How to Care For and Clean Your Area Rugs

We look at the furniture and decor that you incorporate into your home, including rugs, as an investment. To help ensure your rug will last through the years and still impress your guests, it's important to properly clean and maintain your rugs. We've compiled some of our favorite tips for the care and cleaning of your rugs from Surya.

How to Vacuum Your Rug

Think gentle! Opt for a canister vacuum without a beater bar or brooms. Avoid poweful bagless vacuums with high suction as they can pull out threads and create "sprouts".

- If possible, opt for the hand held attachment when vacuuming your rug

- If the hand held attachment is not available, turn off the beater bar to avoid creating 'fuzz'. If the beater bar cannot be turned off, place it on the highest position possible and carefully place the vacuum on the rug.

- Avoid continuously running your vacuum over any surged, or finished, edges. This can cause the fibers to loosen and deteriorate.

- Always avoid running a vacuum over frayed edges and decoration. Only use a hand attachment for these areas.

- If your rug is reversible, be sure to vacuum both sides to ensure the removal of any dirt and grime from both sides.

How to Clean Your Rug

- Clean all spills immediately! Once a stain is set in, it is much harder to remove.

- Never rub a spill - this will push the stain in deeper. Just blot it with a clean white cloth!

- For wool rugs, use lukewarm water to remove any residual stains.

- Remove any remaining cleaner with clean water.

Cleaning Guidelines for Rugs

Wool and Synthetic Fiber Rugs and Indoor/Outdoor Rugs

- Use a dry cotton towel to blot the stain as much as possible.

- Scrape off any food gently with a dull instrument.

- Use a very small amount of dish soap mixed with a cup of cold water and a clean sponge to remove the remainder of the stain.

*For wool rugs, avoid excessive heat and agitation. An annual cleaning by a professional is recommend.

*For indoor/outdoor rugs you can spray a mixture of soap and water and rinse with a garden hose.

Natural Fiber Rugs

- Natural fiber rugs inherently have loose fibers and knots so be sure to regularly vacuum on a low power setting and vacuum from multiple angles.

- Trim any loose threads to avoid unraveling or damaging the rugs.

- Spills should be blotted immediately. Work from the outer edges of the stain towards the center. For stubborn stains, use a professional cleaning service.