So you finally found THE rug. The rug that has made your room complete. The rug you want the rest of your room to revolve around. Now the question is, “how do I keep my rug looking beautiful?”
Keeping your new show piece looking like the day you brought it home is actually easier than you may think. Here are a few tips to help you feel more confident in caring for your new rug.
1. Rotate Your Rug
Just like any other fabric, your rug can fade due to wear from use and sun exposure. One of the best ways to keep the vivid colors in your rug bright and maintain consistent coloring is to rotate your rug on a regular basis. Depending on the amount of traffic, you may need to do this anywhere from once a year to every two or three months. In higher traffic areas, or areas with more sun exposure, it will need to be done more often to maintain a consistent wear and fade pattern which will maintain the quality of the rug.
2. Limit Direct Sunlight
Another great way to reduce fading is limit the amount of direct sunlight your rug is exposed to. In some rooms this may be easier said than done. However, it is also an easy fix. Applying sunshades, sheers, or tinted film to your windows can help reduce the amount of fading that happens over time. The key is to make sure that color fading or changing is uniform. Remember, if your rug is fading, so are your floors and upholstered pieces of furniture.
3. Spot and Stain Removal
One wonderful way to keep your rug clean and free from stains and debris is to take your shoes off when you come in the door. This practice has become common in households everywhere and this simple habit can save you from having to worry about what all of the outdoors you may have brought in.
But what about when the unthinkable happens. You were walking through your room with a drink, tripped over a shoe, and now there is soda all over your beautiful rug.
What do you do?
First, remember that the best action is fast action. Blot up as much of the spill as you can with paper towels or a white terry cloth before it has time to sink down into the pile of the rug. Make sure that you do not rub the area as this will cause the fibers to fuzz and blossom due to the abrasion of rubbing. At this point it is important to know what the fiber content is of your rug. What you do next after blotting the spill can mean all the difference in the world in the appearance of your rug. Some fibers will need water blotted into the fibers to remove the spill, like polypropylene and nylon. Wool fibers can benefit from club soda. The effervescence of the bubbles have a function when it comes to lifting spills out of wool. A combination of 2 parts water 1 part white vinegar are also good for wool fibers. For those needing a stronger solution, a dot of clear dishwashing liquid can be added to the vinegar solution. A dot of liquid detergent may also be added to the synthetic application of water, but only a dot in either case. Soap is very hard to remove from any fiber and when not thoroughly removed will attract dirt back to the origination of the spill. Patience is a virtue when it comes to removing stains and spills. Repeating the steps using small amounts of water and blotting to dry is better than applying a lot of water at once.
Do NOT use store bought cleaners on your rug!!! If a stain remains or you are unsure what to do because you may not know enough about the rug then it is time to call in the professionals.
4. Padding
One of the best things you can do to maintain the structure and quality of your rug is to place padding between your rug and the flooring beneath it. As dust and dirt settle into the rug it can cause a breakdown in the fibers. This can be made worse if the rug is sliding back and forth, causing friction between the rug and the flooring underneath. Good quality underlayment can save your floors and keep the rug from slipping causing someone to get hurt.
5. Vacuuming
Another way to keep your rug looking new and plush is to vacuum it a couple of times a week, depending on the amount of traffic the rug is exposed to. This will keep the fibers from becoming packed down with use. Try to avoid using a vacuum with a beater bar. Beater bars spin brushes that can tangle up the fibers and cause runs and tears in your beautiful rug. If a hand knotted rug is in your home, you will want to vacuum the rug in the direction the pile is lying. This can be determined by rubbing your hand over the rug and finding the smoothest direction of the fibers. Vacuuming the smooth direction is the way to go.
6. Keep an Eye on It
Also, make sure to inspect your rug regularly. Clearing everything off your rug and being able to see the entire area gives you a much better idea of how your rug is wearing and can assure you that coloring is even. If you do happen to notice that there are spots that are showing signs of break down, or pulled fibers, this would be an excellent time to have your rug professionally cleaned and repaired. Checking the part of the rug which may be under furniture where it is dark can be a haven for moths. Call a professional if you detect moth damage.
7. Know a Good Professional
At The Rug Rack we can help you find that gorgeous rug you’ve been searching for. We can deliver it to your location and do any moving of furniture to get your rug into place. And, we’ll be here anytime the need should arise, from routine cleanings or repairs that need to be made. Quality is our business and we want you to see that every step of the way.