Rug Care Guide

Rug Care Guide

Our area rugs add style, warmth, and comfort to every space. However, as functional decor items, rugs experience many types of wear and tear. Proper maintenance is required to ensure they continue to look their best for many years to come. 

Tips to Address Common Issues

Creasing

When you unfold a new carpet, you may see that it has creases or lines spanning its whole width because of how it is folded, packed, and stored. While there could be several creases on certain carpets, there might just be one of these marks on others. Since these creases are not long-lasting, they will eventually disappear with frequent use and vacuuming.

  1. Refrain from folding or bending the rug excessively. When not in use, keep it flat in storage.
  2. Ensure it is not resting on anything heavy that might generate creases which won’t go away.
  3. To decrease the appearance of creases, gently massage them with your fingertips.

Colour Loss and Fading

Just like any other fabric, a rug is susceptible to fading from sunshine and intense lighting. Carpets should not be exposed to intense light or extended direct sunshine; instead, they should be rotated often to ensure that the fading occurs uniformly and increases the lifespan of the rug.

  1. Avoid placing your rig in direct sunlight to avoid colour fading.
  2. Use cold water and a moderate, colour-safe detergent for cleaning.
  3. Stay away from using bleach or strong chemicals while cleaning since they might degrade colours.

Odour

Since rugs are typically shipped in sealed bags, odours from dyes and fibres can accumulate over time. This smell will naturally go away when the rug is taken out from its bag.

  1. Dust and debris can contribute to odours. Ensure you vacuum your rugs at least once every week to remove dust and dirt.
  2. Wipe up any liquid spills with a fresh white cloth and clean with a mild detergent solution. Do not overwet the carpet as this might cause smells.
  3. Take your carpet outside every now and again on a dry and sunny day to air it out. This will help you get rid of trapped odours.

Wear in Heavy Use Areas

Rugs are prone to fading from direct sunshine and general wear and tear. The most worn-out carpets are the ones in front of couches, armchairs, doors, corridors, and beneath dining tables.

  1. Turn your rug frequently to guarantee even wear. This stops traffic from flowing through some locations more than others.
  2. You can move your furniture around regularly to change the flow of traffic and help spread the effects of wear. When heavy furniture is placed on top of a rug, use furniture pads to more uniformly distribute the weight.
  3. Rugs made with durability in mind are a great choice for high-traffic areas like hallways.

Shedding and Fluffing

It is typical for the rug to lose fibres in the initial weeks of possession as it settles and the loose fibres that remain on it rise to the top of the pile. These loose parts can be removed with routine vacuuming.

  1. Ensure you carefully handle sharp objects near the rug as they have the potential to rip out fibers.
  2. Also, keep your pets with sharp claws away from the carpeting.
  3. When the amount of shedding stops, try putting a fresh rug in a less-trafficked location.
  4. Using a rug pad can assist in decreasing friction and minimise shedding.

Sprouting

Certain rugs are more likely to have sprouts than others. Every now and again, a loose tuft, known as “sprouts” protrudes above the surface of the rug’s pile. But don’t worry, you may use scissors to cut it and level the pile. Above all, avoid pulling on the sprouts since this can rip out wool strands, make a tiny hole in the carpet or even worse, ruin the weft and warp.

  1. Oftentimes, wear and friction cause sprouting. Apply it with care.
  2. Using sharp scissors, trim the emerging fibres to prevent more damage.
  3. Check and treat sprouts on a regular basis to keep a tidy look.

Stain Removal

Spills need to be cleaned immediately. Make sure you do not rub spills. Remove any loose dry particles with a rounded spoon or by hand. Rubbing a stain vigorously causes more harm than help because it drives the stain more into the carpeting and makes it spread out. Using a clean towel to cover the area and applying pressure with the heel of your hand to the stain will work best. You can create your own spot-cleaning solution by simply diluting a few drops of clear handwashing liquid with water. Additionally, mild shampoos and carpet cleaners can be highly effective.

Rug Storage

Area rugs need to be stored properly to extend their life and keep damage from occurring over time. The flooring covering should ideally be completely cleaned and then dried prior to being rolled up and placed in a dark, cool area. It is best to have climate-controlled facilities to avoid temperature and humidity variations that might harm rugs.

 

Tips for Storing Rugs:

  1. Rugs should ideally be wrapped in cloth or plastic before being stored.
  2. Instead of folding a rug, consider rolling out the front and covering it in a towel for storage.
  3. It is advisable not to put heavy things on top of rugs since this might harm them.

Vacuuming

Routine vacuuming is essential for maintaining the best possible condition for area rugs. As time passes, it helps to stop stains and discolouration by removing any surface debris before it can be pulverised into the fibres.

 

Here are a few useful tips:

  1. Rugs might be harmed by beater bars. Ensure you use it with caution and at the mildest of settings.
  2. Avoid strong vacuums since they have the potential to remove fibres from the base.
  3. Reversible carpets should be vacuumed on both sides to avoid dirt accumulation on one side.
  4. Do not vacuum frequently over edges and fringes as this might lead to damage.

Rug Pad / Protectors

Rugs may cluster up or move somewhat when walked on certain types of surfaces. This may be avoided by placing a rug pad in between the area rug and floor, which increases the grip between the two materials. Also, this padding adds extra cushioning, insulates sound, and offers additional protection against normal wear and tear. This extends the life of the rug and improves the underfoot comfort.
Keeping your rugs clean and well-preserved will contribute to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. So, follow our guidelines to maintain the appearance and quality of your rug over time.