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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Original poster

Ingenious ideas needed to clean this rug...

16 replies

alabasterangel · 27/05/2014 22:38

I have a lovely rug which needs cleaning. It has no pile. Its almost like chenille and very thin, but pale, and about 5ft by 7ft. Dry cleaning will cost over £100 which makes it abortive. It's smelling fusty and has a few smudges on, but needs a general clean and freshen. Any ideas?

OP posts:
Fcukfifa · 27/05/2014 22:43

You could try shaking bicarb of soda crystals on it and patting it in before hoovering up.

Taking it outside to air thoroughly helps freshen up too.

I'm not sure if it could take it but could you lightly clean it with a weak washing powder and hot water mixture with a soft sponge?

I'm always fighting a losing battle with my rugs and a stinking dog and two children!

capsium · 27/05/2014 22:45

I would be extremely tempted to bung it in the washer on a very gentle cycle and line drying it.

Original poster
alabasterangel · 27/05/2014 22:46

I've already tried that brush in vanish stuff (rubbish) and patting with a damp sponge and drying on a well supported line, but it's still musty and needs a proper clean.....

OP posts:
Original poster
alabasterangel · 27/05/2014 22:47

7ft x 5 ft it would no way fit in the washer and wet would weigh too much for the washer to cope with.....

OP posts:
cerealqueen · 27/05/2014 22:49

Vanish larger areas carpet cleaner?

Laundrette washing machnine - they are huge?

Fcukfifa · 27/05/2014 22:52

Have you shopped around at upholstery cleaning company's? The one I use charge £25-£30 for rugs.

Have a go at cleaning it with washing powder and hot water, the enzymes in it are good for rugs

capsium · 27/05/2014 22:52

Hire a carpet cleaner at DIY centre?

AvonleaAnne · 27/05/2014 22:56

I had this problem and in the end I washed the rug in the bath tub. Then I left it hanging on the washing line for a couple of days of rain and sunshine, which managed to get rid of the last few stains. This is a bit of a high risk approach but our rug was cream and duck egg blue and it was becoming filthy. It looks lovely now.

AvonleaAnne · 27/05/2014 22:57

I forgot to say I used biological washing powder.

Original poster
alabasterangel · 27/05/2014 23:02

This is cream and duck egg too. I luffs it. One too many toilet training accidents and fire soot has done the damage. They've stopped bloody making it too. I did think about bathtub. Would need a roasting day or two to dry it!

OP posts:
wowfudge · 28/05/2014 07:24

If you love it and you've tried a couple of things that didn't work, I'd get it professionally cleaned. Less work for you, no soggy rug hanging around.

wowfudge · 28/05/2014 07:24

If you love it and you've tried a couple of things that didn't work, I'd get it professionally cleaned. Less work for you, no soggy rug hanging around.

wowfudge · 28/05/2014 07:24

Ooh weird double post - sorry

Coughle · 28/05/2014 07:27

Bicarb sprinkled in and left overnight would help with the smell I should think. I second the bathtub also.

Every once in a while there's a thread singing the praises of steam cleaners...I don't have one but I bet it would work a treat! Could you beg borrow or buy one?

Original poster
alabasterangel · 28/05/2014 07:32

No, but I have had a fancy for one. Will it work on a rug?

OP posts:
Coughle · 28/05/2014 09:18

Yes, I hear that they work beautifully on rugs. Do a search for steam cleaner on mumsnet and you can see what people have said, I so want to get one as my living room rug is hideously stained...

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