How to clean an area rug?

You can rent rug cleaners by the hour. That would be the easiest way to do an area rug. I own my own cleaner and use it often as my husband, a former carpet installer says the hardest thing on rugs is dirt.

I have all cotton ones huge that I take to laundromat and wash them, what kind of material is it synthetic fibers, natural fibers? how big?

Hi Charles,

I agree with Desert Rose, carpet shampooers are great, they come in a wide variety and price ranges. If you don't own one, they are readily available to rent along with products at diy stores, Walmarts, grocery stores...

Or, if the rug is small enough and made well, read the directions on the reverse side of it as to whether you can take it to the laundramat and do it that way. They have some massive machines there. I would dry it on low heat and then finish the drying outside.

If it's not overly large or too heavy, take it to a commercial laundry machine.