Area rugs can add a touch of luxury and comfort to any room in your home. But, like all other pieces of furniture, they need to be taken care of to look their best. Sometimes people forget that area rugs need to be cleaned and maintained just like everything else. And sometimes, to clean, they often damage or even ruin their rug. If you wish to keep your rug looking new, you should do a few things and a few things you shouldn’t do. This blog article will discuss 16 ways to keep your area rugs looking fresh as new. We’ll also cover some dos and don’ts for rug care. Follow these tips, and your rugs will stay looking fabulous for years!
1. Know the Material
The first thing a rug owner should learn about is the rug material. Not all rugs are made of the same materials, and each type of rug needs to be cleaned in a specific way. For example, fibers like wool or cotton need to be cleaned differently than synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon. If you don’t know what your rug is made of, ask a professional rug cleaner or the store where you bought the rug.
2. Use a Vacuum with the Right Attachment
Vacuuming is a necessary part of rug care. It helps remove dirt, dust, and other debris that can build up on your rug. However, not all vacuum cleaners are equal. Some vacuums are too powerful and can damage your rug. Others don’t have the right attachments to properly clean a rug. When vacuuming your rug, be sure to use a vacuum designed for area rugs. Additionally, make sure to use the proper attachment. For example, if you have wool rugs, use a low-powered hand attachment to avoid damaging the fibers.
3. Don’t Forget To Spot Clean
Even with regular vacuuming, accidents happen. If you spill something on your rug, it’s important to spot clean it as soon as possible. The longer a mark stays, the harder it will be to remove when spot cleaning; use a rug-specific cleaner. These cleaners are gentle on rug fibers and won’t damage the rug. You can even use a homemade rug cleaner by mixing one part white vinegar with four parts water.
4. Be Careful When Moving Furniture
Furniture can cause a lot of wear and tear on area rugs. To prevent damage, be careful when moving furniture around. When moving furniture, be sure to lift it instead of dragging it across the rug. Dragging furniture can cause rugs to snag or tear. If you must drag furniture, place a towel or blanket underneath it to help protect the rug. Otherwise, try not to place the rug under heavy furniture as this can also cause damage.
5. Vacuum Regularly
One of the best means to keep your rug looking new is to vacuum it regularly. Vacuuming not only removes dirt and dust but also helps to prevent rug fibers from being damaged. Use a vacuum with a soft-bristled brush to avoid damage. Regular vacuuming is the best way to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from area rugs. Be sure to vacuum on both sides of the rug and use a vacuum attachment designed for use on rugs. For best results, vacuum your rug at least once a week.
6. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Another way to keep your rug looking new is to avoid placing it in direct sunlight. The sun can cause the colors in the rug to fade and the fibers to break down over time. If you must place a rug in direct sunlight, rotate it periodically so that all sides of the rug get an equal amount of sunlight. For example, if you have synthetic rugs, sunlight will cause the rug to yellow.
7. Use Rug Pads
Rug pads are designed to help protect rugs and keep them in place. They also help to prevent rug fibers from being damaged by heavy furniture. Rug pads come in various sizes and can be found at most home improvement stores. The best rug pads are made of felt or rubber and have a non-slip backing. When choosing the rug pad, be sure to select one that is the same size as the rug or slightly smaller.
8. Use Rug Protectors
Another way to keep your rug looking new is to use rug protectors. Rug protectors are designed to keep dirt and debris from getting trapped in the rug’s fibers. They also help prevent stains and other damage when liquids are spilled on the rug.
9. Be Careful When Vacuuming
When vacuuming, be careful not to vacuum over the rug’s fringe. The fringe can become tangled in the vacuum cleaner and cause the rug to rip. Also, be sure to use a gentle setting when vacuuming so that you don’t damage the rug’s fibers.
10. Clean Spills Immediately
If you spill something on your rug, it’s important to clean it up immediately. Otherwise, the spill can set into the rug and be difficult to remove. When cleaning a spill, use a gentle cleanser that won’t damage the rug.
11. Rotate Your Rug
Another great idea to keep your rug looking new is to rotate it regularly. This helps to evenly distribute wear and tear. Rotating your rug also helps to prevent fading from sunlight exposure. Try to rotate your rug every few months.
12. Do Not Pull Threads
If you see a loose thread on your rug, it’s tempting to pull it out. However, this can damage the rug and cause other threads to lose. Instead, carefully cut the loose thread using scissors.
13. Make Sure The Surface Is Flat
Make sure the surface you’re going to put your rug on is truly flat. This will help to prevent wrinkling and buckling. If your flooring is uneven, try using rug pads to level out the surface.
14. Store It Properly
When you’re not using your rug, store it properly. This means keeping it in a cool, dry place free from dust and dirt. If you have to store your rug for an extended period, consider wrapping it in acid-free paper or plastic.
15. Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals.
When cleaning your rug, avoid using harsh chemicals. These can damage the fibers and cause the colors to fade. Instead, opt for gentle, pH-neutral cleaners. Only professional cleaners know which rug cleaners are safe to use, so ask before you start scrubbing.
16. Never Walk On Wet Carpet
Mold and mildew thrive on wet carpets. To prevent this, always make sure your rug is completely dry before walking on it. If you’re using a fan or an air conditioner to speed up the drying process, make sure it isn’t too humid.
Takeaway
Area rugs can be a great way to add some color and personality to a room, but they can also be a lot of work. Follow these tips and tricks if you want your area rugs to stay looking as fresh as new! First, know the material of your rug and vacuum it with the right attachment. Second, don’t forget to spot clean spills as soon as they happen. Third, use rug pads to help keep them in place and protect your floors. Fourth, vacuum regularly – at least once a week. Fifth, avoid direct sunlight if possible. Sixth, use rug protectors when moving furniture. Seventh, be careful when vacuuming – go slowly and make sure not to damage the rug’s fibers. If you search for rugs that will stay looking new for longer, try investing in wool or synthetic rugs from stores like RugKnots or Wayfair. Do you have any tips for keeping area rugs looking new? Share them in the comments below!
