Rug Care and Maintenance

Rugs are often one of the most aggressively used decorative pieces within a home. They see a lot of traffic from day to day with family and pets walking and standing on them. If you are a rug owner it is important to learn a few maintenance and care techniques to keep your rug looking as clean and new as the day you put it down.

Sunlight and Moths

Whether your rug is made with natural or synthetic dyes, sunlight can be a rug’s worst enemy. Direct sunlight through a window can fade any dye in as quickly as a month. If you are keeping your rug near a window, it is important to keep the shades drawn as much as possible. Sunlight on an Oriental rug can also cause the cotton backing to dry out and make it very brittle.

Moths that can sometimes be found in a food pantry or coat closet can also be damaging to Oriental rugs. Rugs that are underneath a table should be moved a little every once in awhile to avoid any issues. The same goes for rugs that are underneath a bed. Rotate your rug 180 degrees and be sure to vacuum regularly.

How to care for your rug

In order to have a clean Oriental rug you will need to remove dirt and dust from it periodically. Depending on the amount of traffic you get on the rug, you may need to do this more or less frequently. Vacuum the rug on both sides to get rid of any dirt. Turn off your vacuum’s beater bar, if possible. If not, raise the bar to its highest setting. Vacuum the rug in several different directions to ensure soil removal. Dirt that is left in the rug can cut the fibers over time and lead to premature wear. Most important, do not vacuum over the fringe! Fringe can be combed with a wide-toothed comb to maintain its appearance.

If further cleaning is necessary, you can wash smaller rugs with cool water and a mild rug shampoo. Make sure that the shampoo doesn’t have any harsh chemicals in it that could be damaging. Completely and thoroughly rinse the shampoo from the rug and squeeze out any excess water. Lay the rug flat to dry, and make sure that it is not in direct sunlight.

If there are any stains or you do not feel comfortable cleaning the rug you can bring it to be professionally cleaned as well. A professional should also be consulted if there is any damage or tearing. They might either handle it themselves or have the rug sent somewhere to be repaired. If maintenance is required, take care of it as soon as possible to keep a problem from getting worse and costing you more money.

A rug pad is an important accessory for your rug. A pad prevents slipping, protects your floor, provides abrasion resistance, and allows airflow which can help your rug last longer. It also helps keep the rug’s pile from crushing under heavy foot traffic. The pad can be an inch smaller than the rug all around so it won’t be seen.

Rugs should be rotated every six months or so to balance traffic patterns and wear. Flip the rug occasionally if it is reversible. And be sure to use protective cushions under furniture legs to help reduce crushing. If pile becomes crushed or dented, it can be revived by misting with water and fluffing the fibers gently with a small brush or comb.

Well-made wool rugs have been known to maintain their good looks from generation to generation. With a little care, your rug should last a lifetime or more.