Proper rug care, whether yours is a contemporary, antique or heirloom rug, can help extend its useful life. Padding, regular vacuuming, and quick attention to spills and other damage can add years of enjoyment for you and your cherished rugs.
Use Padding
This is particularly true if your rug has no substantial backing of its own. Padding will help keep your rugs in place and protect them from premature wear. Talk to your local rug dealer to determine the best padding for your situation.
Vacuum Regularly
Regular vacuuming not only removes damaging dirt and debris, but also rearranges the pile of your rugs, helping to reduce uneven wear patterns. Rugs should be vacuumed at least once a week, and in homes with pets or children, two or three times per week may be appropriate.
Rotate Your Rugs
This is very important if your rug is subject to direct sunlight, but is a good practice regardless. Rotating your rug will help ensure that fading is more uniform and can help to prevent uneven wear patterns.
Clean Spills Immediately
Accidents happen and when they happen on your fine rug you need to address it as soon as possible. Cleaning up spills immediately helps prevent staining and reduces the chances of lingering odours.
Periodic Inspections
Periodically inspecting your rugs can alert you to potential issues and help mitigate further damage. Tears, uneven wear patterns and fraying, when diagnosed early can be more easily corrected and may help you avoid more expensive repairs down the road.
Professional Rug Cleaning
Even if you vacuum your rugs regularly, nothing helps preserve your rug’s color, quality, and value like professional rug cleaning. In addition to removing deep-seated dirt and grime, professional cleaning typically involves a thorough inspection that can alert you to areas of concern.