How To Clean Bathroom Rugs

Always Wash Before First Use

For newly purchased rugs, it’s always a good idea to wash them before use. This will help them have better water absorption and softness.

Give Your Bathroom Rug a Shake

Give your rug a good shake outside for general cleaning. While this isn’t a deep-clean method, it does get rid of some surface-level dirt and debris that might have accumulated, and it takes less than one minute.

Vacuum…Both Sides!

Vacuuming your bathroom rug is another easy way to clean it, just make sure to vacuum both sides of it to remove deeper levels of dirt and grime.

Toss it in the Washer

Just make sure to check the care instructions first. If your bathroom rug is washable, toss your rug in the washer for a good clean. Always tumble dry on low heat and try to use a gentle detergent free of chemicals when possible.

Get it Professionally Hand-Washed

This is the ultimate way to clean your bathroom rug (or any rug for that matter). Hand-washing uses a pH-balanced shampoo that is gently worked into the rug with a soft-bristled brush, then rinsed thoroughly. These steps are repeated several times to make your bathroom rug look brand new.

For Spills: Clean by Hand

While your bathroom rug is probably mainly absorbing water, there’s always the chance for spills like toothpaste, shampoos, bath products, or anything else. Add small amounts of water to the spill as needed, making sure to blot at it. If needed you can try blotting with a diluted mild detergent (such as dishwashing soap).

Never scrub the spill. This will only make it worse and damage the fibers of your rug.

Dry Cleaning, Stain Cleaners, & Steamers

Skip dry cleaning, stain cleaners, and steamers at all costs. The harsh chemicals and aggressive process will ruin your rug. Not to mention they have a way of making some stains even worse off.

Rotary Vacuums

Vacuuming is good for your rug, but avoid vacuums that contain rolling cylinder brushes at the bottom, known as beater bars. They tend to reduce the rug’s lifespan by pulling on the tightly-woven fibers of the rug.