Area Rug Maintenance

AREA RUGS DESERVE THE SAME ATTENTION AS OTHER FLOORING PRODUCTS.

While they may play a minor role in your home’s décor, they still deserve attention and care. You should vacuum or sweep your rug as you would wall-to-wall carpeting but being careful that the fringes don’t get pulled into the vacuum cleaner. Rotate your rug 180 degrees every few months. Rotation is necessary for two reasons. First, all parts of your rug should be exposed to light equally so that the colors fade evenly. Secondly, for traffic, as all parts of the rug should be exposed to an equal amount of traffic, so that the pile wears evenly.

ACCIDENTS HAPPEN.

A water spill should be dried immediately with a hairdryer set on a warm temperature. Try to dry both sides of your rug, if possible. In case of other liquid spills, apply salt or baking soda to the spot for a few minutes to absorb the liquid. Then vacuum up the salt or baking soda. After vacuuming, use a wet towel to gently wipe the stain in the direction of the nap. Be gentle and do not scrub your rug. If needed, contact a professional to help with stains.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL.

Have your rug washed by a professional every two to five years, depending on the amount of traffic on the rug. Professionals will dust the rug with special equipment to get dirt out of the foundation before washing the rug. Then they will wash the rug by hand, using a natural soap. They will also make sure the rug is dried from the surface to the foundation before it is used again. Most handmade rug dealers and retailers offer appropriate cleaning products and services. Do not take your rug to general carpet-cleaning companies, as the techniques and chemicals used for wall-to-wall carpets may not be appropriate for handmade rugs.

PADDING IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT.

Consult with us about the proper padding to be placed under your rug. Padding will both stabilize and protect your rug. Good padding also makes it safer to walk on your rug and will protect its value and experience.