Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Snow Cleaning a Hooked Rug

Someone asked on our rug hooking group, if anyone had snow and could do pictures on using snow to clean a hooked rug.
I have dirty rugs in my kitchen, so thought I would give it a try. The problem was, even with a cloudy day, the photos got washed out, but it gives you an idea on how it works.

I took the rug I use in front of the sink, it is dirty, spills and that overall dull grime look.



I laid the rug, face down in the snow and left it there for three hours. Not only did it remove dirt, but the cold snow lifted the hairs off as well. I think if it was left out all day, you could get more dirt off. Also, make sure the snow is cold, not on a warm day when it is melting, or your rug will be soaked. This way, I just hung it on a rack and the next morning it was dry. I have also heard that you can use snow and lightly brush the rug to remove dirt. The end picture came out too bright, but the next day, I could see the difference and the rug looks a lot better. It is hard to see, but there is more dirt and hair, than shows in the photo.

17 comments:

Cath's Pennies Designs said...

Well, we certainly have plenty of cold snow here in Pa to easily give this a try! Thanks for that .. I've never heard of using snow for cleaning the rugs.
Cathy

Amanda Laurel Atkins said...

wow, what a neat trick! I had no idea you could do that.

Anonymous said...

That's really neat...I never knew that you could use snow to clean rugs. Pretty cool!! LOL...

~Cindy~

moosecraft said...

Love that rooster rug! So, you just plop it in the snow and leave it there? Sounds like my kind of cleaning! Thanks for sharing!

Mouse Droppings Folk Art said...

haven't tried this yet...nice to know it works..love the rooster rug! Susan

Joanne said...

Debbie I did mine the other week like that when we had snow- but I layed it out in the snow and then I trampled with with my feet and packed snow on it both sides - left it for about 5 minutes and then shook and banged off the snow and layed across the drying rack - came out beautiful - never thought to just leave them lay out there - will try that next.

Unknown said...

So good to hear from someone who has tried the snow cleaning of wool rugs.
The only ones I have out right now are on the wall due to a new puppy so when I some day get to take mine off the closet shelves and use them I will know how to clean them.

thank you again.
Katie

WoolenSails said...

I just lay it on clean snow, the snow draws out the dirt, one of those magic things;)

Debbie

Sue said...

Love this idea! I never heard of it.

Karmen said...

That's awesome!

Anonymous said...

Snow really refreshes rugs and gets all the dust and critter hairs off. I cover mine in a few inches of snow for 1/2 hour and then shake 'em out. It all works the same! I'm sure your beautiful rug looks and smells even better now! Snow works better than FaBreeze!

Brenda said...

Well, I didn't know that! That seems so much gentler than beating the crap out of it with my broom! LOL! I best try that "gentler/kinder" cleaning method on my rugs. They might last longer, duh! =)

alobsiger said...

Ohmygosh! I'm going to file away this information (for the day I start rug hooking because I am merely a wannabe). Who would have thought?! What a lovely rug!

Carmen The Olde FarmHouse Road said...

Just wanted to say hello and thanks for your commment on my blog about the kitty.. yes they do seem to be fascinated with the weirdest things don't they? Have a Blessed New Year! Carmen

Unknown said...

Wow! Better than using cold water cause it wouldn't get so wet & lose it's shape. Great idea!!
Now I just need to finish the rug I started a couple of years ago so I can try it ♥
Judy

Mary Lou Weidman said...

Hey, that is cool to know. I have a number of rugs rolled up in my garage that I did not know how in the world to clean. I am going to try it when we get more snow. :0) Not that I want snow....

Unknown said...

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