Here is some information to help you keep your rug looking its best:
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is good for your rug. However, you’ll want to be sure to turn off the vacuum’s
beater bar, if possible. If it cannot be turned off, raise the bar to the highest setting. Be sure to make
frequent passes in heavily trafficked areas.
Rugs with fringe require you to be very careful not to run the vacuum over the fringe and damage it.
Actually, you’ll need to make sure you don’t get too close to it at all, as a powerful vacuum will suck in
the fringe if you’re anywhere near it.
Sweeping your rug with a broom is also a good idea. Not only does it help get rid of dirt, it will help
bring out your rug’s sheen.
Vacuuming and sweeping should be done weekly, and more often if needed.
Don’t Let Spills Become Stains
No rug is stain-proof. Inevitably, there will be some spills that don’t thrill.
If you are lucky enough to have a small rug that’s washable, just follow the care directions on the rug
to wash away the stain.
However, if you have a large rug, and/or one that is not machine washable, you can try spot cleaning.
When accidents happen, act immediately. Scoop up as much of the spill as you can, then blot the
area with a paper towel or
other clean, undyed cloth. Work from the outer edge toward the center of the spill so you don’t let it
spread. Do not rub the spill, as you’ll only be driving the mess deeper into your rug.
Smaller spills may be diluted with a little bit of water, or you may need to use a cleaner. If so, make
sure to use as little as possible so you don’t damage the rug or flooring. Test a tiny area of the
accident to see how the dyes will react.
Food and drink stains can usually be cleaned with a mild, non-bleach detergent (diluted with a small
amount of water), but oil-based stains should be treated with dry cleaning solvents. As with fabric, an
ink stain can be removed with hairspray. Spray the area and let it dry. Then, brush gently with a water
and vinegar solution.
If Fluffy leaves a “present” on your rug, scoop up as much as possible. Then, blot liquid with a clean
cloth or paper towel, and apply solution of warm water and mild, non-bleach detergent. Blot again and
allow to dry. Spritz with water and blot. Apply vinegar solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar and
one cup of warm water. Then, rinse, blot, and allow to dry.
If your spot cleaning doesn’t achieve the results you desire, you may need to turn to a professional.
Clean Professionally
Professional cleaning is recommended for most rugs, and is always a safer option than trying to do it
yourself.
It is best to have your rug cleaned by a professional who has experience with the type of fiber in your
rug. For example, cleaning an Oriental rug requires a different expertise and technique than a jute rug.
Store Safely
There may come a time you plan to store your rug. If so, be sure to clean your rug prior to storage. It
should also be treated with repellent if its fiber content is susceptible to moths (wool, for example).
Roll the rug tightly and wrap in a cloth, sheet, or something else that will allow the rug to breathe. Do
not use plastic to encase the rug. Then store your rug in a dry, cool place.
Minimize Wear and Tear
Like most things you own, your rug is subject to wear. While it is unavoidable, it can be minimized.
Exposure to strong sunlight will, over time, cause your rug to fade. If possible, place your rug so that it
isn’t subjected to too
much sunlight. Window treatments can play a key role in protecting your rugs (and other furnishings)
from the sun’s damaging
rays. Blinds and shutters are especially easy to adjust for blocking or filtering sunlight.
Some rugs, particularly hooked and braided ones, develop pulls. Called sprouting, this is a common
occurrence. Resist the temptation to pull the sprout! Instead, eliminate it by cutting it even with the pile
of the rug.
Occasionally rotating your rug will equalize the effects of wear by exposing it to a variety of traffic
patterns. If your rug shape or design doesn’t allow you to rotate it 180 degrees, any repositioning of
the rug will help to extend its life. Some manufacturers recommend rotating a rug every six months. If
rotation involves moving large amounts of furniture and is a difficult ordeal, you should at least make
the effort to move it once a year. If the rug is reversible, be sure to flip it over also.
Heavy furniture can crush your rug. It’s a good idea to use protective disks or pads under the legs of
your furniture where you can. Pile that has been crushed can be revived by spritzing the area with
water and brushing with a soft brush.
Rug pads are instrumental in minimizing rug wear.
Provide Some Padding
Using a rug pad will extend the life of your rug. The rug pad keeps your rug flat, which reduces wear
and tear, and also makes
vacuuming easier. Pads help absorb the impact of feet and the pressure of heavy furniture.
Making your home a safer place to be, pads stabilize rugs to prevent bunching and slipping. Rugs on
hard surface flooring can be a safety issue, particularly small rugs. Without a rug pad, even large rugs
pinned under furniture can move and slip, especially on corners. A rug pad will reduce or eliminate
slippage.
Also, a pad allows for some breathing room between the floor and your rug, and will help absorb
noise.
Use a non-skid, rubberized pad, which is fairly thin. You want the pad to act as a cushion, but you don’
t want to raise the rug too far off the floor, as it may cause someone to trip. Place your rug pad
approximately one inch from the border of the rug, so it can’t be seen. (If your rug has a latex backing,
you will not need a rug pad.)
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming is good for your rug. However, you’ll want to be sure to turn off the vacuum’s
beater bar, if possible. If it cannot be turned off, raise the bar to the highest setting. Be sure to make
frequent passes in heavily trafficked areas.
Rugs with fringe require you to be very careful not to run the vacuum over the fringe and damage it.
Actually, you’ll need to make sure you don’t get too close to it at all, as a powerful vacuum will suck in
the fringe if you’re anywhere near it.
Sweeping your rug with a broom is also a good idea. Not only does it help get rid of dirt, it will help
bring out your rug’s sheen.
Vacuuming and sweeping should be done weekly, and more often if needed.
Don’t Let Spills Become Stains
No rug is stain-proof. Inevitably, there will be some spills that don’t thrill.
If you are lucky enough to have a small rug that’s washable, just follow the care directions on the rug
to wash away the stain.
However, if you have a large rug, and/or one that is not machine washable, you can try spot cleaning.
When accidents happen, act immediately. Scoop up as much of the spill as you can, then blot the
area with a paper towel or
other clean, undyed cloth. Work from the outer edge toward the center of the spill so you don’t let it
spread. Do not rub the spill, as you’ll only be driving the mess deeper into your rug.
Smaller spills may be diluted with a little bit of water, or you may need to use a cleaner. If so, make
sure to use as little as possible so you don’t damage the rug or flooring. Test a tiny area of the
accident to see how the dyes will react.
Food and drink stains can usually be cleaned with a mild, non-bleach detergent (diluted with a small
amount of water), but oil-based stains should be treated with dry cleaning solvents. As with fabric, an
ink stain can be removed with hairspray. Spray the area and let it dry. Then, brush gently with a water
and vinegar solution.
If Fluffy leaves a “present” on your rug, scoop up as much as possible. Then, blot liquid with a clean
cloth or paper towel, and apply solution of warm water and mild, non-bleach detergent. Blot again and
allow to dry. Spritz with water and blot. Apply vinegar solution of one tablespoon of white vinegar and
one cup of warm water. Then, rinse, blot, and allow to dry.
If your spot cleaning doesn’t achieve the results you desire, you may need to turn to a professional.
Clean Professionally
Professional cleaning is recommended for most rugs, and is always a safer option than trying to do it
yourself.
It is best to have your rug cleaned by a professional who has experience with the type of fiber in your
rug. For example, cleaning an Oriental rug requires a different expertise and technique than a jute rug.
Store Safely
There may come a time you plan to store your rug. If so, be sure to clean your rug prior to storage. It
should also be treated with repellent if its fiber content is susceptible to moths (wool, for example).
Roll the rug tightly and wrap in a cloth, sheet, or something else that will allow the rug to breathe. Do
not use plastic to encase the rug. Then store your rug in a dry, cool place.
Minimize Wear and Tear
Like most things you own, your rug is subject to wear. While it is unavoidable, it can be minimized.
Exposure to strong sunlight will, over time, cause your rug to fade. If possible, place your rug so that it
isn’t subjected to too
much sunlight. Window treatments can play a key role in protecting your rugs (and other furnishings)
from the sun’s damaging
rays. Blinds and shutters are especially easy to adjust for blocking or filtering sunlight.
Some rugs, particularly hooked and braided ones, develop pulls. Called sprouting, this is a common
occurrence. Resist the temptation to pull the sprout! Instead, eliminate it by cutting it even with the pile
of the rug.
Occasionally rotating your rug will equalize the effects of wear by exposing it to a variety of traffic
patterns. If your rug shape or design doesn’t allow you to rotate it 180 degrees, any repositioning of
the rug will help to extend its life. Some manufacturers recommend rotating a rug every six months. If
rotation involves moving large amounts of furniture and is a difficult ordeal, you should at least make
the effort to move it once a year. If the rug is reversible, be sure to flip it over also.
Heavy furniture can crush your rug. It’s a good idea to use protective disks or pads under the legs of
your furniture where you can. Pile that has been crushed can be revived by spritzing the area with
water and brushing with a soft brush.
Rug pads are instrumental in minimizing rug wear.
Provide Some Padding
Using a rug pad will extend the life of your rug. The rug pad keeps your rug flat, which reduces wear
and tear, and also makes
vacuuming easier. Pads help absorb the impact of feet and the pressure of heavy furniture.
Making your home a safer place to be, pads stabilize rugs to prevent bunching and slipping. Rugs on
hard surface flooring can be a safety issue, particularly small rugs. Without a rug pad, even large rugs
pinned under furniture can move and slip, especially on corners. A rug pad will reduce or eliminate
slippage.
Also, a pad allows for some breathing room between the floor and your rug, and will help absorb
noise.
Use a non-skid, rubberized pad, which is fairly thin. You want the pad to act as a cushion, but you don’
t want to raise the rug too far off the floor, as it may cause someone to trip. Place your rug pad
approximately one inch from the border of the rug, so it can’t be seen. (If your rug has a latex backing,
you will not need a rug pad.)
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Area Rug Care
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