What Do I Do With a Wet Area Rug?

When you bring a new area rug home, your first thought will be where to place it and how to decorate around it. You may not think too much about what to do if it gets wet, but messes can happen. 

From spills to pet accidents, there are many culprits that could dampen your rug. If yours gets damaged, it’s important to know how to act. Let’s take a look at the steps to follow.

Clean the Spot

Before removing your rug from the space, try to remove as much liquid as you can.

Before covering the entire area, check to ensure the dyes are color-fast. Take a damp paper towel and rub it carefully over a colored area to see if any tint releases. 

If it doesn’t, you can proceed. Use a sponge and clean, warm water to cleanse the spot gently. Be sure to use plenty of water, and sponge the rug on the front and back. 

Remove the Residue

Next, use a shop vac to remove the water left on the rug. At first, the water may be murky or colored from the spill. Continue to use the vacuum until the water you’re sucking up is completely clear. 

Hang to Dry

Now, it’s time to dry the rug out! If possible, hang it over a clothesline or fence so the outdoor air can circulate around it.

If it needs to stay indoors, prop it off the floor by wadding up newspaper and placing it underneath the rug. You can also run the fan to speed up the drying process. 

Get the Rug Professionally Cleaned

While the steps above will help you remove liquid from your rug, it’s always best to take it in for a professional cleaning. This is the most effective way to make sure all the stains and odors are completely removed. 

This is especially important if you’re dealing with a pet accident. Once a pet has marked its territory somewhere, it will often return to that same spot to do it again. Even if the stain appears to be completely gone, their senses can pick up on even the slightest trace of an aroma.

A professional rug repair and restoration team can thoroughly remove all evidence of the spot, helping it look as good as new. 

Your One-Stop Rug Shop

Are you looking for a beautiful new rug to enhance your home? 

At our rug store and repair service, we specialize in rugs of all shapes, sizes, colors, designs, and brands. Whether you prefer Persian and Oriental rugs or modern, contemporary styles, we have it all. We offer new, vintage, and antique rugs, and everything in our collection is available for free delivery. 

From smaller, 2×3 rugs to mansion-scale floor coverings, our selection is varied and vast. We also offer professional cleaning, repair, and restoration services to help you take care of your rugs and correct any damage. We service the areas of San Juan Capistrano, Irvine, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Newport Beach, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Costa Mesa, and more.

To learn more about our services or shop our selection, contact us today!