Rug care in winter: cleaning your rugs with snow

When winter comes and lays its white blanket over the landscape, an opportunity opens up that you probably would not have thought of at first. We are talking about snow washing: cleaning your rugs gently and naturally with snow. Yes, you read that right – snow can be an effective, chemical-free cleaning agent for the right kind of rug. In this article you will find out how to use this traditional method to remove dirt and dust and keep your rugs fresh and clean.

• Dry, powdery snow
• A clean, flat and sturdy brush
• Gloves

This is how to clean your rug effectively with snow:

1. Preparation: Shake your rug out thoroughly first, to remove loose dirt and dust. Hang the rug outside for about half an hour, so that it adjusts to the cold and the snow does not melt straight away and soak it.

2. Applying the snow: Lay the rug on a clean, dry layer of snow. Cover it evenly with a layer of snow about 3 to 5 cm thick.

3. Letting it work: Leave the snow on the rug for 15 to 20 minutes. It then starts to draw dirt and odours out of the fibres.

4. Cleaning: Use the flat side of your brush to work the snow into the rug. Beat the rug carefully, to knock the loosened dirt out. The cold of the snow makes the dirt fall out of the fibres.

5. Repeating: Remove the dirty snow and repeat the process with fresh snow, until it no longer comes away dirty.

6. Drying: Shake as much of the snow off the rug as you can and hang it up to dry. Leave it until the remaining snow has evaporated and the rug is dry.

Not every kind of rug suits this method. Avoid cleaning wool, silk or high-pile rugs this way, since moisture can damage the fibres.

Always test on an inconspicuous spot first, to make sure your rug will take the treatment and can be washed in snow at all.

Check the material before you consider washing a rug in snow, since some materials can react badly:

– Wool: Do not lay snow directly on a wool rug, since moisture can make the fibres shrink or felt.
– Silk: Cleaning with snow can damage delicate silk rug fibres and leave water marks.
– Flokati or shaggy: Dense high-pile structures can trap snow, which delays drying and raises the risk of mould.
– Natural fibres such as sisal or jute: Snow can leave water marks on these materials.
– Hand-knotted oriental rugs: Snow can distort or damage the foundation of the rug.
– Rugs with a latex backing: Moisture could loosen the adhesive and make the rug curl or come apart.

Test on an inconspicuous spot if you are unsure how the rug will react to snow.

Done properly, snow cleaning offers a great deal:

– Natural cleaning without chemicals, detergents or residue
– Gentler on the fibres and the back of the rug than steam cleaning
– Removes embedded dirt, stains and allergens
– Restores liveliness and extends the time between professional cleans
– Uses snow that is free and plentiful right outside your door
– No hire charges for equipment, as there are with hot-water extraction
– Children and pets can be safely in contact with the rug straight after snow cleaning

Cleaning a rug with snow is a traditional, environmentally friendly method that is both effective and gentle. It is a fine way to refresh and care for the right rugs naturally. Give it a try and let your rug have a winter freshen-up.
FAQs:

Can I use this method on every kind of rug?

No, not every kind of rug suits this method. Modern rugs in robust materials are often no trouble, while delicate rugs should be treated with care.

How often can I do this?

You can use this method as often as the condition and the kind of your rug allow, though ideally only during the cold, snowy months.

Does the rug need any special treatment after snow cleaning?

No. Once the rug has dried completely, it can be used as normal.