Expert warns popular TikTok rug cleaning hack could cause 'permanent' damage

A rug cleaning hack going viral on TikTok has been slammed by experts who warn the method does more harm than good.

The hack involves soaking the rug in the bath with a mixture of hot water, fabric softener and various other cleaning products like laundry detergent and disinfectant.

Watching these videos, it's easy to think the process is working because of how gross the water looks during and after the soak.

Watch the video above.

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But Liza Garrison, director of product at rug brand Ruggable, warned that's not the case.

"Don't let the colour of the bath water fool you. Yes, your rug will be cleaner and more sanitary after soaking it in the bath with various cleaning products, however, laundry detergents and fabric softeners are not always suitable for cleaning rugs," she said.

"Fabric softeners can damage the fibres of your rug, making them flat and limp in some cases. They also contain properties that can alter the colour of your rug, either making it lose colour or giving it a permanent yellow tinge. So I would strongly advise keeping fabric softeners away from any rug, whether it be made of natural or synthetic fibres."

The soaking hack could also make the rug dirtier and leave a sticky residue if it's not rinsed well afterwards.

Garrison explained laundry detergent shouldn't be used to clean rugs unless they are machine washable or made from non-natural fibres and even then a mild laundry detergent is recommended.

To clean a rug safely vacuum regularly, spot clean as needed and machine wash occasionally.

But first, make sure you check what your rug is made from and follow the recommended care instructions for that particular fibre.

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"Cleaning different rugs requires specific care so it is important to always read any cleaning instructions that accompany your rug. Whilst there are many machine washable rugs on the market now, something we specialise in, it is good to be cautious as not all rugs will be washing machine safe.

"Rugs to be particularly cautious of are those made from natural fibres such as wool, silk and jute, and particular styles such as shaggy, tufted and fluffy rugs. However, do consider machine-washable alternatives if you're keen on the style but want to stay on top of the cleanliness."

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