Tips on Maintaining the Beauty of Area Rugs - Bellingham
Regular Vacuuming
Vacuum your rug at least once a week. If your rug is located in a heavy traffic area it should be vacuumed daily. If your rug has fringe be sure to make a couple passes across the width along the fringe so as to avoid damaging the fringe. Be sure to periodically vacuum the back of the rug.
Spotting Wool Area Rugs
Fresh spills and spots should be blotted with a clean dry white cotton cloth first. Make sure your spotter has the WOOLSAFE (www.woolsafe.org) logo before use. Even with a woolsafe approved product check for colorfast before use on your rug. Apply your woolsafe product to a clean white cotton cloth, not the rug. Work the spot toward the center and avoid scrubbing in a circular motion as this may cause texture distortion.
Area Rug Pad
Rug pad increases the life of your investment by placing a barrier between the rug and floor. Friction and dead load is the greatest culprit when it comes to rug damage. Whether you own a tufted area rug or a woven rug with weft and warp yarns, the foundation of the rug can be destroyed over time without the use of rug pad. The primary backing of other tradition area rugs can delaminate without the use of rug pad. The value of any rug is decreased by wear. Synthetic felted material with a rubber coating on the backside is great for hard surface floors. Your rug will be more comfortable with a cushion beneath it and the likelihood of a slip and fall injury will be reduced.
Rotate Area Rugs
Rotate your area rugs as often as possible (1-2 years), when you notice the high traffic areas of your rug starting to look dirty, or the nap has lost its original direction or shape. Rotating your rugs will allow them to wear more evenly, maintaining their original appearance and value. Also, rotate your rugs according to the amount of direct sunlight. Over time direct sunlight can fade the dyes of your rugs.
Rug Cleaning
Your fine rugs should be cleaned every one to two years depending on the amount of traffic. Use a certified rug cleaning expert when having your rugs washed. Most wall to wall carpet cleaning companies do not have the knowledge, facilities or equipment to properly wash a fine rug.