Regular Area Rug Care
Regular care and maintenance is the surest way to keep your area rug beautiful for years to come. Simple things like removing your shoes before you step on the rug will prevent unnecessary muck and wear. Dirt damages rug fibers, so the less dirt your guests track in, the longer your rug will last.
And keeping it clean is as easy as vacuuming once or twice a week. Hallway rugs that get more traffic might need more frequent cleaning, depending on how messy your family is. But that's not the only way to keep your rugs looking fresh. Area rugs in direct sunlight age faster, so putting them in a shady spot will help them last longer. Carpet protectors placed under furniture legs will prevent damage to rug fibers. Other tips include cleaning up spills immediately, using a rug pad, and getting a professional cleaning every few years.
Area Rug Spill or Stain?
Don't Panic!
Even the most careful people are going to spill sooner or later. Someone will track in mud, spill wine, or drop a potted plant right on your gorgeous area rug. The trick is to clean up spills as quickly as you can. The longer they sit, the deeper they set.
If the spill is liquid, you'll want to dab - not rub - the rug with a paper towel, blotting up as much as you can. Rubbing or wiping the rug will only spread the spill. And if there are any solid bits like dirt, scoop it up with a spoon or knife you won't miss. Once you've removed as much as you can, apply a spot remover to a paper towel and blot the stain. This may take a few tries depending on how deep the stain is. Afterward, blot the same area with a clean towel until dry.
If worse comes to worst, professional cleaners can not only remove stains, they can make your rug look brighter and feel softer.
