Area Rug Care & Maintenance

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When you spend a lot of money on an area rug, you will wan’t to take the time to maintain and care for your new purchase so it will provide you with years of service. By doing some regular maintenance and cleaning on a daily or weekly basis, you will help extend the life of your rug substantially. Over time, many rugs look as if the colors are fading. This might be so, but many times the fibers of the rugs are covered in dirt and grime due to the lack of cleaning. The dirtier the rug gets, the more likely it is going to attract everyday dirt, dust and whatever else is brought into your home.

Vacuuming

The most important thing you can do for an area rug is vacuum it frequently. Dirt and sand that gets trapped into the fibers acts as an abrasive and starts to breakdown the rug over time. Vacuuming once a week will help keep your rug clean and reduce premature wearing that is caused by neglect.

Area rugs in high traffic areas might need to be vacuumed more frequently. Be careful when using a vacuum with a beater bar as they can sometimes damage a rug. Always set the beater bar at the highest setting before vacuuming any rug. Some experts believe that rugs should only be vacuumed with a suction hose and/or an attachment.

New rugs might need vacuuming more frequently due to the shedding issue. A new rug sheds loose fibers that cling to the rug during the manufacturing of the rug; it does not shorten the life of the rug.

Most rugs can be vacuumed in both directions which will help keep the rug from matting. This is especially true for area rugs with a heavy traffic pattern. It must be noted that some rug experts feel that vacuuming should only be done in the direction of the pile. If you are unsure, contact the rugs manufacturer for further advice.

Area rugs with looped textures should only be vacuumed with a suction hose. This will prevent the loops from getting damaged.

Fading

Try to rotate the rugs in your home at least once a year so that they wear and fade more evenly. Direct sunlight can cause fading and heavy traffic can cause uneven wear. Over time this can be very noticeable if you do not rotate your rugs. Rotating a rug consists of spinning it around 180 degrees so it now receives sunlight and traffic from a different direction. This will help reduce any noticeable fading and wear.

Spills and Stains

Act Quickly!

Many rugs today have a stain-resistant treatment that does not allow an immediate spill to absorb into the rug fibers. This will give you some time to round up the necessary materials to take care of the spill or stain. Always make sure to never rub the spill into the fibers as this could damage the pile of the rug. A simple white towel can be used to blot the liquid up if you get to it before it has had a chance to absorb into the rug. You can use a spoon or the blunt edge of a knife to pick up solids like ice cream, jelly, peanut butter, etc.

Most rug manufacturers recommend the use of Woolite products to clean their rugs. This usually involves applying the Woolite cleaner with a soft bristle brush, rinsing the area lightly with water (DO NOT over saturate) , and then using a vacuum or extractor to remove any residue. You can then dry the rug by using a low-temperature hair dryer or let it sit so it can air dry. Be sure not to place the rug up against any surface or material that will not let the rug dry properly so as to prevent any mildewing which could eventually cause the rug to rot. If possible, try to hang the rug so it can air dry from both sides.

Check out the Area Rug Stain Chart to help you with any mishaps you might have.

Moving or Storing Rugs

An area rug should never be folded in any way, especially when storing for a long period of time. You should always roll your rug up (design inside) when moving or storing. If temporary, you can just roll up the rug, tape it and then move it to its next location. If you are planning on long term storage, the rug should be professionally cleaned, mothproofed and then wrapped in a breathable material to prevent the rug from mildewing.

Professional Rug Cleaning

It is recommended that you have your area rugs professionally cleaned every 3-5 years. Rugs that are very expensive or fragile should always be cleaned by a professional. Many professional rug cleaners offer in home services for people who have rugs that are two large to carry. By utilizing a professional rug cleaning service, you will significantly extend the life of your area rugs; especially high end pieces such as Oriental rugs, hand-made Persian rugs and old antique rugs that have become more frail in their older age.

Floor Rugs Online does not guarantee that any method mentioned here will work. All the information provided should only be used as a guideline. If you have any doubt or concern about a particular stain or cleaning method, please contact a reputable Professional Rug Cleaning Company. You can read our full disclaimer here.