How do I look after my rug?

Day to day care

For rugs with a shorter pile, it’s beneficial to vacuum them regularly. Unless removed, dirt can work its way down deep down into the pile of the rug, causing wear and tear and eventual breakage in some cases.

Longer pile rugs require a little less effort, as excessive vacuuming can be damaging to this type of rug and can result in increased shedding. To keep your rug looking sharp, we suggest shaking or beating it to dislodge most of the dirt and grit, then giving it a light vacuum to catch any bits stuck closer to the surface.

Dealing with spills

Although it’s heart-stopping when something is spilt on your rug, acting fast can help to prevent the stain spreading further. Start by removing any solid pieces, then use a clean white cloth or paper towel to soak up any excess liquid. Make sure to blot, don’t rub!

Next, use a good quality carpet cleaner and a fresh, clean cloth to work on the stain from the outside in, while ensuring not to over-saturate the rug. Allow to air dry after patting off any excess moisture with a paper towel.

Damage limitation

When positioned in strong, direct sunlight, any coloured rug will be susceptible to fading, but this risk can be reduced by turning your rug end-to-end on a regular basis. Similarly, regularly changing the position of any furniture that sits on your rug will help to prevent the rug’s fibres from being permanently crushed. You can also soften sharp chair and table legs with castor cups as a precaution.

Loose threads & fluff

It isn’t uncommon for loose threads to occur during the rug manufacturing process, especially if the rug has been hand woven/tufted. Thankfully, these threads aren’t a sign of damage to your rug, and can be easily rectified by simply snipping the thread to a uniformed height with a pair of scissors. Fluff or pilling on the surface of your rug is also normal, as it’s a natural result of yarn compression during the making of your rug. Vacuum regularly or pluck bits off by hand to get rid of them, and the problem should gradually settle.

Safety first

If your rug doesn’t have a built-in anti-slip backing, it’s worthwhile investing in an anti-slip underlay. Specially-designed rug grips will hold your rug in place on the floor, preventing it from ‘walking’ (bunching or moving due to carpet underneath pushing it around after bearing weight from traffic across the rug), or keeping it in place and providing further cushioning on a smooth surface such as wood, laminate or tiles. These can also be used on heated flooring, and are machine washable.

View our anti-slip rug underlays here.

Pets & pests

For homes with furry friends, all-wool rugs are often recommended over those made of synthetic or mixed fibres. This is because wool, as a purely organic material, contains natural oils that prevent the absorption of odours, which is especially helpful for those with pets in residence.

On the other hand, unwanted guests such as moths are attracted to natural fibres, so vacuuming your space often can help discourage their visits. If you’re lifting and turning your rug often as recommended for avoiding sun fade, this will also help to hinder pests.

Have a question about caring for your rug? Get in touch with us here, we’d be happy to help.