Adding an area rug can make all the difference in room. Rugs add color and texture, and they define a space. Use them to tie various colors together. The right rug can make it possible to use more colors in a room. Here's how to care for them...
Rotation
Rotate your rug often. This will do two things to extend the life of your rug:
1) Make the rug wear more evenly.
2) Reduce the effects of sun fading on any one spot of the rug.
Rug Pad
Rug pads extend the life of your rug because the pad absorbs much of the pressure and friction from normal wear and tear. They also will prevent slippage, and reduce the chances of a slip-and-fall accident. When applied properly, a rug pad is 2 - 3 inches short of the edge of the rug all around the perimeter.
Cleaning
Vacuum regularly, as the dust and other particles that settle into the rug are abrasive. When stepped upon, these abrasives, over time, tear at the fibers of the rug. When vacuuming, if you must use a beater brush, raise the setting to make its effect on the rug as light as possible.
Wool Rugs
Wool is a natural fiber that can be very long lasting when properly cared for. Shedding is natural in wool rugs. Colors are more prone to "bleeding" more than synthetic fibers.
1. Use a dry cotton towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain as much as possible. Blot always from the outer edges inward toward the center.
2. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
3. Mix water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
4. Use a clean sponge to gently remove the stain, using the soapy water.
5. Blot the area dry with a towel.
6. Have your wool rugs professionally dry cleaned regularly. Some suggest annually.
Synthetic Fibers (Olefin, Nylon, Polypropylene)
1. Use a dry towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain. Blot from the outer edges inward toward the center.
2. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
3. Mix water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
4. Use a clean sponge to gently remove the stain, using the soapy water.
5. Blot the area dry with a towel.
6. These cleaners are excellent at removing grease and stubborn stains:
409 and Fantastic
Other Natural Fibers (Hemp, Jute, Sisal, Coir)
Knots on these rugs tend to tie loosely, and are prone to unraveling. Clean them with care.
1. Vacuum regularly, minimizing the impact of a beater brush.
2. Trim carefully any loose ends using sharp scissors.
3. Use a dry towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain. Blot from the outer edges inward toward the center.
4. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
5. Use water alone, with no soap, to gently clean the stain.
6. Use a professional cleaning service that knows how to clean wool rugs, another natural fiber.
Shag Rugs
Today's rug makers have become very creative in designing rugs with a lot of texture. For cleaning, follow the instructions from above that apply to the fibers of the rug. When vacuuming, do not use a beater bar at all. Vacuum often.
Indoor/Outdoor Rugs
Cleaning any rug regularly will extend its useful life. These rugs are no exception.
1. Use a dry towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain. Blot from the outer edges inward toward the center.
2. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
3. Mix water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
4. Use a clean sponge to gently remove the stain, using the soapy water.
5. Blot the area dry with a towel.
6. Rather than dry cleaning, use your garden hose to spray off the rug.
Rotation
Rotate your rug often. This will do two things to extend the life of your rug:
1) Make the rug wear more evenly.
2) Reduce the effects of sun fading on any one spot of the rug.
Rug Pad
Rug pads extend the life of your rug because the pad absorbs much of the pressure and friction from normal wear and tear. They also will prevent slippage, and reduce the chances of a slip-and-fall accident. When applied properly, a rug pad is 2 - 3 inches short of the edge of the rug all around the perimeter.
Cleaning
Vacuum regularly, as the dust and other particles that settle into the rug are abrasive. When stepped upon, these abrasives, over time, tear at the fibers of the rug. When vacuuming, if you must use a beater brush, raise the setting to make its effect on the rug as light as possible.
Wool Rugs
Wool is a natural fiber that can be very long lasting when properly cared for. Shedding is natural in wool rugs. Colors are more prone to "bleeding" more than synthetic fibers.
1. Use a dry cotton towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain as much as possible. Blot always from the outer edges inward toward the center.
2. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
3. Mix water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
4. Use a clean sponge to gently remove the stain, using the soapy water.
5. Blot the area dry with a towel.
6. Have your wool rugs professionally dry cleaned regularly. Some suggest annually.
Synthetic Fibers (Olefin, Nylon, Polypropylene)
1. Use a dry towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain. Blot from the outer edges inward toward the center.
2. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
3. Mix water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
4. Use a clean sponge to gently remove the stain, using the soapy water.
5. Blot the area dry with a towel.
6. These cleaners are excellent at removing grease and stubborn stains:
409 and Fantastic
Other Natural Fibers (Hemp, Jute, Sisal, Coir)
Knots on these rugs tend to tie loosely, and are prone to unraveling. Clean them with care.
1. Vacuum regularly, minimizing the impact of a beater brush.
2. Trim carefully any loose ends using sharp scissors.
3. Use a dry towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain. Blot from the outer edges inward toward the center.
4. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
5. Use water alone, with no soap, to gently clean the stain.
6. Use a professional cleaning service that knows how to clean wool rugs, another natural fiber.
Shag Rugs
Today's rug makers have become very creative in designing rugs with a lot of texture. For cleaning, follow the instructions from above that apply to the fibers of the rug. When vacuuming, do not use a beater bar at all. Vacuum often.
Indoor/Outdoor Rugs
Cleaning any rug regularly will extend its useful life. These rugs are no exception.
1. Use a dry towel or white paper towel to blot out any stain. Blot from the outer edges inward toward the center.
2. Scrape off any spills or debris with a dull edge.
3. Mix water and a tiny amount of dish soap.
4. Use a clean sponge to gently remove the stain, using the soapy water.
5. Blot the area dry with a towel.
6. Rather than dry cleaning, use your garden hose to spray off the rug.
