By: David Neishabori
Not only will a fine area rug make a great addition to your home by adding to the overall aesthetic, providing a soft footing, and adding a splash of color, the best thing about them is that they are easy to clean. Unlike carpet, you can take area rugs off the floor to care for them, eliminating problems like hard to reach areas that could make cleaning difficult.
Basic Rug Care:
Although each rug may have certain specifications for how they should be cleaned and cared for, there are some general care instructions that can apply to any rug. These are as follows:
Vacuum: As with any carpeting, vacuuming is a great way to remove grit and grime from your rug. If your rug is reversible, be sure to vacuum both sides. If your rug has a fringe, avoid vacuuming the outer edges as this will result in the fringe getting stuck in the vacuum potentially damaging both the vacuum and the rug. When vacuuming a shag rug, turn off the beater bar to prevent tangling long fibers.
Brush Out Pet Hair: Although vacuuming can be a great way to get your carpet clean, some pet hair may be left behind. Use a stiff brush to remove the hair, brushing in the direction of the nap of the rug.
Turn Rugs Once a Year: Foot traffic will cause rugs to wear down. Turn rugs once a year to even out the wear and prolong the life of your rugs.
Shake out Small Area Rugs: If your rug is small enough, you can take it outside to beat out the dirt and grime. Just be warned that some areas have ordinances about shaking out indoor rugs so check your local codes in advance.
Special Care for Your Rug:
Now that you know some general instructions for area rug care, here are some more specific care instructions you should be aware of.
Handmade, Hand-Knotted, Antique and Oriental Rugs: You can vacuum a new Oriental rug just as you would any other rug. However, if the rug is vintage or antique, you will need to take special care.
You can protect these rugs from the vacuum by placing a nylon screen over the rug and weighing it down with bricks or books before vacuuming. Another solution is to tie a piece of nylon mesh over the vacuum attachment. Change the mesh as dirt accumulates.
It’s a good idea to have these rugs professionally cleaned once a year and to rotate them regularly to ensure even wear and fading from sun exposure.
When buying an antique rug, try to get as much information from the seller as possible regarding the rug’s fiber content and construction. Ask for care tips that can help with the rug’s upkeep.
Coir Sisal, Rush and Grass Rugs: These types of rugs typically feature an open weave that allows dirt to sift through to the floor beneath them. Vacuum regularly and be sure to remove the rug occasionally to clean beneath it. If reversible, flip rugs every so often for even wear.
If stains or discolorations appear, start by protecting the floor beneath it with a plastic drop cloth and towel. Then scrub the stains with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. Rinse with clear water. Then place a towel over the wet area and blot the spot until it’s as dry as possible. A portable fan or hairdryer will speed up the drying process.
If you are working with a smaller rug, you may be able to move it to a table or counter to clean it. Be sure to work quickly and dry thoroughly as water will weaken the fiber.
Some natural fiber rugs are constructed of squares that are sewn together. If you buy a few extra squares, you can replace sections that have become irrevocably stained.
Fur, Sheepskin and Hair-on Hides: To clean these rugs, you will start by shaking unscented talcum powder on them and leaving it on for several hours. Then brush the talcum powder through the hair and shake it out. Repeat this process several times depending on the length of the fur.
To clean the back of your shag rug, use a clean cotton cloth dipped in lukewarm, soapy water. Wipe off dirt or spills. Then rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water and dry completely before putting back in place.
Even though area rugs can act as filters to absorb dust and dirt, it is important to clean them often. In fact, it can be beneficial to your health.
Here are a couple of examples of how hiring a professional rug cleaning service can be helpful:
- You can count on a professional rug cleaning company, such as AZADI Fine Rugs, to effectively eliminate contaminants such as dust particles, dirt, insects, and harmful chemicals which cannot be removed with a vacuum.
- Having a clean rug with a nice appearance makes you happy! Having a dirty rug in the home can be worrisome. Regular cleanings will keep your rug looking fresh and your family healthy.
For information on AZADI’s special handwashing for fine area rugs, call (480) 483-4600.
Visit AZADI Fine Rugs to see our extensive collection of beautiful fine rugs.
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