Top Tips for Cleaning and Maintaining Your Rugs

A vacuum cleaner on a patterned rug with sunlight streaming in, accompanied by cream storage bags and a cozy couch.
 

Beautiful rugs add warmth, texture, and style to your space. They tie the room together. Without proper care, even the luxurious rug starts to lose its charm. Regular maintenance is necessary whether you have a hand-knotted rug or a cozy machine-made piece. Otherwise, what’s the point of its beauty and texture?

Here are expert-approved 5 tips for keeping the rugs looking vibrant and fresh throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

To keep your rugs vibrant for years, follow these tips:

  1. Vacuum high-traffic areas 2-3 times a week using suction-only mode. For thick rugs, vacuum from multiple angles.

  2. Blot (don’t rub) with cold water for moist stains. Use mild soap and water for tough stains; avoid using harsh chemicals.

  3. Rotate rugs 180° every 6 months to prevent uneven wear.

  4. Deep clean rugs in high-traffic areas every 6 months. Hire professionals for delicate/antique rugs.

  5. To prevent pests, vacuum often to remove food particles. Use breathable cotton bags to store them.

Call professionals for treatment when you find persistent odors or major water damage in the rug. Always check manufacturer guidelines, especially for wool/silk rugs.

5 Tips for Cleaning & Maintaining Rugs

Small efforts go a long way to keep your rugs looking fresh and last longer. Here are some tips from Shoppe Maison Rose to clean your rugs and maintain its beauty and warmth:

1. Regular Vacuuming: The First Line of Defense

Dirt and dust can easily accumulate deep within rug fibers. And when it does, they cause the rug to degrade early. To prevent this from happening-

  • At least 2-3 times a week, consider vacuuming high-traffic areas

  • Use a suction-only setting while cleaning the rugs; don’t use the beater bar

  • For thick pile rugs, occasionally vacuum the rugs from different directions

Pro-Tip #1

For better results, always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, especially when you have silk or wool rugs.

2. Immediate Stain Treatment

Accidents can happen at any time of the day. But with quick action, you can prevent permanent damage. For moist stains, use cold water. Using warm water on protein-based stains can cause them to permanently set in your rug.

For tough stains, you can mix 1 teaspoon of mild dish soap with 1 cup of lukewarm water and apply it to the stain.

If there is a blot, don’t rub it. Instead, clean it with a white cloth.

If you’re planning to use chemicals, don’t use any harsh cleaning agents. This will discolor the fibers of the rug.

3. Proper Rotation for Even Wear

When the rugs are exposed to sunlight and foot traffic, they cause uneven fading and wear. To you’re your rug last longer, do this:

  • Rotate the rugs 180 degrees every 6 months to minimize wear

  • Consider using UV-filtering window film in sun-drenched areas

  • You can place rug pads under the rugs that will prevent sliding and fiber crush

4. Seasonal Deep Cleaning

Even with regular vacuuming, you’ll have to clean the rugs periodically. For example, consider cleaning low-traffic areas every 12 months. And every 6 months, you’ll have to clean the rugs in high-traffic or dining areas. This will ensure that the rugs in your space remain clean despite heavy usage.

Again, if you have antique or delicate pieces, you should hire a professional rug cleaner.

Pro-Tip #2

For machine-washable rugs from Shoppe Maison Rose, consider using a gentle cycle with mild detergent and air-drying flat.

5. Protecting Against Moths and Pests

Food particles often find their way into the rug fibers and stay there. They naturally attract pests. So, vacuum your rugs regularly to remove these food particles. Natural fiber rugs need special attention for vacuuming the food.

Also, make sure to store rugs in breathable cotton bags. And as soon as you notice small holes or webbing in your rug, treat it immediately.

The Right Way to Store Rugs  

With proper storage, you can prevent permanent creases and damage to your rugs. For this, you’ll have to ensure that you’re cleaning the rug thoroughly before storing it. While storing, make sure to store horizontally in a climate-controlled space. 

Never roll the carpet with the pile facing inward. Otherwise, it will damage the rug. And when it comes to wrapping, wrap it in acid-free paper or a breathable fabric.

When to Call Professional Rug Experts

If you notice the following signs, call a professional immediately- 

  • A persistent odor coming from the rugs

  • Major water damage that requires specialized drying

At Shoppe Maison Rose, we don’t sell subpar-quality rugs. Instead, all our rugs are made of premium materials that stand the test of time. From luxurious wool creations to indoor-outdoor options, we have it all. Besides, we have rugs for every budget. So, even if you’re on a tight budget, we have got you covered.