Rug Care and Maintenance

Vacuuming is the basic and primary step for caring for your rug. Rugs are exposed to endless mistreatment, such as treading feet, dirt, dust, oil and spills of all sorts. By frequently vacuuming, you can prevent soils from building up. Vacuums with good suction are recommended to lift surface dirt.

Frequently rotate your rugs to equalize the damaging effects of the sun. Because continual direct exposure to sunlight will damage a rug over time, use window shades, shutters, or heavy curtains to safeguard your investment.

Also protect your rugs from fumes and dampness. Fumes from furnaces, stoves, chimneys and auto exhaust can mix with humidity in the atmosphere to form an acid that fades and deteriorates the appearance of wool. Over time, dampness will rot the threads and destroy the fibers of a rug. Keep them in a dry environment.

Spot Removal

No one likes it when there is a spill on the floor, but it can be cleaned before becoming a permanent part of the area rug. The information listed below will prepare you to properly deal with spills and keep your area rug clean for years to come.

Act Quickly! Most carpet available today has been treated with a stain-resist treatment, so many spills can be removed if immediate action is taken. The longer the delay, the higher the probability of a spill becoming a permanent stain. Remember, staining is influenced by many factors, and no carpet is completely stain proof.

• Blot liquids with a dry, white, absorbent cloth or white (no printing) paper towels. Do not scrub the area! Scrubbing can cause pile distortion in the affected area.
   
• Continue to use a dry cloth or paper towels until the area is completely dry.
   
• For semi-solids, gently scrape up with a rounded spoon. Solids should be broken up and vacuumed until completely removed. If the spot can be identified, locate the substance in the spot removal computer and follow the directions carefully.
   
• Pretest any spot removal agent in an inconspicuous area to make certain the solution will not damage the fiber or the dye. After applying several drops to the testing area, hold a white cloth on the wet area for 10 seconds. Examine the carpet and cloth for color transfer, color change, or damage to the carpet. If a change occurs, another cleaning solution should be selected. Apply a small amount of the selected cleaning solution to a white cloth, allow to sit for about 10 minutes and work in gently. Work from the edges of the spill to the center to prevent the spill from spreading. Do not scrub! Blot, absorbing as much as possible, and repeat if necessary.
   
• Continue using the first cleaning solution as long as there is a transfer of the spill to the cloth. It is not necessary to use all of the cleaning solutions if the first solution removes the spill.
   
• Be patient! Complete removal of the spill may require repeating the same step several times.
   
• After the spill has been completely removed, rinse the affected area thoroughly with cold water, and blot with a dry cloth until all of the solution has been removed. Some cleaning solutions will cause rapid soiling if the solution is not completely removed.
   
• Apply a one-half inch layer of white paper towels to the affected area, and weigh down with a flat, heavy object. Continue to change paper towels as needed. A dry, absorbent, cleaning compound may be used as a substitute to accelerate drying time.

Like everything else today, rugs need special care to ensure long life. Regular cleaning using adequate treatments will help extend the life of your rug. For spot removal it is highly recommended that all spills be cleaned immediately. Research shows that up to 90% of spots and stains from spills can be prevented if cleaned right away. If your carpet is already stained, here are some useful steps for spot removal.

Other Tips

• Sweeping your rug with a broom at least once a week removes loose soil and brings out it's natural sheen.

• Beating is one of the best methods for cleaning a rug. It should be beaten several times on each side, always in dry weather.

• Rugs should be washed every three to five years, depending on their use and the amount of traffic they endure.