With the wear and tear of daily use, knowing how to properly take care of your rug can make it stay fresh and last for years. Whether you’ve invested in a beautiful handmade piece or picked up a stylish everyday rug, regular rug care is essential to keep it looking its best. Here are some simple rug care tips to help you maintain your rug and protect your investment.
1. Vacuum Regularly
One of the easiest and most important rug care tips is to vacuum your rug regularly. Frequent vacuuming removes dust, dirt, and debris that settle into the rug’s fibres and cause them to wear down faster. Use a regular home vacuum cleaner for most rugs — just avoid using a beater bar on delicate or shaggy rugs as it can damage the fibres.
For frequently used areas, it’s a good idea to vacuum at least twice a week. For rugs in less busy rooms, once a week is usually enough. Regular vacuuming not only keeps your rug clean but also helps maintain its texture and vibrant colours for years to come.
2. Clean Spills Right Away
Accidents happen, and when they do, quick action is key to taking proper care of your rug. As soon as a spill occurs, blot the area gently with a clean cloth or paper towel. Avoid rubbing — rubbing can push the stain deeper into the rug fibres. Then place a towel underneath the rug to prevent the liquid from seeping through to the floor. For tougher stains like coffee, damp a cloth with water mixed with a little bit of dish soap and dab the stain. Then rinse the area with another clean damp cloth.
Whether it’s water or coffee cleaning spills immediately is the most effective ways to prevent permanent stains and keep your rug looking new.
3. Get a Professional Clean Every 18 Months
Even with the best daily rug care habits, deep-down in the fibres dirt eventually builds up. That’s why getting your rug professionally cleaned every 18 months or so is ideal. Professional rug cleaning helps remove stubborn dirt, allergens, and oils that regular vacuuming can’t fully eliminate.
Choose a cleaning service experienced with rugs, especially if you have delicate materials like wool or silk. Professional cleaning not only freshens up your rug but can also extend its lifespan by keeping the fibers healthy and vibrant.
4. Smooth Out Furniture Dents
Heavy furniture can leave annoying dents in your rug over time. A rug care life hack is to gently rub a coin across the dented area to lift the fibres back up. You can also place an ice cube on the dent and let it melt; as the rug fibres soak up the cold water, they will expand and lift. Once melted, blot the excess water and lightly fluff the fibres with your fingers.
Preventing dents is part of good rug care too. Try occasionally moving your furniture a few inches or using coasters or pads under the legs to distribute weight evenly. Taking small steps like these keeps your rug looking smoother and more luxurious.
5. Never Pull Snags — Clip Them
Snags happen, especially if you have pets or move furniture across your rug. If you notice a loose thread, never pull it – pulling can cause even more damage to the rug’s weave. Instead, use a sharp pair of scissors to clip the snag as close to the surface as possible.
This simple rug care tip prevents further unravelling and keeps your rug’s texture intact. Regularly checking for and trimming snags is a quick way to protect your rug’s appearance and quality.
6. Remove Pet Hair with a Squeegee
If you have pets, you already know that hair can cling stubbornly to rugs. A clever rug care hack is to use a window squeegee to remove pet hair. Just drag the squeegee across the rug, and it will pull up the hair easily.
If you don’t have a squeegee handy, a microfiber cloth works well too. Keeping pet hair under control not only keeps your rug cleaner but also helps reduce allergens in your home, which is an important part of maintaining a healthy living space.
7. Protect High-Traffic Areas
Entryways and busy walkways can wear out your rug faster if you’re not careful. One of the best ways to take care of a rug in high-traffic areas is to add extra protection. Place 3M mats at doorways to trap dirt before it gets onto the rug. Also, use blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight, which can fade the rug’s colours over time.
Rug care in high-traffic areas means thinking ahead — the better you protect these zones, the longer your rug will look great.
8. Rotate Every 6 Months
Rugs get worn-out unevenly if they stay in the same position year after year. Rotating your rug every six months is an easy rug care practice that evens out wear and sun exposure. It helps prevent obvious worn paths and faded spots from appearing in just one area.
Rotating your rug is especially important if part of it sits in strong sunlight or under heavy furniture. By simply turning it around a couple of times a year, you help your rug stay beautiful and balanced for longer.
