Regular rug maintenance is vital for preserving the beauty of your rugs. Vacuum regularly in high-traffic areas and follow a schedule. Clean up spills right away; if left, long stains can oxidize. Always test your cleaning solution on a discreet part of the rug first to ensure it is colorfast. In this guide, we will discuss some rug maintenance advice that you should follow. Let’s get started!
1. Vacuum Regularly
Rugs add a beautiful finishing touch to home decorating. They also protect floors from damage and blend different design elements together. If properly cared for and maintained, rugs can last for generations.
Vacuuming regularly helps prevent dirt from getting ground into the rug fibers and causing permanent deterioration. Depending on how much traffic the area has, you should vacuum it at least twice a week.
Make sure to use a vacuum with suction only and not a brush attachment, and be careful around tassels. The best type of vacuum for rugs is a cordless one, and you should empty the canister and filter frequently to avoid clogging.
For small rugs, you can also take them outside and beat them with a stick to remove dirt and grit. For area rugs, you should rotate them every year to even out wear and exposure to the sun and foot traffic. If you notice stains, you should clean them right away to avoid them becoming permanent. Dampen a white cloth or paper towel and blot the stain to avoid pushing it deeper into the rug fibres.
2. Keep it Clean
Rugs trap dirt, dust, dander, and other allergens, which can become dangerous to your family if they aren’t regularly cleaned. Over time, these contaminants can cause asthma, allergies, and more serious respiratory issues.
Vacuuming is a great way to keep your rugs clean, but it’s also important to deal with spills and stains promptly. Try to blot spills instead of rubbing, which can lead the stain to sink in and become more difficult to remove. For liquid stains, use an absorbent white cloth to soak up as much of the stain as possible before moving on to a cleaning solution.
Rotating your rugs regularly can also help prevent them from becoming worn in certain places. Finally, asking your guests to take off their shoes before entering the home can significantly cut down on dirt and dust.Using a padding under a rug prevents slipping and gives cushiony feeling when you walk on it.
Hagop Manoyan offers best type of padding in case you need one.
3. Keep it Dry
Rugs that are not thoroughly dried can grow mold and mildew, which will damage the fibers. They also pose health risks, as mold spores can trigger respiratory problems and other issues. It is important to have your rug fully dry before putting it back into use, especially wool rugs. A musty odor, discoloration, or damp spots on the underside of the rug indicate that the rug is not completely dry.
It is also important to blot liquid spills as soon as they occur rather than rubbing them, as this will grind the dirt into the fibers and leave a dark stain. It is also a good idea to have rugs cleaned professionally at least once every few years.
Other preventative maintenance steps include removing furniture legs to allow the rug to breathe, protecting the surface with slip mats, and rotating your rugs regularly. Using fans and dehumidifiers to promote airflow will speed up drying as well.
4. Store It Properly
When a rug is properly cleaned and stored, it will last longer. Dirt and dust can work into the fibers over time, abrasing them, and organic debris like food crumbs and pet hair can attract pests like moths and carpet beetles. These pests love dark,warm, undisturbed areas and can destroy the rugs by eating their way through the loom fibers.
Make sure the rugs are completely dry before storage. Moisture is the biggest enemy for rugs in long-term storage as it can lead to mildew and mold.
Roll the rugs tightly and wrap them. Bind them with a protective fabric wrap like muslin or cotton that allows the rug to breath. Place the rugs in storage off the ground and away from other items stacked on them.
It is also a good idea to use a moth-repellent product on rugs that are going into storage. This will give the rug a strong smell that moths dislike and will deter them from making the rug their home.
5. Take Care of Stains
Even the most careful rug owners will suffer from occasional spills and stains. It is important to treat these promptly so that they don’t oxidize and become more difficult to remove. Start with blotting (don’t rub) the area to soak up as much of the liquid as possible.
If the stain is solid, scoop it up with a spoon or the edge of a knife. Next, use a mild chemical stain removal cleaner diluted with water and test on an inconspicuous part of your rug to ensure the product is safe for its fibers. To prevent excessive spreading, apply the cleaning agent to a clean cloth and then to the stained area. Rinse with clear water and blot excess moisture.
These simple steps will help to keep your rugs looking great and feeling soft. It is also recommended to get your rugs professionally serviced once every year to keep them in good condition. This helps to get rid of the dirt, germs, and odors that can cause your rug to feel rough and flat.
Final Words!
Rug maintenance is essential for extending the lifespan of your antique rugs. While there are numerous service providers available, selecting the right one is crucial for optimal care. Hagop Manoyan stands out as a top choice, offering highly satisfactory rug maintenance services.
Hagop provides a wide range of services, from carpet cleaning to repairing damaged rugs. Hagop is available to answer any questions you might have about rug maintenance and care. We also offer free estimates for their services.
Contact us today!