A plush, cozy rug can vamp up the dreariest decor, but don’t treat it like a doormat if you want your floor covering to stay fresh and toe-friendly.
Clean your rug the professional way with these tips from the pros.
Keep your shag happy
• Make note of its material, constriction, and size — they are important players in its proper care.
• Large area rugs should be thought of as a wall-to-wall carpet, and vacuumed regularly, minus the fringe. Reversible rugs should be cleaned on both sides to remove grit and grime, and prevent premature wear and tear.
• Turn reversible rugs once or twice a year to make sure they wear evenly, the rotation alleviating stress from sun and foot traffic.
• Vacuuming doesn’t always remove pet hair, which should be brushed out — always towards the nap — using a stiff-bristled brush.
• Take small rugs outside, to be beaten or shaken vigorously to remove grit and dirt.
Specialty rug care
Keep care tags and labels handy to prevent costly mistakes because some rugs require an extra touch of TLC.
• Braided or woven rugs: check label to see if they can be washed, and look for stitching breaks before and after cleaning.
• Washable rugs can be placed in a mesh laundry bag or zippered pillowcase.
• Use cool water and the gentle cycle on a washing machine. Rinse thoroughly. Use a low setting to tumble dry.
• Large braided rugs should be placed on a concrete or vinyl floor. Old blankets can also be placed beneath them. Using commercial carpet-cleaning foam, sponge the product and rub according to directions. Finish by vacuuming or rinsing. Before replacing the rug, make sure it has dried thoroughly.
• Oriental, antique, hand-knotted, and handmade rugs should be vacuumed in the same manner as wool area rugs and carpets.
• Antique and delicate vintage rugs require special care. Place nylon screen, weighted down with bricks or books, over the rugs to protect them while vacuuming. Vacuum the rugs over the screen. A piece of nylon mesh can also be placed over the attachment of the vacuum. As dirt accumulates, the mesh will need to be frequently changed. These rugs should be professionally cleaned each year. To ensure even wear and reduce fading from direct sunlight, rotate rugs once or twice per year.
• For hair-on hides, sheepskin, and fur rugs, shake unscented talcum powder and let stand for several hours. Brush the powder through the rugs and shake. Repeat several times — long hair rugs require more repetitions. Clean backs with a clean, cotton cloth, dipped in lukewarm soapy water. Wipe off spills and dirt. Rinse with a clean cloth and clean water. • • Let the rugs dry completely before returning them to their spots.
Courtesy of Sunlight Fine Rug Care & Restoration, a leading rug care service based in Brooklyn, and offering free estimate, pickup, and delivery .
