Looking to brighten up that dingy old rug in your home? A faded, yellowed rug can really bring down the look and feel of a room.
Fortunately, there are a few tried-and-true methods for restoring the original vibrancy and whiteness of your rug without having to buy a new one.
In this comprehensive guide, as a professional custom rugs manufacturer, we’ll outline 6 proven techniques to whiten your rug, including using household cleaners, DIY solutions, and professional services.
By the end, your rug will look as good as new!
Why Your Rug Lost Its Whiteness in the First Place
Before we dive into the different options for whitening your rug, it helps to understand the common causes behind a rug losing its bright white color.
The main culprit is usually sun exposure and UV rays. Constant sunlight breaking down the fibers and materials that give the rug its white color. The effects of sun exposure are usually gradual but over time can really dull and yellow the rug.
Dirt, grime, and stains that aren’t properly cleaned can also stain and discolor the rug over time. Things like food stains, pet stains, oil, grease, and drinks can leave residues that turn white fibers yellow or beige.
Finally, general wear and tear from foot traffic and use plays a role too. As more dirt and particles get ground into the rug from people walking on it everyday, the white color fades.
Ok, now that you know why your rug lost its whiteness, let’s go over your different options for restoring it to its original condition.
How to Whiten Rug?
Method #1: Oxygen Bleach
One of the most powerful ways to whiten a rug is oxygen bleach, which uses hydrogen peroxide to lift stains and brighten colors.
Oxygen bleach is color-safe and won’t damage or fade your rug while whitening it. It’s also an environmentally-friendly method without harsh fumes or chemicals.
To use oxygen bleach:
- Mix 1/4 cup of oxygen bleach powder per gallon of warm water.
- Apply the solution evenly across the entire surface of the rug using a clean sponge or scrub brush.
- Let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Allow to fully air dry.
Repeat as needed for tough stains or very dingy areas. With oxygen bleach, you’ll often see a noticeable difference after just one treatment.
Method #2: White Vinegar
For rug owners looking for a natural way to whiten, you can’t go wrong with distilled white vinegar. It acts as a natural bleaching agent to brighten and revive dingy rugs.
Here’s how to safely apply white vinegar:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
- Dip a clean cloth into the solution and apply directly onto the faded or yellowed areas of the rug.
- Gently blot the solution over the affected area (don’t aggressively scrub).
- Allow the vinegar solution to sit for 1-2 hours.
- Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water.
- Blot excess moisture with a dry towel.
- Allow the rug to completely air dry.
The acetic acid in vinegar breaks down residue while the liquid helps lift stains from the rug’s fibers.
Method #3: Lemon Juice
Similar to vinegar, fresh lemon juice makes for an all-natural rug whitening solution. The high acidity of lemon juice lets it cut through stains and brighten faded patches on your rug.
Follow these simple steps for whitening with lemon juice:
- Squeeze enough fresh lemons to make 1 cup of juice.
- In a spray bottle, mix equal parts lemon juice and warm water.
- Shake vigorously to fully mix the solution.
- Evenly mist the lemon-water blend over the entire surface of your rug.
- Let it sit for 1 hour.
- Use a moist towel to blot and lift stains from the rug.
- Rinse with clean water and pat dry with an old towel.
One thing to remember with this method is that lemon juice can lighten some fabric dyes. So test a small, inconspicuous area of your rug first to make sure the lemon doesn’t alter its original color.
Method #4: Baking Soda
For a milder way to naturally clean and whiten your rug, look no further than common baking soda found in any kitchen.
Thanks to its alkaline properties, baking soda makes for an effective DIY rug whitener:
- Spread a generous layer of baking soda evenly over the surface of your rug.
- Allow it to sit for a minimum of 6 hours or even overnight.
- Use a vacuum cleaner to thoroughly remove the baking soda residue.
- Repeat the process as needed until you get your desired level of whiteness.
The baking soda works to lift stains and soils without the use of harsh chemicals. It’s also super affordable compared to commercial rug cleaners.
Method #5: Hydrogen Peroxide
Similar to oxygen bleach, hydrogen peroxide acts as a strong oxidizing agent to brighten faded rugs back to their original white color.
Follow these steps to whiten your rug with hydrogen peroxide:
- In a large bucket or basin, dilute 1 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide concentrate with 1 gallon of warm water.
- Using a sponge mop, apply the hydrogen peroxide solution liberally over the entire rug’s surface.
- Let it soak in for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a moist towel to blot up the solution.
- Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
- Stand the rug on its end and allow to fully air dry.
Hydrogen peroxide breaks down deep stains while revitalizing the white fibers in the rug through oxidation.
Method #6: Professional Cleaning
If you’ve tried all the DIY methods with limited success, your best bet might be to hire professional rug cleaners. Companies like Rug Doctor have commercial-grade equipment and whitening solutions to deep clean and restore dingy rugs.
The major benefit of professional rug cleaning for whitening is that trained technicians can fully saturate the rug with cleaning solutions using truck-mounted wands and powerful suction capabilities. This allows whiteners and brighteners to penetrate much deeper than what regular DIY methods can achieve.
Professional rug cleaners also have access to stronger whitening products that us household consumers typically can’t buy. This makes them more equipped for handling very stubborn whitening projects.
Wrapping Up
And there you have it – 6 reliable methods for restoring brightness and whiteness to faded and discolored rugs. While professional cleaning might be the most thorough approach, the at-home solutions provide cheaper and easier options for the DIYer.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to carry out a spot test first in an inconspicuous area. Check to see if the cleaning solution could negatively impact the rug’s fibers or original dye.
Once you’ve safely tested and picked your preferred method, you’ll be shocked at the revival and vibrancy that your once dingy rug will have. It really can be brought back to look as good as new.
Now those bright white rugs can come back to life and once again be the stylish focal point of your rooms!