How to Clean Rugs With Vinegar

Last Updated: March 10, 2023 References Approved

Vinegar is liquid product comprised of acetic acid and water. With a pH of approximately 2.4, the acetic acid in vinegar makes it a natural and versatile household cleaning agent, ideal for killing germs, removing stains, eliminating odors and softening fabrics. Vinegar is also an eco-friendly cleaning alternative that is safe to use around pets and small children. Vinegar leaves rugs clean and bright, and does not leave behind any residue so rugs stay clean longer. Use these tips to clean rugs with vinegar.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Scrub Rugs with a Vinegar Solution

1
Vacuum the rug. Thoroughly vacuum both sides of the rug (front and back) to remove loose debris and dirt.^{[1]
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Create a vinegar-based cleaning solution. Combine warm water, mild dish soap and 3 to 4 cups (.7 l to .9 l) of white vinegar in a bucket.^{[2]
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3
Scrub the rug.^{[3]
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- Dip a soft cloth, soft brush or non-shedding sponge into the vinegar solution.
- Scrub the pile of the rug gently, using linear motions in the direction of the nap.
- Clean the fringes of the rug as applicable. If the rug has fringes along the edges, gently scrub them using a laundry brush and the vinegar solution.
4
Rinse the rug. Rinse it with running water or gently wipe the surface with a clean cloth dipped in water.
5
Remove the excess water. Squeeze out the excess water from the rug.^{[4]
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- Use a window squeegee to remove excess water if the rug is too large or heavy to lift. Press the squeegee against the rug and pull in the direction of the nap until most of the water is removed.
6
Dry the rug. Allow the rug to dry outside in the sunshine. When the nap feels dry, turn the rug over to allow the other side to dry.
- Allow the rug to dry under a fan If the weather doesn't permit outdoor drying.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Steam Clean Rugs with Vinegar

1
Replace steam cleaning solutions with vinegar. Steam cleaning solutions can be expensive and are typically made of harsh chemicals.^{[5]
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- Fill the steam cleaner's tank with full-strength vinegar. If the steam cleaner has a dedicated tank for the cleaning solution, use full-strength vinegar instead of the commercial steam cleaning solution.
- Substitute vinegar for the steam cleaning solution. If the cleanser is combined with hot water in a single tank in the steam cleaner, use vinegar instead of the cleanser. Whatever the amount of cleanser recommended, substitute the same amount of vinegar. If the manual indicates 4 ounces (113.4 g) of cleaning solution, use 4 ounces (113.4 g) of vinegar.
2
Clean the carpet with the steam cleaning machine. Operate the steam cleaning machine as directed. The rug (and room) may smell like vinegar during cleaning. Once the rug is dry, the smell will dissipate.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Direct Spot-Cleaning Spray

1
Create a spot-cleaning solution. Combine 1/4 cup (.05 l) vinegar and 1/4 cup (.05 l) water in a clean spray bottle.
2
Remove stains from rugs.^{[7]
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- Spray the spot-cleaning solution on the stain.
- Blot the stain with a clean cloth. Do not rub the stain into the carpet fibers.
- Reapply the vinegar solution and blot the stain until it is no longer visible. Some stains may need to be treated more than once.
3
Use a spot-removing paste for stubborn stains.^{[8]
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- Mix baking soda and white vinegar together to form a paste.
- Work the paste into the stain, using any soft brush or an old toothbrush.
- Allow the spot-removing paste to dry and then vacuum the spot.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do you get yellow stains out of a rug?

Austin Reinders
Rug Cleaning & Restoration Expert
Austin Reinders is a Rug Cleaning & Restoration Expert, as well as the President of Simonian Rug Cleaners in San Mateo, California. He specializes in cleaning oriental rugs. Simonian Rug Cleaners has been in the business of cleaning and repairing rugs for almost 70 years.

Austin Reinders

Rug Cleaning & Restoration Expert

Expert Answer

If you have a rayon rug, you can remove the stains with vinegar. When this material gets wet, it actually turns brown, and the vinegar helps reduce the browning. If you have a viscose rug that is turning yellow, though, don't try to treat it at home, or you might end up damaging your rug.
Question

My cat had diarrhea and left a trail across my carpet. It has dried, and I can't remove it. What do I do?

Community Answer

Wet a rag with hot water and leave it on the poop for a while, to soften it. Then, dab up as much of the stain as you can. After that scrub the carpet with hot soapy water - Fabulous works well.
Question

Can I clean carpets with the vinegar solution if I have the old-fashioned, rotary brush type carpet shampooer?

Community Answer

Yes. That will work fine.

Warnings

When using any vinegar product, avoid prolonged contact with the skin and avoid all contact with the eyes.

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Only use white vinegar as a cleaning solution. Other types of vinegar may contain dyes that can harm your rug.

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Before cleaning with vinegar, spot test a hidden area with the cleaning solution. Using a damp rag, apply the vinegar solution, allow it to soak into the rug for several minutes and then blot. After 24 hours, examine the area for texture changes or color fading. Do not use the vinegar solution if visible damage occurs to your spot test area.

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