How To Keep a Rug in Good Condition

Rug wear is inevitable, but frequently rotating your rug 180 degrees will help equalize the effects of wear.
Moths are another threat to a rug’s longevity. To protect it, move your rug from time to time, and keep it exposed to air and light.
Continual exposure to sunlight will eventually cause a rug’s colors to fade and make the fabric brittle. Display your rug in such a way that it is protected against too much sunlight.
If you intend to store a rug for an extended length of time, make sure that the rug is clean. It should be treated with moth repellent prior to storage and should be rolled tightly. Wrap the rug in a cloth or a sheet, do not use plastic because the rug needs to breathe. Store in a dry, cool well ventilated area to avoid mildew or heat damage.

Why Use a Rug Pad?

Pads help stabilize the rug and prevent slippage; they provide a breathing space between the rug and the floor; and they provide additional sound absorption.
When a rug is placed on a hard surface floor, a good pad is an important safety issue. Small rugs can be particularly dangerous if a pad is not used. Even larger rugs with furniture on them will tend to move around without a pad. A good pad is also instrumental in extending the life of your rug.
Dirt tends to accumulate in the pile of the rug and without a pad it will abrade the foundation of the rug and cause premature wearing.
While many styles of pads are available, the best choice is usually a thin solid pad. Cheaper pads will break down quickly and thick or soft pads will cause the rug foundation to stretch when weight is placed on the rug. For this reason, it is usually not recommended to place rugs over thick pile carpeting.

How to Restore and Clean Rugs

Pile crushed by heavy furniture can be restored by spraying the area with a little water and brushing with a soft brush.
Always vacuum your rug in the direction of the nap (to determine the nap, run your hand across the pile towards the fringe, the light side is the nap).
Avoid using the vacuum on the fringe as the fringe may break or tear.
Sweeping your rug with a broom weekly is highly recommended to remove dirt and bring out the sheen.
NEVER steam or chemically clean your rugs as these cleaning methods deplete the natural oils of the pile.
Do not put your rugs in the washing machine.
Deal with spills immediately. Use a spoon to scoop up as much of the spill as possible. Dilute smaller spills with water. Blot, but do not rub, the area with a paper towel until all moisture is removed. Always blot from the outer edges towards the center to prevent the spill from spreading.
Common food or beverage stains can be treated with the same mild detergent used to wash delicate clothes, diluted with a small amount of water.
An ink stain from a ballpoint pen can be removed by spraying the area with hairspray, letting it dry and brushing the area with a water and vinegar solution.
Oil-based stains are best treated with dry cleaning solvents.