Rug Care and Maintenance

Simple, Sensible Care
With the proper care, contemporary rugs will look like new for years. Because dirt is abrasive, it is the primary cause of wear. Contemporary carpets should be vacuumed weekly - vacuum in the same direction as the pile. Set pile levels on high to avoid pilling. Beater bars should rotate when making contact with rugs. Routine airing out of rugs removes odors.

Another cause of wear to contemporary carpets is slipping. An underlay or padding will prevent slipping and any chance of damage to underneath fibers. Vacuuming the underside of contemporary rugs reduces damaging abrasives. Never use beater bars on rugs with a delicate construction. To ensure even wear, rotate contemporary rugs every 6 months. Replace rug padding or underlays when they begin to wear out. Exposing contemporary rugs to direct sunlight causes fading and advanced aging. Depending on the amount of traffic, contemporary rugs should be professionally cleaned every 2 to 4 years. Most manufacturers do not recommend hot-water extraction.

On the Spot Cleaning
Immediately blot spills from contemporary rugs with a white cloth, check for colorfastness, and then clean with club soda, or a solution of 2 cups warm water to a half-teaspoon (each) of Woolite and white vinegar. Work solution into stain with a soft-bristle brush, rinse, towel-dry, and then air-dry with a fan or cool setting of the hair dryer. Make sure to clean the backing if the stain has seeped through the depths of the pile. A starch paste may be used on bloodstains.

Most soot, grease, oil, cosmetics, crayon, shoe polish, wax, furniture polish, mud, mildew, and stubborn food and drink stains (even wine) can be cleaned with a dry-cleaning fluid. Always check manufacturers' cleaning suggestions first, and seek advice from professionals before using rug or spot cleaners on contemporary rugs. Large, penetrating stains will probably require professional cleaning; urine and vomit definitely require professional cleaning.