How long does it take to clean a rug?

A standard 2m x 3m wool rug in moderate condition takes approximately 40-50 minutes to clean including pre-treatment, washing and rinsing. Silk rugs take considerably longer due to the delicate handling required. Synthetic rugs are the fastest to clean.

Can all rugs be wet cleaned?

No. Silk rugs, some antique rugs, and rugs with unstable dyes may need specialist dry cleaning. Jute and sisal rugs should not be saturated with water as they can shrink, brown or develop mildew. Always test in an inconspicuous area first and check for colour bleed.

How long do rugs take to dry after cleaning?

Synthetic rugs typically dry in 6-10 hours. Wool rugs take 10-16 hours. Natural fibre rugs (jute, sisal) need 18-24 hours. Good airflow is essential. Never fold a wet rug as this can cause creasing, colour transfer and mildew growth.

Should rugs be cleaned differently to fitted carpet?

Yes. Rugs can often be cleaned more thoroughly because they can be lifted and cleaned from both sides. Delicate rugs (silk, antique) should be cleaned by a specialist. Fringes need special attention as they can be damaged by extraction machines.

CleanCalcs

Rug Cleaning Calculator

Calculate cleaning time and solution volume for rugs by size and fibre type.

Rug Length

Length of rug

Rug Width

Width of rug

Fibre Type

Soil Level

Number of Rugs

Rugs of the same size

How We Calculate This

This calculator estimates cleaning time and solution based on rug dimensions, fibre type and soil level.

Cleaning rates by fibre type

Wool: 5.0 min/m², 100 ml/m² solution
Synthetic: 3.5 min/m², 120 ml/m² solution
Cotton: 4.0 min/m², 110 ml/m² solution
Silk: 7.0 min/m², 60 ml/m² solution (minimal moisture)
Jute/Sisal: 4.5 min/m², 50 ml/m² solution (minimal moisture)

Formula

Area = (length x width) x number of rugs

Time = area x rate x soil multiplier + setup (10 min per rug)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Always verify quantities and timings for your specific situation.