive when cleaning synthetic rugs, as they can handle hot water and stronger cleaning solutions,” he continues. Often, taking it outside, hanging it over your washing line, and giving it a little beating with a broom handle will help separate the fibres and revive the rug’s fluff.

Eventually, the time comes when your area rug or removable carpet needs more than just another vacuuming. If stains are piling up or there are deep-rooted problems with dust (or worse, dust mites), it’s time for a full cleaning. Fortunately, you don’t need to hire a professional to fully clean your rug! You just need the right tools, cleaner and approach. Here’s how to clean an area rug from start to finish. Due to the amount of water your washing machine uses, your shag rug will also take a very long time to air dry, so we’d always recommend an alternative cleaning method instead, such as spot cleaning by hand, steam cleaning, or using a carpet cleaner.For wax, fat, or oil, place a paper towel over the stain and iron it using the iron on a warm (but not hot) setting. You can also use this method after cleaning the carpet as it will help the results last longer. How to keep your carpet clean

Here, we’ve rounded up the best carpet shampoo to have at hand for everyday dirt, as well as the most stubborn of stains, for when your carpet needs a bit of a refresh. If you’re looking for more general cleanining products for furniture and soft furnishings, though, then head on over to our guide to the best upholstery cleaners. Read the directions on any pretreater you use carefully. Some are meant to be blotted up with a clean cloth while still damp, and others are meant to be vacuumed up or removed by the shampoo machine. Note that spot cleaning for certain carpet stains may require other cleansers or methods, including dish soap, ammonia, or rubbing alcohol. Deep-clean the carpet. Read next: The best cordless vacuum cleaners to buy, as rated by families What are the main types of carpet shampoo? From time to time a wool rug can benefit from a deep clean. This might be the case because it’s a favorite spot for the family pooch to lie and it’s become a little smelly, or there’s been a drink spilled onto it. Using a damp, light-coloured cloth, dab at the stain to remove any residue. Try to avoid rubbing the stain as this can push it deeper into the fibres and make it more difficult to wash. We’d always recommend using a white cloth for cleaning, especially for white and cream shaggy rugs. Not only can this make it easier to see how much of the stain is coming off, but you won’t risk any dye transferring onto your shaggy rug.

What’s the best way to get rid of carpet stains?

If you have one, use a carpet rake to dislodge any pet hair and dirt that has collected in the deep piles and the vacuum may not be able to reach. If you don’t have a carpet rake, a rubber broom or soft bristled brush can also work well. This step is optional, but you may want to try it if you’d like to get a deeper clean. That depends on the kind of detergent you use. There are some dry shampoos that you can vacuum up, like the baking-soda-and-salt method. However, most cleaning solutions that you’d use with a carpet steamer machine are meant to be rinsed. Fortunately, the machine will do that for you, so go over any areas on which you’ve used soap again using only water. How can I shampoo my carpet without a machine? We’d usually recommend you clean your shag rug fully two or three times a year. It’s always best to take your rug to a professional cleaner for this, as they’ll have all the tools and knowledge to be able to clean your rug thoroughly without damaging it. To compile this buyer’s guide, we first tapped into the views of Mumsnet users for tried and tested recommendations. We then researched which carpet shampoos and detergents are well regarded by cleaning professionals and industry experts, before seeking the views of impartial consumer champion Which?.

Even with regular vacuuming, after many months of use grime can collect in the fibres and leave your carpet looking dull and smelling musty. A good quality carpet cleaner can help to restore it to its original glory.One of the best carpet cleaners for general stains is – believe it or not – ordinary shaving cream, which can remove just about every type of normal dirt stain (think muddy footprints or smudges from small hands). Foam - some spot cleaners and stain removers come in foam form, spraying onto the area and creating a frothy coating which then dissolves or is scrubbed in to penetrate deep into carpet fibres and lift away stains. When you clean a shag rug, the beater bar can be too powerful and the fibres may become tangled into the vacuum, causing damage to both your machine and your rug. Unless your vacuum cleaner has a high pile setting that turns the beater bar off, try to avoid using it upright. You should always use a handheld attachment to clean your fluffy rug instead. There are anti-bacterial powders that can be sprinkled onto rugs to rid them of germs but always test on a small section first,' says Daniel Prendergast. 4. Shampoo a rug – carefully

Regular carpet cleaning prolongs the lifespan and quality of your carpet. Moreover, it effectively removes dust particles, bacteria and allergens. So, you can also improve indoor air quality. What about other types of flooring? Placing a doormat at your home's entrance will help to trap dirt and moisture but make sure to clean your doormats regularly too. And don't wear shoes around the house, or all your efforts to keep your carpet clean will be in vain. Never rub, scrub or use a brush. This can cause the spot to spread, distort the carpet pile and/or damage carpet fibers. If necessary, use your fingertips to work the solution to the base of the stain. Leave a wool rug to dry naturally. ‘Allow it to dry completely before walking on it again,’ say the experts at Dunelm. ‘If necessary, hang the rug up or use fans to speed up the process.’ Avoid heat, however, which can harm the wool fibers. FAQs Can I wash a 100 per cent wool rug? One simple and non-harmful way to add a nice fragrance to your wool rug while deodorizing it is by creating a DIY lavender rug freshener. This includes a mixture of dried lavender and baking soda which can be sprinkled on your rug and left for 15-30 minutes, then vacuumed up to leave a pleasant aroma.If your jute rug is in a high traffic area such as an entryway or hallway floor, muddy footprints might mean spot-cleaning is necessary from time to time. In such cases, you'll need to look beyond the vacuum to allow for a deeper clean. Steven Hill, founder of DIY Gazette, suggests using a natural cleaning solution to prevent damage to the fibers. A mixture of baking soda, white vinegar and distilled water is among the best homemade cleaning solution for carpets. You can also try salt, borax and vinegar for stubborn stains. Q: What are the benefits of cleaning carpets? Some of the ways you can keep your carpet smelling nice include removing your shoes inside the house, dealing with spills immediately, and having good ventilation. Q: Can I use vinegar on carpet? If your rug is in serious need of a good wash and you aren’t sure how to brush or clean a sheepskin rug, our complete sheepskin rug care guide shows you how to restore your rug with some TLC so that it feels as good as new. How to Wash a Sheepskin Rug Take the jute or sisal rug outside and shake it or use a rug beater. Since these rugs have an open weave, the dirt and dust should come out.