Washing a job load of rugs- cheaply

[toulouse1]

Could do with getting all rugs ready for winter, don't tend to wash outdoors but half a dozen indoors need awash! Don't really want to send them to the cleaners so can any one suggest a cheap way to DIY??

 

[elisebev]

Not sure where you are based but do you have any petrol stations near you that offer 24/7 laundrette facilities

http://www.kiswash.co.uk/the-first-revolution-launderette-in-scotland/

 

[Dry Rot]

I use a cold water pressure washer. But probably best done outside....

 

[GirlFriday]

You may even find some coin op type places have big enough machines for one rug in each... Drying too although that might get expensive and this is a pretty good time of year to dry outside / under shelter if you can.

TBH depends how much time you have... In theory possible by hand in your bath but might work out better in end to get someone to do a prof job.

 

[Jo1987]

I do mine myself on the patio! Big bucket of hot soapy water and a soft broom, scrub the inside, then rinse off well with the hose on the washing line.
I just spray the worst of the mud off the outside then reproof with nikwax.

 

[MagicMelon]

I do mine myself on the patio! Big bucket of hot soapy water and a soft broom, scrub the inside, then rinse off well with the hose on the washing line.
I just spray the worst of the mud off the outside then reproof with nikwax.

Out of interest, do you use a specific rug wash type soap? Or just something basic like handwash washing powder?!

 

[tallyho!]

Out of interest, do you use a specific rug wash type soap? Or just something basic like handwash washing powder?!

You need to use non-bio for waterproof rugs. Then just rinse with nikwax or other reproofer.

I have washed on patio before, but tbh, having them washed professionally is well worth it.

 

[pec]

I wash all ours in a concrete mixer. A bit labour intensive and you need access to hot water, I just use a bucketfull with the dtergent. They come up as good as with a washing machine.

 

[Jo1987]

Out of interest, do you use a specific rug wash type soap? Or just something basic like handwash washing powder?!

I use a squirt of fairy and a sprinkle of washing powder, only use this on the inside of the rugs though, I just spray the worst off the outside with plain water.

 

[nicelittle]

We also use a pressure washer. I've just come in from washing the first two rugs actually. I soaked them all day in a solution of soda crystals and non bio washing liquid (sometimes put dettol in too if they're really yucky) then have just blasted them off and left to drip dry!
I thought that the hot weather should be put to good use!

 

[Merlod]

I don't wash outdoor rugs so my stable rugs I wash one at a time in my own machine, rinsing after each - I usually do a couple an evening so the whole process takes about a week for them all to be done.

 

[Rollin]

You must use a Tech wash for breathable rugs. Available on line or from shops which sell walking and camping equipment. My best rugs are always washed in a big machine at local DIY launderette or if they are small enough in my own machine. Others I soak in an old batch tube set up in the yard to fill and drain. A few soaks, then soap, then rinses and finally house off.