From subtle style and supple softness to a bold design focal point, an area rug can add a lot to your home. Once you’ve invested time and money into finding an area rug that speaks to your design style and fits the dimensions of your space, you want to keep it looking like you just brought it home. Here are suggestions for proper area rug maintenance and care, with specific guides for the type of area rug you purchased.

Pad Your Investment

Once you find the perfect area rug that will complement your home, there’s one more thing you need to purchase. An area rug pad is the perfect companion to the rug you selected. Why? Rug pads are designed to protect your floors as well as your area rug, by limiting the movement and friction on the back of the rug, making it last longer. Need more convincing? Area rug pads are needed for the following reasons.

• To keep your rug from shifting, rippling, curling and to reduce slippage.
• To reduce buckling in front of pressure points
• To extend the life of the rug.

It’s important to note that area rug pads are not one size, or type, fits all. There are different rug pads for different situations, and you should consult an area rug specialist to help you make the ideal selection. You can also learn more about area rugs in our blog post on the subject (LINK).

Get Out the Vacuum

Once you have your rug laid out with an area rug pad in just the right spot, it’s about maintenance. Whether you have a pet, kids or just everyday traffic, your area rug is bound to accumulate some dirt and other debris over time. Vacuuming is the best way to remove this everyday dirt and dust. However, it’s important to know how and when to vacuum your rug to keep it looking it’s best.

• Avoid using a beater bar or a vacuum with too powerful suction to avoid damage to your rug.
• Use a vacuum that is CRI approved, if possible.
• For best wear and rug longevity, use the hose (suction) attachment or wood floor setting.
• Clip off long ends of yarn or fiber that work their way to the surface (called sprouting) after use and vacuuming. This sprouting is normal but you should not pull on these fibers.
• Vacuum often! Dirt and dust will break down fibers of rugs that are not vacuumed regularly.

Different types of area rugs require different care to remain in good condition longer. Follow these instructions for the type of rug that you purchased.

• Hand Tufted Area Rugs: For hand tufted wool area rugs in particular, it’s important to vacuum frequently—two or three times a week will do when the rug is new and less frequently thereafter—to remove excess fibers that accumulate on the rug. This is normal for these rugs, especially in the first couple of years.
• Fringe Area Rugs: Special care should be taken when vacuuming rugs with fringe. Vacuuming with a beater bar can catch and pull the fringe, causing damage.
• Synthetic Fiber Area Rugs (i.e. polypropylene, nylon, viscose): Care for these as you would broadloom (wall-to-wall) carpet.

Spill Care

Spills are a part of life. If (and when) a spill occurs, you should follow the rug manufacturer’s cleaning and care instructions above all else. However, there are also some general instructions that you should know. First, move quickly! By cleaning all spills immediately, you lessen the chance of permanent stains. Use an enzyme cleaning product, such as Capture, available at HOM World Rugs on spills such as pet accidents. If you have a wool area rug, you should make sure any cleaner that you purchase is wool safe, as a general carpet cleaner may damage your rug.

For liquid spills, it’s important to blot the spill with a clean sponge or a white, lint-free cloth. You can flush the spill with cold water or club soda, and repeat until the spot is vanquished. Remember to always blot, never rub, the area you are cleaning. Next up, cover the cleaned area with another dry white cloth to soak up any liquid that is remaining and protect the rug from foot traffic until it is dry.

Other Things to Know

Of course, all area rugs are subject to wear over time, even when cared for properly. However, quality area rugs can bring you years and years of enjoyment. A few other care tips will help you get the most out of your investment. Namely, you should rotate your rug one to two times per year to prevent uneven wear. Also, know that all fabrics, including wool, are going to fade in direct and even indirect sunlight. Generally, natural fabrics fade more quickly than man-made ones. However, this gentle fading is a natural occurrence and can amplify the soft look of these quality, woven rugs.

Read our buying guide for choosing the ideal area rug for your room.