Area Rugs
Area Rug Care & Maintenance
Proper care and maintenance can help extend the life of your area rug while preserving its color, texture, and overall appearance for years to come. Whether you own a wool rug, synthetic rug, or custom area rug, routine maintenance is one of the best ways to protect your investment and keep your home looking its best.
Below, you’ll find helpful information on everyday rug care, how to handle spills and stains, rug protection, and professional cleaning recommendations to help keep your rugs looking beautiful.
Everyday Rug Care
Regular vacuuming is one of the most important parts of everyday rug care. We recommend vacuuming weekly — or more often in high-traffic areas — to help remove dirt and debris that can wear down rug fibers over time. Dry cleaning powders, such as Capture, can also help absorb oils and grime between deeper cleanings and are a great addition to your regular maintenance routine.
Be sure to turn off the vacuum beater bar whenever possible and use suction only to help prevent fibers from being pulled loose or damaged. If you notice any sprouted fibers, carefully trim them flush with the rug using scissors — never pull them out, as this can damage the surrounding weave.
How to Remove Rug Spills
When spills happen, it’s important to act quickly to help prevent staining and fiber damage. Lightly blot spills immediately using a clean white cloth or paper towel — never rub, as this can damage rug fibers. Work from the outside of the spill inward to help prevent it from spreading further.
Cleaning methods vary depending on the rug material. Many manufacturers recommend a mild soap-and-water solution for wool, polyester, nylon, and other synthetic fibers. More delicate materials, such as silk and viscose, along with natural fibers like sisal and jute, typically require dry cleaning or professional care. If you are using a cleaning product, avoid applying it directly onto your rug; instead, lightly mist the area or use a cloth dampened with the cleaning solution.
Guardsman Rug Protection
The Guardsman Gold Complete Protection Plan is an affordable way to protect your rug against everyday accidents, so you can live with greater peace of mind. Coverage includes up to 5 years of protection against accidental damage, including food and beverage spills, household stains, pet accidents, rips, tears, and more.
For complete details, speak with your Hadinger Rug Specialist at time of purchase.
Rug Care Tips
- Shedding is a natural characteristic of wool rugs and should lessen over time with regular vacuuming.
- New rugs often have ripples from being rolled. These typically relax on their own after a few weeks.
- Rug pads are essential for helping reduce wear, improve comfort, protect your floor, and keep your rug securely in place.
- Rotate your rug periodically to promote even wear and help prevent fading.
- Every rug should be professionally cleaned at least once every 12 months. When hiring a professional cleaner, look for one who specializes in area rugs — not carpet.
Click here to download our complete Area Rug Care Guide
How Do I Keep My Rugs Clean?
There are a number of things you can do to make sure your rugs are properly cleaned and maintained. Purchase a good vacuum cleaner and use it often; if it has bags, makes sure you change them regularly. Clean up spills as soon as they happen and use a professional cleaning company at least once per year to give your rug a deep clean. And, as with any flooring product, be sure to consult the manufacturer’s cleaning and maintenance suggestions.
What Can I Do About Spills?
If you spill something on your rug, it’s important to clean it up right away. First, pick up any solids or debris and use a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much liquid as possible. Then rinse the area with warm water, blotting with your cloth or towel. You shouldn’t scrub or use hot water as this can damage individual fibers. Once the area has dried, you can vacuum over it to help restore the rug to its original appearance. If you’re considering using a rug cleaning product, be sure to follow manufacturer guidelines or consult with our flooring professionals for a recommendation.
Deep Cleaning Area Rugs
Regular maintenance and cleaning can only do so much: that’s why you should remember to deep clean your area rugs every 12-18 months. First, give it a thorough vacuuming. Once that’s done, use a sponge to work your homemade or store-bought cleaner deep into the fibers. Let the suds sit for a few minutes, then run a hose over the rug until the water is clear of suds. After drying the water off with a squeegee, lay the rug flat or hang it to dry. Once that’s done, give it a once-over with the vacuum and your rug should look good as new.
If your rug isn’t colorfast then these techniques will cause its colors to run. In that case, it’s safest to rely on professionals when it comes to deep cleaning.