Area Rugs Maintenance & Care

Here are a few helpful tips that will keep your area rug looking great, and help it last for years to come.

Some level of wear is expected, and often appreciated in most area rugs. In fact, many hand-made area rugs are considered more valuable with time and wear.

Vacuum Regularly and Carefully. You can't vacuum too often. It keeps your rug clean and reduces wear from soil being ground into the fibers. If your vacuum uses bags, change them regularly. Be careful that fringes are not pulled or sucked in by vacuum cleaners.

Rotate Your Rug. Spin your rug 180° every few months to even out exposure to light and to reduce the signs of traffic patterns.

Blot Up Stains Immediately. The longer you wait, the harder it is to remove spills and spots. Always blot, or gently rub the area being cleaned. Never scrub or brush.

Clean Periodically. Clean your area rug before traffic patterns appear.
Be sure to follow recommended cleaning procedures so that warranties won't be voided. Hiring professional carpet cleaners is recommended.

Protect Rug from Extensive Sunlight. Intense sunlight can cause rugs to fade over time. Curtains, window blinds & shades, awnings, and UV-blocking glass treatments can help maintain the color of your area rug.

Use Appropriate Padding. Ask an America's Floor Source representative to help you select the correct padding for use under your rug. Padding is an important element and will both stabilize and protect your rug.

Consider Repairs Carefully. Repairs to hand-made rugs can be labor intensive and expensive. Not only must you consider the cost of repairing to the cost of replacing, but you should also consider the fact that collectible rugs can go down in value if they are not in their original state, even if the repair is perfectly executed.

Store Carefully. Before a rug is stored, it should be thoroughly vacuumed or broomed. Mothballs should be placed in the middle of the rug, and the rug rolled tightly against its nap (against the direction the pile faces). The rolled rug should then be stored in a dry location with little to no exposure to light.

Don't use Furniture with Rollers. Rolling heavy furniture across rugs can cause damage.