how do you clean an area rug?

Any ideas? I vacuum regularly, but I think my area rug needs more than that.

Re: how do you clean an area rug?

beat it outside.

I wash my small area rugs I use in my kitchen in my washer on heavy duty cycle.

I have a Bissell (sp?) vacum for big messes

Re: how do you clean an area rug?

I've been told to bring it outside and hose it down with your graden hose, use soap and leave outside to dry. I opt for the quick fix. I use Woolite carpet cleaner spray and little water and a rubber brush and I scrub it out on the floor and it works. Leaves it smelling fresh too.