Got an Area Rug? Here’s the Biggest Mistake You’re Making When Vacuuming It

I used to think vacuuming my area rug was as simple as flipping the switch and going to town—until I noticed the edges looking a little worse for wear. At first, I chalked it up to normal wear and tear, but then it hit me that my cleaning routine might actually be to blame. Like most people, I assumed vacuuming could only help, not hurt, and that there wasn’t much technique involved. Turns out I was wrong.

And I’m not alone. Many of us believe that more suction equals a cleaner rug, but in reality, the wrong vacuuming technique can do more harm than good. The worst part? Most people don’t realize they’re slowly ruining their rugs until it’s too late.

So before you power up your vacuum again, you really need to read this article. I spoke with two carpet experts—Ryan Knoll, owner of Las Vegas–based floor-cleaning company Carpet Monkey, and Cameron Welch, Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning’s director of training and commercial sales—so you don’t make the same mistake I’ve been making. Read on to learn how you’re probably shortening your area rug’s lifespan and what you should be doing instead.

Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.

What are the challenges with cleaning area rugs?

There’s a wide variety of area rugs—everything from strong synthetics to extremely delicate natural fibers—and each needs to be treated in a very specific way. “These different materials often require different cleaning methods and different products,” Welch says, “and a lot of the commonly available products and more aggressive techniques or cleaning machines could easily damage certain area rugs.”

Another problem? Area rugs trap more dust, dirt and pet hair than wall-to-wall carpeting. According to Knoll, that’s because they don’t have the same tension or stretch, so dirt settles more easily into the fibers.

What is the biggest mistake people make when cleaning an area rug?

The biggest mistake you can make with your area rug is using the wrong vacuum setting on it. While it might seem like all rugs can handle the same cleaning approach, different materials require different levels of suction and brush settings. Choosing the wrong one can lead to fraying, thinning fibers, snags and permanent damage. (Yikes!)

Here’s a breakdown of which setting you should use for each type of area rug and what can happen if you use the wrong setting.

• Silk rugs: Stick to the lowest suction possible, and use a brush attachment or handheld vacuum for particularly delicate areas. Too much suction or a beater bar can quickly cause fraying, thinning spots or fiber loss.
• Wool rugs: Use medium suction with a high-pile setting, and avoid rotating brushes unless the weave is extra durable. Wool rugs may seem sturdy, but aggressive brushing can cause fuzzing and premature wear.
• Loop rugs (like Berber rugs): Use low to medium suction with no beater bar. A single pass with a rotating brush can cause loops to snag and pop up like loose threads.
• Cotton rugs: Cotton can handle moderate suction, and a rotating brush is fine for sturdier weaves. However, excessive force can wear down cotton rugs and fade colors over time.
• Synthetic rugs (like nylon or polypropylene): These materials are durable and can typically handle medium to high suction with a rotating brush, but too much heat or friction can melt fibers.
• Natural fiber rugs (like jute or sisal): These are highly sensitive to water and aggressive brushing. Only use suction—no brushes or water-based cleaning—to prevent warping, shedding or frayed edges.

If your rug still has a care tag, check it for specific cleaning instructions. However, older rugs or those without tags may require extra attention, so it’s best to follow expert recommendations for vacuum settings.

Pro tip: Dirt can also settle deep into the rug over time, wearing down the fibers. Knoll recommends flipping your rug occasionally to vacuum both sides and using a rug pad to prevent slipping, stretching and unnecessary wear.

How can you tell if you have a problem?

Depending on the fabric, damage may show immediately, with pulled loops, frayed edges or color loss. However, the damage can also sneak up on you. “You might notice the rug looking thinner, duller or just ‘off,'” Knoll says. “If your vacuum sounds like it’s working overtime or the rug shifts a lot while cleaning, it’s probably not the right setting. Most of the time, damage shows up slowly over time, especially with repeated exposure to high suction or rough brushes.”

If you notice any of the signs above, stop vacuuming immediately and refer to the specific care instructions for your rug type.

And don’t panic. Depending on the issue, there might be a simple fix. “If a vacuum pulls out threads, you can trim them with scissors so they don’t get worse. If the rug gets flat or squished, you can fluff it up with a soft brush,” Knoll says. “But if the rug shrinks or the colors run, it’s hard to fix. A rug expert might need to help.”

Is it OK to use pet-hair removal products on an area rug?

KINGA KRZEMINSKA/GETTY IMAGES

It depends on what kind of pet-hair removal products we’re talking about. Lint rollers and rubber brushes—like the ChomChom roller and the Lilly Brush Mighty Pet Hair broom stick, respectively—are almost always safe to use on an area rug, but you should be extra cautious with delicate materials like silk and natural fibers. For those materials, Knoll recommends avoiding sticky rollers that mention “extreme stick” or “extra strength for pet hair” on the label.

What about metal pet-hair rakes? They might be OK for thick, fluffy rugs but are typically too tough on delicate rugs. Still, both Welch and Knoll prefer rubber-bristle rakes, since they’re easier on fabric. And no matter what you choose to use, try it out first in a small section of the rug; stop using an item if you notice signs of damage, like tearing or snags.

What’s the right way to clean an area rug?

Always read the manufacturer’s care instructions before cleaning a rug, and consult our list of the correct vacuum settings above. Also, remember to test products on a small area of the rug before using them. Then follow these directions:

1. Start with an empty canister or vacuum bag.
2. Examine your rug for any loose threads or frayed edges so you can avoid those spots when vacuuming.
3. If the rug is small enough, take it outside and give it a good shake to loosen any dirt or debris.
4. Adjust your vacuum settings; use a lower power setting for delicate rugs or a higher setting for thicker rugs.
5. Slowly run the vacuum over the entire surface, generally following the rug’s nap (the direction of the fibers).
6. Flip your rug over, and inspect the underside. Vacuum any trapped debris.
7. Lift or move the rug aside to clean the floor underneath, preventing dirt from transferring back to the rug.
8. Lay the rug back in place, and give it one more quick vacuum for a fresh finish.

If you’re going beyond vacuuming and cleaning deeper, be careful when choosing store-bought cleaning products, as they might do more harm than good. “Generally speaking, over-the-counter cleaning products, which often contain bleaching agents or overly aggressive chemicals, are not suitable for area rugs,” Welch says.

Fortunately, you can make your own gentle and affordable cleaning solution at home. For basic spot cleaning on most rugs, Welch recommends mixing a solution of one part distilled white vinegar and three parts water. As always, test the solution on a small part of the rug first.

How often should you clean an area rug?

Vacuum your area rug at least once a week, more if it’s in a high-traffic area. A professional deep-cleaning is recommended every 12 to 18 months, depending on foot traffic, exposure to spills or pets, and the material of the rug.

Other tips to keep in mind when cleaning an area rug

Keeping dirt at bay begins before you even touch the vacuum. The Carpet and Rug Institute offers the following recommendations to keep your rug clean:

• Place doormats at entryways, and remove shoes before walking on the rug to minimize dirt buildup.
• Change air filters regularly to reduce airborne dust and debris that can settle into rug fibers.

Beyond regular vacuuming, area rugs present additional cleaning challenges, especially after removing stains or deep-cleaning. To prevent issues, our experts recommend the following steps:

• Blot excess moisture with a clean towel immediately after cleaning.
• Improve air circulation by using fans or opening windows.
• Flip thick rugs periodically to ensure both sides dry evenly.
• Avoid excessive heat, such as hair dryers or prolonged direct sunlight, to prevent shrinking.

Why trust us

At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

• Ryan Knoll, co-owner of Carpet Monkey and Tidy Casa; email interview, March 7, 2025
• Cameron Welch, director of training and commercial sales for Oxi Fresh Carpet Cleaning; email interview, March 7, 2025
• Aero Carpet Services: “How to properly vacuum an area rug?”
• The Carpet and Rug Institute: “Cleaning and Maintenance: Beautiful Carpet Requires Care”

Reader's Digest

The Best Upright Vacuum Cleaners

Veni vidi...shoot/Getty Images

How to Clean Every Type of Floor

Andrii Shablovskyi/Getty Images

How to Clean Your Baseboards