Rug wear is inevitable, however, frequently rotating your rug 180 degrees will help to equalize the effects of water damage. Moths are another threat to your rug’s longevity. To protect it from this as much as possible, move your rug from time to time and keep it exposed to air and light. But continuous exposure to sunlight will eventually cause your rug’s color to fade and make the fabric brittle as well.

So, always try to display your rug in such a way that it is protected from too much sunlight for a prolonged period of time. If you plan to store your rug for an extended period of time, make sure the rug is properly cleaned. It should also be treated with moth repellant and rolled tightly prior to storage.

Wrap the rug in a cloth or a sheet instead of plastic because the rug needs to be able to breathe. Lastly, store in a dry, cool and well-ventilated place.

Why Use a Rug Pad?

There are several reasons why it is so important to utilize a rug pad. Pads help to stabilize your rug to prevent slippage, they provide a proper breathing space between your rug and the floor , and they provide additional sound absorption.

When a rug is placed on a hard surface floor, a rug pad is even more important to avoid any safety issues. Small rugs can be particularly dangerous if a pad is not used. Although larger rugs can be just as dangerous if they have furniture on them because they will tend to move around without a pad. A good pad is even instrumental in extending the life span of your rug.

Without a pad, dirt tends to accumulate into a pile and will abrade the foundation of the rug, causing premature wearing.

There are many different styles of pads, but the best choice is usually a thin, solid pad. The cheaper pads will break down quickly, so it makes more sense to invest in the best brand that you can find. Thick or soft pads will cause your rug’s foundation to stretch out when weight is placed on it. For this very reason, it is also not recommended to place rugs over thick pile carpeting.

How to Restore and Clean Your Rugs

Pile that has been crushed by heavy furniture can be restored by simply spraying the area with a little bit of water and then brushing it with a soft brush. Always remember to vacuum your rug in the same direction of the nap (in order to determine the right direction, run your hand across the pile towards the fringe and the light side will be the direction of the nap). Avoid using your vacuum on the fringe because it may break or tear. We highly recommend sweeping your rug with a broom on a weekly basis in order to remove dirt and bring out your rug’s sheen. NEVER steam or chemically clean your rug as these methods will deplete the natural oils of the pile. Also do not put your rug in the washing machine. It is important to deal with any spills immediately. You can do so by using a spoon to scoop up as much of the spill as possible. Dilute the smaller spills with water, then blot (but do not rub) the area with a paper towel until all of the moisture is sufficiently removed. Always blot the outer edges towards the center to prevent the spill from spreading even more.

Common food or beverage stains can be treated with mild detergents like the ones that are used for delicate clothes can be used if they are diluted with a small amount of water.

An ink stain from a ballpoint pen can be removed by spraying the area with hairspray, allowing it to dry and then brushing the area with a water and vinegar solution.

Any oil-based stains are best when treated with dry cleaning solvents.