KNOW YOUR RUG
Area rugs can be made from a variety of yarns or a blend of yarns and materials. Read the label on your rug and follow any special cleaning instructions and precautions provided by the manufacturer of your rug.
PROTECT FROM FURNITURE MARKS
Use rug protectors under the legs of heavy furniture to avoid flattening of your rug pile. Rotating your rug every few months will help relieve areas from excessive wear.
FLATTENING AND REMOVING CREASES
Packing and shipping may cause temporary creases in area rugs. To remove them back-roll/reverse roll your rug and allow time for the creases to relax.
AVOID DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Direct sunlight will cause the colors in your area rug to fade over time.
HUMIDITY
Long term exposure to humid weather can be harmful to area rugs. The cotton warp and weft foundation of an area rug can breakdown when exposed to excessive humidity. Avoid placing plants directly on top of area rugs and immediately blot dry any water spillage.
SHEDDING
Wool rugs, especially new wool rugs, may shed. To reduce excessive shedding, vacuum your rug 1-2 times per week in the direction of the pile. Shedding should diminish within several weeks. See the ‘Wool’ section of Specialty Care for more information.
VACUUMING
Routine vacuuming is the most important step in maintain- ing the life and beauty of your rug. It is recommended that you have area rugs professionally cleaned every 1-2 years to remove deep set dirt in high traffic areas. Otherwise, attentive vacuuming will significantly extend the life of area rugs.
Vacuum thoroughly at least once a week with a canister vacuum.
Do not engage beater bars.
Rugs placed in high traffic areas of the home, office or rugs exposed to household pets should be vacuumed more frequently.
Avoid vacuuming the fringes of your rug, especially those on hand-knotted rugs. Use a broom to clean fringes.
BRUSHING/SWEEPING
Brushing is the best way to remove stubborn pet hairs that the vacuum misses. For short pile area rugs, use a carpet brush or carpet sweeper. For longer pile a carpet rake works well. Sweeping works best for outdoor rugs. The sturdy pile of an indoor-outdoor rug doesn’t trap dirt as readily as other area rugs.
BEATING
For rugs that are relatively easy to handle, bring them outdoors and shake vigorously to remove excess debris. Hang over an outdoor railing and beat with the back of a broom or rug beater, varying in vigor based on the construction and condition of the rug.
ROTATE THE RUG
Area rugs placed in high traffic areas will wear faster than those in lesser tread-upon locations. Rotating a rug every few months will distribute any wear and fading evenly.