area rugs

The lifetime of a rug can vary greatly from a couple of years to over 100. The most important factor is the construction method. A hand-knotted rug is considered to be top of the line and will last much longer than a hand-tufted or hand-hooked rug. The material used and the area the rug is placed are also important factors when determining the lifetime of an area rug.

When in direct contact with sunlight, the color in an area rug can tend to fade over time. Most natural dyes will usually fade faster than modern synthetic dyes. To avoid this, keep drapes or blinds closed, install UV protection on your windows, or move rugs around frequently.

This varies depending on the traffic volume and area of placement. You should spot clean any obvious spots with a cleanser recommended by your manufacturer and get a professional cleaning every five or so years.

A professional can repair the rug before it begins to unravel. The fringe can be replaced or left off as it is only decorative.

Thoroughly clean the rug, roll it up, and wrap it in heavy duty plastic bags with lots of moth flakes. Makes sure the bag is securely sealed using shipping tape if necessary. Store it in a cool place and replace the moth flakes every few months to prevent damage.

Paddings and underlayments are recommended for a number of reasons. Not only can they add years to the lifetime of your rug, they can help it stay in place and provides extra cushion when walked on.

Keep pooling water off the rug and do not machine wash as oversaturation is the main cause of this. If an area floods remove the carpet immediately and allow to dry flat and not folded. It is very difficult and tedious to fix colors that have run so your best bet is prevention.

Vacuum both sides frequently and have you rug professionally cleaned every 5 years or so. Do not try to machine wash as oversaturation can cause color bleeding. Rugs should be rotated so that paths that are walked frequently do not become more worn than those that are not. Take off your shoes before walking on expensive rugs to avoid smearing dirt or mud into the surface.