Can You Steam Clean a Washable Rug?

Yes, on a low setting. But if a rug fits in your washing machine, steam cleaning it is more work for a worse result.

Why washing beats steaming

A steam cleaner lifts surface soil and sanitises. A wash cycle flushes the whole structure, front and back, and takes the dirt away with the water. On a rug small enough to fit a drum, the machine wins on every measure except effort in carrying it there.

When steaming makes sense

• The 155 × 230 cm and 200 × 300 cm sizes, which do not fit a domestic machine.
• A quick refresh between full washes.
• A specific area rather than the whole rug.

The one situation to avoid

Do not steam a pet accident before treating it with an enzyme cleaner. Heat sets the proteins and makes the smell permanent. Enzymes first, always.

If you do steam it

Keep the head moving, use the lowest steam setting, and let the rug dry completely flat before putting it back down. Steam adds a lot of moisture to a cotton backing.