How to Properly Care for Your Area Rug
Area rugs can be beautiful additions to your home, but they can be expensive and sometimes delicate. It’s important to know how to clean and maintain area rugs to make them last for years to come. By following some simple guidelines, you can keep your area rugs looking bright and new as the day you bought them.
Proper Cleaning is Crucial
The first thing any rug owner should understand is the difference between rug and carpet. While these terms were used interchangeably for hundreds of years, today they describe two different types of floor covering. A carpet is attached to the floor using tacks and is often “wall to wall” while a “rug” is a textile that is not fastened down. The two are made from different materials and this is why cleaning a carpet is not the same as cleaning a rug.
Many rug owners opt to have their rugs professionally cleaned. It’s a good idea to have your rug cleaned every two years. Many professional cleaners will pick up your rug, clean it, and deliver it back to your home. Some even come to your home and clean your rug right then and there. Owners of expensive rugs like to use these cleaning services because of the many kinds of rugs and different materials woven into them. It does take a skilled, trained expert to clean most high quality rugs.
In Between Cleanings
The easiest this to do to maintain your rug is vacuuming. To properly vacuum area rugs, remove all furniture from them and vacuum to remove surface dirt. Weekly vacuuming on both sides would be ideal. Vacuuming the flip side of the rug is the only way to get the dirt that settles into the backing. Use the curtain-cleaning attachment of your vacuum to clean the fringes.
You can help to lengthen the life of your rug by rotating it at least once a year, six months if there’s furniture on it. This will help to evenly distribute foot traffic over the entire rug. If you do have furniture on your rug, place a support underneath the rug where the legs rest. You can purchase special rug supports, pads or, in a pinch, use small tile under each leg. By doing this will you will help keep the furniture from indenting the rug. If the rug is reversible, flip it over every six months.
If you spill something on your area rug or notice a stain while you’re vacuuming, you should attend to the stain right away. For new spills, place a clean towel or cloth underneath the rug. Use paper towels or a dry, clean towel and blot the stain. Repeat this until you’ve gotten as much of the spill as you can. Next, try to remove the stain. Replace the cloth or towel underneath the rug with a clean, dry one. From the top, dip a cloth or towel in a little club soda or cold water. Ring it out well so it’s only damp. Blot the stain and follow by blotting with a dry towel. If it doesn’t get out the stain, try blotting some shaving cream onto the stain. If the shaving cream doesn’t work, try a gentle solution of 1 teaspoon dish soap to 1 cup of water. If your stain remains, call a professional with a quality carpet steam cleaner. Trying anything harsher can damage your rug.
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Filed Under: Carpet Care • Rugs & Rug Cleaning
