Area Rug FAQ
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How do you clean an area rug?
Most rug manufacturers recommend vacuuming an area rug at least once a week. Dirt and sand is one of the biggest enemies as they act as abrasives and can breakdown the fibers of your rug. Any spills or mishaps that may happen on your rug should be cleaned immediately. Never rub a spill; always blot the area to prevent the rug yarn from fraying. Any fraying or stray fibers should be cut even to the rugs surface. Never try to pull out a stray fiber as it could cause more damage. Check out our Rug Care page to learn more about cleaning and maintaining your area rugs.
How do you remove stains and spills?
When you have a spill on your rug, it is important to take quick action to prevent the spill from becoming a stain. Always blot the excess liquid first. Use a white cloth with a dry cleaning fluid or a simple solution of 1 tsp. of mild detergent such as Woolite, 1 tsp. of white vinegar and 1 quart of warm water. Extract the excess liquid with a wet/dry vacuum. Do not over saturate your rug as it could cause damage and do not leave the rug wet as it may start to mildew and eventually cause the rug to rot. If you have a stain on your rug, it is important to first identify the nature of the stain. Check out the Area Rug Stain Chart for solutions on dealing with specific types of stains.
What are the most common area rug sizes?
The most common sizes of area rugs are 2′x3′, 2′x4′, 3′x5′, 4′x6′, 5′x8′, 6′x9′, 7′x10′, 8′x10′, 9′x12′, 10′x13′, 10′x14′, 12′x15′, 12′x18′, 13′x20′, 14′x21′
Should I have my area rug professionally cleaned?
Most manufacturers recommend having your area rugs professionally cleaned every 3-5 years. Many natural rugs have special fibers that can only be properly cleaned by a professional rug cleaner. Commercial rug cleaners use special equipment to clean rugs thoroughly and they are able to dry a rug properly to prevent any mildew or odors.
How long will an area rug last?
There are many factors that go into answering this question. The material, construction and method used to make the rug play an important role in its longevity. Regular vacuuming will help keep your rug looking new and rotating it once a year will ensure that the fibers wear evenly. Keeping the rug out of direct sunlight will prevent premature fading. High quality area rugs can last anywhere from 20-50 years if taken care of properly. Many hand woven rugs are considered a work of art and can have a resale value that goes up over time as they age.
Is a non-skid rug pad a necessity?
No, but it is strongly recommended by many rug manufacturers. A non-skid rug pad will help to protect your area rug and the floor beneath from abrasion and also help keep them in place. A good quality rug pad will provide additional safety and acoustic benefits and add years of life to your rug. When purchasing a rug pad, make sure it is about two inches smaller than your rug so it won’t show around the edges and this will also allow the ends of the rug to lay flat.
Will my area rug fade?
Under normal lighting conditions, most area rugs will provide you with years of service without showing significant signs of fading. With that being said, constant exposure to sunlight will cause a rug to fade over time and naturally dyed rugs will fade more easily than their synthetic counterparts. To prevent fading, you will need to keep your blinds and drapes closed or install UV protection on your windows. Rotate your rugs frequently for more uniform fading if direct sunlight is unavoidable.
How do I get my area rug to lay flat?
A rug should always be rolled up when transporting or storing, not folded. If your rug has a crease, lay it out on the ground and allow it to settle for a few days. If the corners of the rug will not lay down, place an item (end table, book, etc.) on the corners until they lay down properly.
How do you store an area rug?
If you plan on storing your area rug for a long period of time, have it professionally cleaned, mothproofed and then wrapped in a breathable material to prevent it from mildewing. Do not fold your area rug as creases may form.
What size area rug do I need?
3′x5′, 4′x6′ or 5′x8′ area rugs are most commonly used under coffee tables, around sitting areas and for general decor accent. If you plan on purchasing a rug to put beneath your dining room table, allow for an additional 30″ on each side of the table so the chairs are still on the rug when pulled out. If you are looking for an area rug to frame your entire room, allow for 12″-18″ of room between the rug and the wall.
Can I use multiple area rugs in one room?
Yes! Using multiple rugs in your decor is a great way to define certain spaces in a large great room. Many homes today have open floor plans and area rugs help to divide and differentiate a single space that might have a different theme or function. If you are trying to bring several different spaces together, use area rugs with identical patterns and colors to create a more uniform feel throughout your home.
What is the difference between a handmade rug and a machine-made rug?
Handmade area rugs are made by hand using either a hand knotted, hand tufted or hand hooked method. Because they are very labor intensive, handmade rugs are generally more expensive and can actually increase in value over time. Machine-made rugs are made by a specialized piece of equipment called a power loom. Most are completely automated and run off of software programs in order to complete a desired pattern or design.
Should I choose a natural or synthetic area rug fiber?
The type of fiber you choose for your area rug should be determined by where you plan on using it. Synthetic fibers such as polypropylene (olefin) or nylon are generally more stain resistant and can be great for children’s rooms or other areas of the home where there might be a lot of floor traffic. Natural fibers such as wool or cotton are generally more comfortable and make great pieces to put in a study or lounge area for just hanging out.
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.
