Abstract: An area-rug cleaning method has steps of air spray (1) for removing dry-extractible dirt with angularly directed air pressure; immersion shampoo (9) for removing immersion-extractible dirt with immersion-shampooing that does not molest rug fibers; scrub wash (16) for removing adhered dirt such as stains, odors and urine with rotational scrub washing; vacuum extract (18) for removing wash fluid with dry vacuum extraction; water rinse (20); cool dry (23); dry clean (24) for removing wash-resistant dirt; acid condition (25) for neutralizing base cleaning agents with an acid-based catalyst; and pad rub (26) for rubbing nap of the area rugs with a cloth pad to provide a shine finish.