If you’ve ever wondered how to clean your rug pads, you’re not alone!

Rug pads can get dirty over time and, trust me, they’re more important than you might think. Not only do they keep your rug in place, but they also protect your floors and help with noise reduction.

So, it makes sense that you'd want to keep them fresh and clean.

In this post, I’ll show you how to wash rug pads the correct way.

Can You Wash Rug Pads?

Yes, you can wash most rug pads, but the method depends on the pad's material.

Felt rug pads are usually fine to clean, as long as you follow the care instructions—some can even handle a gentle hand wash.

Rubber or PVC pads are a little trickier. Some of them are washable, but it's really important to check the label or the manufacturer's guidelines before you dive in.

Memory foam and adhesive gripper pads are definitely not washable. You’ll want to stick to spot cleaning for those, so they don’t get ruined.

Also Read: How to steam clean baseboards

How To Clean Rug Pads

Cleaning your rug pad isn’t too complicated. It just takes a few simple steps to get them looking fresh and new. Here’s how to do it step by step:

#1 Shake It Out

First things first, shake the rug. Rug pads can collect dust, dirt, and all sorts of crumbs, so giving them a good shake will help loosen a lot of that debris.

Take the rug pad outside if you can. This way, you won’t make a mess indoors, and the fresh air can help get rid of any smells.

Hold the pad on both sides and give it a few good shakes, moving it around in the air.

You might be surprised at how much debris comes out. You might even see bits of dust and dirt falling off it.

#2 Vacuum Both Sides

Once you’ve shaken it out, it’s time to get the vacuum cleaner involved.

Vacuuming both sides of the rug pad will help pull out even more dirt.

Start with one side, making sure to go over it slowly and thoroughly. Don't rush—take your time so that you get all the little particles stuck in there.

#3 Spot Clean Stains

Sometimes rug pads get stains from spilled food, pet accidents, or just dirt.

Spot cleaning is an easy way to take care of those specific spots without doing a full deep clean. Use a mild detergent or an all-purpose cleaner and apply it directly to the stain.

Make sure to test the cleaner in a small, hidden area first to make sure it won’t damage the material.

Once you’ve done that, grab a soft cloth or sponge and gently scrub the stained area.

Don’t rub too hard—just a gentle scrub should do the trick. Afterward, use a clean damp cloth to wipe away the cleaner, and then dry the area with a towel.

This method works well for small stains. If your rug pad has a lot of spots, it might be time to move on to a deeper cleaning.

#4 Deep Clean (If Needed)

If your rug pad is really dirty or has a lot of stains, it might need a deeper clean.

For rubber rug pads, you can fill a bathtub, large basin, or even a sink with warm water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Let the pad soak for 15 to 20 minutes to help loosen any dirt or grime.

Once it’s soaked, use a soft brush or cloth to gently scrub the pad, especially in any spots that look extra dirty.

If you're working with a felt rug pad, follow the same process but be a little gentler since felt is more delicate than rubber.

After scrubbing, make sure to rinse the pad thoroughly to get rid of any soap. Once it's clean, don’t wring it out—just press gently to remove excess water and move on to drying.

#5 Let It Fully Dry

Once your rug pad is clean, you should let it fully dry to avoid mold.

If you can, lay the rug pad flat in a well-ventilated area. Ideally, this should be outside on a warm day, or near a fan if you’re indoors. Don’t place it directly in the sun, though, as intense heat might cause damage, especially for rubber pads.

It’s best to let the rug pad dry naturally and evenly.

If you’re short on space, you can also hang it up, but make sure it’s not bending or folding as it dries.

Let it dry completely and maintain its original shape. Sometimes this process can take a few hours, so plan to leave the rug pad to dry overnight if needed.

Also Read: Minneapolis Rug Cleaning Services

Bottom Line

Cleaning your rug pad is easy. With a little shaking, vacuuming, spot cleaning, and a bit of patience, your rug pad can last a lot longer and stay fresh.

Just be sure to clean it regularly to keep all that dirt and grime from building up over time.

The most important things to remember are to shake and vacuum it often, tackle stains early, and give it a deep clean when needed. And drying it properly is crucial to avoid any issues with mold or bad odors.

FAQs

Can You Wash Rug Pads In Washing Machines?

It’s generally not a good idea to wash rug pads in the washing machine. The machine’s agitation can damage the material which can cause them to lose shape or even tear.

Stick to hand cleaning methods like vacuuming, shaking, or spot cleaning for the best results.

How To Wash Non-Slip Rug Pad

To wash a non-slip rug pad, start by vacuuming both sides to remove loose dirt. For deeper cleaning, soak it in warm soapy water, then gently scrub any stains with a soft brush.

Be sure to rinse it thoroughly and let it air dry completely before using again.

Can You Wash Rug Pads? (Cleaning Guide)