How to Clean an Area Rug with Pressure Washer (Easy Guide)

Cleaning is a fun chore to do except the time when you need to clean the dirty rugs at home. Read here & find out how to clean an area rug with pressure washer!

Cleaning dirty rugs is a chore that not many people’s favorite thing to do. Don’t get me wrong, I love cleaning, fixing, and even doing chores that get my hands dirty (like gardening). 

However, there’s just something about rugs that I refuse to let them get in contact with my hands. So, I did my research and found out that I can use a power washer instead. 

Pressure washer is definitely a life-saver for me. Not only do I use it for cleaning my garden paths, but also use it to clean the outside gutter and now my dirty rugs!

Alright, I can’t wait to share with you the steps, so let’s get started!

How to Clean An Area Rug Using a Pressure Washer

Here are the steps on how to clean an area rug with pressure washer:

1. Decide on the cleaning area and laid out the rug there.

Make sure you cleaning station is clean, or else, it defeats the purpose of cleaning your rugs. You can choose a flat wooden deck or a concrete floor of your patio.

Do not attempt of cleaning rugs indoors as you will use a pressure washer, outdoor cleaning is the only option. 

2. Spot the stains and apply gentle gel stain remover.

Once you laid out the rug on the cleaning station. It’s time to thoroughly check it for stains. Use a gentle gel stain remover on the stained area. Only use small amount as you don’t want the rug to fade the color of your rug (even the gentlest solution can cause discoloration if you put too much).

3. Wipe using cotton cloth or a soft bristle brush after a minute or two.

After 1 minutes, check if the stains have already been removed by gently brushing the area. Wait another minute if you still see stains. Brushing also helps dilute the stain remover, which helps protect your rug from discoloration.

4. Prepare a basin with ample amount of water & add mild liquid detergent.

So, by now you have already brushed all the affected areas of the rug. Get a basin and fill it with water. Add a mild liquid detergent that you usually use for washing. It would be better if you choose a detergent with antibacterial property.

Stir and load the rug in it. 

5. Soak the rug for about 10 minutes (5 minutes if the material is delicate).

Wait for 10 minutes if the rug is thick and made of synthetic materials. You can opt to rinse it after 5 minutes if the rug has delicate materials like wool.

6. Get your medium-duty power washer and set it up.

Set up your medium-duty pressure washer (1600 to 1800 PSI is enough for this task) and make sure the water that comes out of it is clean. 

7. Attach the black nozzle first.

Use the black nozzle tip, also known as the 65-degree or soap nozzle, and attach it to the pressure washer. 

This nozzle tip attachment is very versatile in terms of pushing the soap and detergent into the rug fibers to thoroughly clean them. Also, this nozzle lets you have the option of soaping the rug one more time and pressure washing it at the same time. 

8. Get the rug out of the basin and start shooting water all over it. 

Once you start washing the area rug with pressure washer, make sure you cover all the parts of the rug. 

9. Barefoot, step on the rug gently.

Barefoot and with clean feet, step on the rug gently. This helps squeeze the dirt and soap residue out of the inner fiber of the rug. Do this and pressure wash alternately (about 3 times). 

10. Change the nozzle to green (25-degree) and rinse the rug gently.

Once the water that comes out of the rug as you step on it is already clear, it’s time to change the nozzle to the green one. This is the 25-degree nozzle, and it works best in forcing the stubborn dirt off the rug without damaging the rug’s material.  

About a meter distance, start shooting water to the area rug using the pressure washer with green nozzle tip attachment. It is important to make sure that no traces of soap or detergent is left on the rug as it can weaken the rug’s fibers, thus making the rug less durable. 

11. Fold the rug and press the water out.

After which, fold the rug and press the water out of it. You can also opt to step on it one more time but make sure you feet are clean. 

Do not wring the rug to avoid damage.

12. Hang to dry.

Finally, hang the rug to dry. Rugs are best to be sun dried to get rid of odor and keep it smelling fresh for the next use. 

That’s it! How did you find this guide of power washing area rugs? Easy, right? Try it at home and let me know how it goes!