When it is freezing outside and there is dry fresh snow on the ground, it is worth taking the rug out. Snow cleaning is an old Finnish way to freshen a rug without water or detergent. It does not replace a wash, but done right it removes dust and leaves the rug fresh.
- Best for wool rugs, rag rugs and thin woven rugs.
- Snow removes dust and freshens the rug, but does not remove stains, odours or dirt deep in the pile.
- Wet snow and snow with salt or grit do more harm than good.
Snow cleaning weather
Snow cleaning works when all three are true
−5 °C or colder
In frost the snow does not melt into the fibres.
Dry powder snow
Ideally freshly fallen. No wet snow.
A clean spot
Yard or lawn – no grit or salt.
Why does snow cleaning work?
Cold, dry snow binds dust and loose dirt. When the rug lies face down on the snow and you beat its back, the dirt comes loose from the fibres and stays in the snow. In frost the snow does not melt into the fibres, so the rug does not get soaked. The cold also freshens it: stale smells fade.
How to do it right
- 1
Check the weather
Hard frost and fresh, dry snow are best. Skip it if the snow is wet or it is around zero.
- 2
Vacuum the rug first
Remove loose sand and crumbs before you take the rug out.
- 3
Pick a clean spot
Clean snow at the edge of the yard or on a lawn. Not by roads, where the snow has grit and salt.
- 4
Face down on the snow
Lay the rug face down and beat or brush the back over the whole surface.
- 5
Move and repeat
When the snow under the rug turns grey, the dirt has come off. Move to clean snow and repeat until it stays white.
- 6
Turn and brush the surface
Sweep the snow off the surface before carrying the rug in.
- 7
Dry indoors
Let the rug warm up and dry on a flat surface before it goes back on the floor.
Which rugs suit snow cleaning – and which do not
Snow cleaning suits wool rugs, rag rugs, cotton rugs and thin woven rugs. They handle frost and beating, and the snow freshens the surface.
Wool, rag rugs, cotton, thin woven rugs
They handle frost and beating. The snow freshens the surface and takes the dust with it.
Silk, viscose, rubber backing, thick pile
Silk and viscose do not tolerate moisture. A rubber backing can turn brittle in frost. Thick pile holds moisture. Do not experiment with old valuable rugs.
When is snow not enough?
Snow removes surface dust, but it does not wash the rug. The rug needs a proper wash if:
- Stains
Beating will not lift them – the rug needs a wash.
- Pet accidents and odours
The smell goes down to the backing. Snow only freshens the surface.
- A year or more without a wash
Dirt and grit deep in the pile wear the fibres.
- A large, heavy rug
Carrying it out is hard work, and some winters there is no snow.
For pet accidents, see pet stain and odour removal. For how often to wash, see how often should you clean your carpet.
Snow freshens, washing cleans. Many people do both: snow in winter and a proper wash once a year.
No snow, or the rug is too heavy?
In the Helsinki region proper frosty snow does not always arrive in time. If there is no snow or the rug is too big to carry, Mattonouto picks it up at your door in Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and Kauniainen and brings it back clean within 3–7 business days. See prices or book a pickup.