4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Rugs
We walk on rugs, spill on rugs, shake out rugs, and eventually replace our rugs. But do we really spend much time taking care of our rugs? We’re not suggesting that rug care should move to the top of your cleaning list, but since we’ve had questions come up about it at the store, we wanted to pass along these key tips– they’ll help you get the most out of your rugs…
- Avoid cleaning your area rugs with a high-powered vacuum – the suction will pull threads out of the back of the rug and cause sprouts. Instead, either adjust the vacuum head to the highest setting or use the handheld attachment to vacuum. We would recommend vacuuming with the hand extension if at all possible.
- Turn off the beater bar on your vacuum – beater bars can pull fibers from the rug and cause it to fuzz. Also be careful vacuuming the edges or fringes of the rug as they can be damaged more easily. Again, the best option is utilizing the hand extension on your vacuum.
- Clean spills to your rug immediately using the blotting method (rubbing the spill will cause it to go deeper into the fibers). For wool or natural fiber rugs, lukewarm water is a good option to remove stains. For synthetic rugs, you can use 409 to remove grease and tougher stains. If you have a different stain remover product, be sure to read the label prior to use and make sure it’s appropriate for the type of rug you have.
- Invest in a rug pad – it will extend the life of your rug. A rug pad absorbs the wear and tear caused by friction between the floor and your rug. It also keeps your rug from moving (ever slipped on a moving rug?) and provides extra cushion on hard surfaces.
Outside of these tips, keep in mind that common wear and tear will eventually take its toll on your rug – the more you rotate your rugs in high traffic areas, the better. Rotating is also a good idea if your rug is in direct sunlight; that will keep it from fading as quickly. If other concerns come up regarding rug care, don’t hesitate to contact the store. We’d be glad to answer any questions you have!
Source: surya.com/rug-care
