Rug Care & Maintenance

 Vacuuming Your Area Rug

In today's market, you can find many different variations of vacuums, most are designed for hardwood flooring and wall to wall carpet. Since this is the general focus of most designs, it can be often too abrasive for area rugs. For these rugs, we recommend an upright canister vacuum that does not include a beater. Even if you don�t own an optimal vacuum for the upkeep and cleaning needs, here are some tips and tricks to keep your area rugs as fresh and clean as possible.

Tip #1 - If your vacuum has a beater, always use the lowest setting when cleaning your area rug.

Tip #2 - If you are using handheld attachments with a vacuum that has a beater, remove or raise the beaters as high as possible in the settings and vacuum carefully. We recommend this procedure because it is crucial to the structural integrity of your rug.  The fibers can be pulled and comprises the backing of the rug itself, which can cause fuzzing.

Tip #3 - While emptying the bag or canister after vacuuming, check to see if the contents contain fibers and note the amount. A large amount of fiber would indicate that you are vacuuming too aggressively and should lower the setting, if possible.

Tip #4 - Avoid vacuuming the edges of rugs. This will reduce the risk of fringing and fraying.

Tip #5 - Wool rugs are incredible at storing dirt and debris. To prevent build up of dirt, vacuum from side to side to remove as much hidden dirt as possible.

Spot Cleaning

Spills happen from time to time. Here are some tips for spot cleaning for those spots.

Tip #1 - To avoid staining, it is imperative that you blot immediately with a clean white cloth. If you leave the spill sit for too long, it will make the removal of such much more difficult. Also, do not rub the stain/spill because it can force the stain deeper into the rugs surface.

Tip #2 - It is a good rule and/or procedure to adopt to test the compatibility of the cleaner you are going to be using on a small unnoticeable spot of the rug first. This is a good rule because you want to make sure that it does not affect the color/integrity of your rug.

After cleaning up the major contents of the spill and blotting, apply your carpet cleaner to the soiled area.

Tip #3 - Allow your cleaner to set for 1 to 5 minutes to make sure that it penetrates the general surface of the area rug and loosen the soil.

Blot the excess product from the surface using a clean rag or towel.

For stubborn stains, it may be necessary to repeat this process and/or brush the area during application.

Cleaning by Area Rug Type

All area rugs are not the same. Here are tips for your cleaning needs taking into consideration that all rugs are not the same.

Tufted/Hooked Area Rugs:

• Follow aforementioned steps and recommendations.

 Leather/Cowhide

• The best and easiest method to clean leather or cowhide rugs is to shake it out. You may also use an electric carpet sweeper.

• Avoid using any chemical solvents on leather or cowhide. This will cause the material to break down and stain further.

• Lightly blot any spills using a clean white cloth.

Shag Area Rugs

• When you first purchase a shag rug, you may notice that it has a flattened or matted appearance. Simply fluff the surface by hand to remedy this.

• Due to the general design and composition of these types of rugs. A considerable amount of shedding is to be expected.

A clean and tidy rug will keep its beauty and soft feel when it�s continually cared for. Keep it clean!