For many people, a rug is an essential part of the home. It can provide warmth, comfort and style, and we can get very attached to the designs that we choose.
Looking after your rug can help you to enjoy it for longer and make the most out of your purchase. We have compiled some of our favourite, effective rug care tips to help.
Our Top Tips for Rug Care
STEP 1: Choosing Your Rug
You should always make sure that the rug that you choose is good quality, and that it comes from a reputable source. Although some sellers may offer products at bargain prices, these are often lower quality and will become worn much faster. If you choose to purchase your rug over the internet, read some of our tips for shopping for rugs online and find some inspiration with our high quality selection, including both modern and traditional designs.
STEP 2: Choosing the Room
If you want your rug to last, then the room that you choose to place it in is an essential consideration. Avoid placing a rug with delicate fibres in other areas with heavy traffic and muddy shoes- these are best suited to bedrooms and lounge areas.
Instead, consider a flatweave design. These are durable, stain-resistant and easy to clean, and they look great in kitchens and hallways.
STEP 3: Location, Location, Location…
Making your rug last doesn’t stop at which room you choose to place it in, you also have to think about the design features within your space.
Lighting- When rugs are regularly exposed to natural sunlight, it can eventually cause their designs and colours to fade. This can be prevented by moving your rug out of direct sunlight and away from your windows. However, if you’d still like to place your rug in these locations then we would recommend that you close your curtains or blinds before leaving for work to minimise any fading.
Furnishings- Placing furniture on rugs is common practice and the results can be stunning. However, it can result in unsavoury indentations when you come to change your room layout. Consider investing in some furniture foot pads to spread the weight across the rug more evenly and limit any lasting effects.
Plant Pots- Plant pots can be a common addition to our office desks, floors and coffee tables, however spillages can result in water and dirt coming into contact with your favourite rug. Try and keep these two design elements separate to eliminate the chances of any accidents.
STEP 4: Placement
Getting your rug to lay flat is an essential part of its care, and it’s also an important safety consideration. Rugs that are lifting at the sides or that have ripples can be a tripping hazard, and it also can lead to them becoming scuffed or damaged. Therefore, it’s definitely in your best interest to ensure that its laid flat at all times.
For edges and corners that are curling upwards, gently fold them under the rug in the opposite direction. You should leave them like this for a couple of days which should help the fibres to move into the correct position.
Ruffles are also common with new rugs that have been rolled. If they’re only minor, try and smooth the rug as best you can. Leave it in a warm environment to encourage the fibres to relax. If your rug seems quite stiff and has more severe ripples, you may have to roll it the opposite way and leave it in this position for a couple of days. Another solution is to temporarily reverse the rug so that its top side is facing downwards.
STEP 5: Maintenance
Regular rug care is one of the best ways to ensure a longer lifespan. Vacuuming can help remove dirt and dust mites, and doing this frequently will reduce the amount of expensive professional cleans that your rug will need.
When it’s time to give your rug a thorough clean, it is important to realise that different rug materials and designs will be suited to different cleaning methods. Our Rug Cleaning Guide has some helpful tips to get you started.
STEP 6: Dealing with Accidents
Whether we want to admit it or not, accidents do happen. Knocking over that full cup of coffee or forgetting to let the dog out can cause havoc for your rug, however knowing the best way to deal with the situation at hand can help to limit any damage.
The first thing you should do is remove any excess liquid. You should blot the affected area immediately- scrubbing at this stage could actually worsen the problem. You should then treat the stain with the appropriate solution:
- Red Wine- Mix together baking soda and water with a 3:1 ratio and apply. Vacuum once dry.
- Pet Stains-Use a mixture of vinegar, baking soda and water to remove stains from any accidents.
- Coffee and Tea-Combine equal measures of white vinegar with water to quickly clean hot drink stains.
- Tomato Sauce- Tomato sauce marks in rugs are a common occurrence in homes with young children. Instead of blotting, grab a wet cloth to tackle the stain. Always start from the outside to prevent the it from spreading. Next, grab a slice of lemon and rub the stain. Apply water, before removing as much as possible with paper towels.
For more information on rug care or to learn what rug material is best for your home, call one of our friendly Rug Traders today on 0845 3409 306.