1- Vacuum Regularly:

Regular vacuuming is good for your rug. However, you’ll want to be sure to turn off the vacuum’s beater bar, if possible. If it cannot be turned off, raise the bar to the highest setting. Be sure to make frequent passes in heavily trafficked areas. Area rugs with fringe require you to be very careful not to run the vacuum over the fringe and damage it. Actually, you’ll need to make sure you don’t get too close to it at all, as a powerful vacuum will suck in the fringe if you’re anywhere near it. Sweeping your area rug with a broom is also a good idea. Not only does it help get rid of dirt, it will help bring out your rug’s sheen. Vacuuming and sweeping should be done weekly, and more often if needed.

2- Don’t Let Spills Become Stains:

No rug is stain-proof. Inevitably, there will be some spills that don’t thrill. When accidents happen, act immediately. Scoop up as much of the spill as you can, then blot the area with a paper towel or other clean, undyed cloth. Work from the outer edge toward the center of the spill so you don’t let it spread. Do not rub the spill, as you’ll only be driving the mess deeper into your rug. Food and drink stains can usually be cleaned with a mild, non-bleach detergent (diluted with a small amount of water), but oil-based stains should be treated with dry cleaning solvents. As with fabric, an ink stain can be removed with hairspray. Spray the area and let it dry. Then, brush gently with a water and vinegar solution.

3- Minimize Wear and Tear

Like most things you own, your rug is subject to wear. While it is unavoidable, it can be minimized.

Exposure to strong sunlight will, over time, cause your rug to fade. Occasionally rotating your rug will equalize the effects of wear by exposing it to a variety of traffic patterns. If your rug shape or design doesn’t allow you to rotate it 180 degrees, any repositioning of the rug will help to extend its life. Some manufacturers recommend rotating a rug every six months. If the rug is reversible, be sure to flip it over also.

Some rugs, particularly hooked and braided ones, develop pulls. Called sprouting, this is a common occurrence. Resist the temptation to pull the sprout! Instead, eliminate it by cutting it even with the pile of the rug.

Heavy furniture can crush your rug. It’s a good idea to use protective disks or pads under the legs of your furniture where you can. Pile that has been crushed can be revived by spritzing the area with water and brushing with a soft brush.

4- Provide Some Padding:

Using a rug pad will extend the life of your rug. The rug pad keeps your rug flat, which reduces wear and tear, and also makes vacuuming easier. Pads help absorb the impact of feet and the pressure of heavy furniture.

Making your home a safer place to be, pads stabilize rugs to prevent bunching and slipping. Rugs on hard surface flooring can be a safety issue, particularly small rugs. Without a rug pad, even large rugs pinned under furniture can move and slip, especially on corners. A rug pad will reduce or eliminate slippage.

Also, a pad allows for some breathing room between the floor and your rug, and will help absorb noise.

Place your rug pad approximately one inch from the border of the rug, so it can’t be seen. Consult with your rug specialist to figure out the type of rug pad that you need for your particular floor.

5- Clean Professionally:

Oriental rugs are surprisingly easy to care for. They are remarkably long wearing with a minimum of care. You will want to vacuum your rug regularly. Professional cleaning is recommended for most rugs, and is always a safer option than trying to do it yourself. It is best to have your rug cleaned by a professional who has experience with the type of fiber in your rug. For example, cleaning an Oriental rug requires a different expertise and technique than a jute rug.

6- Store Safely:

There may come a time you plan to store your rug. If so, be sure to clean your rug prior to storage. It should also be treated with repellant if its fiber content is susceptible to moths (wool, for example). Roll the rug tightly and wrap in a cloth, sheet, or something else that will allow the rug to breathe. Do not use plastic to encase the rug. Then store your rug in a dry, cool place.