Congratulations on your new rugs purchase! It’s an investment that adds beauty and warmth to your home. However, taking care of your rug is crucial to ensure its longevity and quality.
One essential thing to keep in mind is that not all rugs are created equal. Each rug is unique, and therefore requires specific care instructions. For instance, wool rugs are durable and ideal for high-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, kitchens, and dining rooms. Lanolin, a natural oil found in animal wool, makes it more resistant to stains than other materials. It’s also essential to note that wool rugs should be vacuumed regularly to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating in the fibers.
Silk rugs, on the other hand, are delicate and cannot withstand heavy foot traffic. Even though silk has superior tensile strength, its short pile height makes it susceptible to wear and tear. Therefore, silk rugs should be placed in low-traffic areas like bedrooms or formal living rooms.
To protect your rug from damage, consider using a rug pad. Rug pads provide a cushioning effect, preventing the rug from slipping and protecting it from scratches and indentations. They also allow air to circulate under the rug, preventing moisture from accumulating, which can lead to mold and mildew.
In case of spills, it’s essential to act quickly. Blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as it can cause it to spread and become more challenging to remove. Use a gentle cleaning solution recommended by your rug manufacturer and follow the instructions carefully.
- It’s not uncommon for wool rugs to shed in the first few months after purchase, so don’t be alarmed if you notice this happening. Shedding occurs when loose fibers come apart from the wool used in the rug. The shedding won’t harm the rug’s foundational integrity, but it’s essential to avoid pulling at loose yarns or threads on the rug.
If you notice any protruding ends, it’s best to use scissors to snip or clip them to the pile height. Doing so will prevent any further damage to the rug and help it maintain its appearance.
It’s also important to note that shedding can be minimized by regularly vacuuming the rug. By doing so, you’ll remove any loose fibers and prevent them from accumulating on the surface of the rug. - To avoid uneven fading and wear, it’s recommended that you rotate your rug every three months. Foot traffic and exposure to sunlight can put extra stress on your rug, which may cause certain areas to wear out faster than others. By rotating the rug, you can evenly distribute the stress and prevent this from happening.
Rotating your rug is a simple process that involves moving it from its current position to a new location in the room. For example, if your rug is in a high-traffic area where people tend to walk over it frequently, you can rotate it to a less-trafficked area. This will allow the fibers to recover from the pressure and reduce the likelihood of wear and tear. In addition, rotating your rug can also help prevent uneven fading caused by exposure to sunlight. By moving the rug to a different spot in the room, you can ensure that all areas of the rug receive equal amounts of sunlight, reducing the risk of fading in one specific area.
- To keep your handmade rugs clean, it’s important to vacuum them as needed or on a regular basis. However, it’s essential to use the correct vacuuming technique to avoid damaging the fibers. When vacuuming your rug, use a suction-only setting without bristles, especially for handmade rugs. Using a brush or bristle can damage the delicate fibers of the rug, causing it to wear out more quickly. Additionally, it’s recommended to vacuum your rug in only one direction, rather than going back and forth. Vacuuming in one direction will prevent the fibers from becoming tangled and damaged. This technique will also help to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the fibers.
- If you spill anything on your rug, it’s important to act quickly and absorb the spill immediately with a clean cloth. This will prevent the spill from penetrating the fibers and causing staining. After absorbing the spill, it’s recommended to lay the rug flat to dry. In case you need to spot clean your rug, it’s crucial to use caution and avoid using any harsh cleaning products. Instead, use a damp cloth with plain water to gently clean the affected area. Avoid using any soaps or cleaning agents as they may damage the rug’s fibers.
- For deeper or larger stains on your fine handmade rug, it’s recommended to seek the services of professionals who specialize in cleaning such rugs. These professionals have the expertise and tools necessary to remove stubborn stains and restore your rug’s appearance.
- Using rug pads is an excellent way to prolong the life of your rugs. Rug pads not only prevent falls or accidents but also protect the rugs from general wear and tear, ultimately preserving their quality and appearance.
If you’re unsure about how to care for your rug properly, you can always reach out to a professional cleaning service such as the Executive Rug Cleaning company. Our experts can provide you with specialized care instructions and ensure that your rug receives the best care possible.