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How Do I Care for My Rug?

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VACUUMING

Regular vacuuming is essential for removing deeply embedded dirt and prolonging the life of your rug.

Canister vacuums without beater bars are the optimal type of vacuum to use on rugs. Brooms and manual sweepers are also a gentle and effective way to clean rugs. Powerful bagless vacuums are not recommended, as they use high suction, which can pull out threads from the back of a rug and create “sprouts.”

Regular Pile

Vacuum regularly. We recommend once a week with a regular pile (especially in the first month), unless it’s a looped, braided, or shag rug.

Loop/Braided

If the rug has a loop or braid texture, remove the beater bar setting. If it cannot be removed, set the vacuum on the highest possible setting.

Shags

For shag rugs, shake them outside first to loosen dirt and other particles. Then carefully use a handheld attachment on vacuums for shags.

CLEANING

Cleaning depends on the type fiber used in the rug.

Acrylic

  • Use a common cleaning detergent or create one with a teaspoon of neutral detergent and a teaspoon of pure white vinegar combined with a quart of warm water.
  • Absorb as much of the liquid as possible before applying the cleaning solution.

Cotton

  • If stated on care instructions, small rugs can be machine washed in warm water with a mild detergent.
  • Larger rugs should be treated with a dry cleaning powder.

Hair-on-hide

  • To clean a hair-on-hide rug, simply shake out the hide, use a manual sweeper, or vacuum it using a hand-held attachment.
  • If a hand-held attachment is not available, turn off the vacuum’s beater bar.  If that is not possible, set the beater bar on the highest position.
  • While a hide’s natural oils help to resist staining, spills should always be wiped up as soon as possible by lightly blotting the area of the spill.
  • If a stain should occur, use mild soap, lukewarm water and a soft brush to very gently rub in the same direction as the grain of the hair.
  • Professional cleaning on an annual basis is recommended

Jute

  • Loose threads on the face of the rug should be trimmed with household scissors.
  • Jute is not water resistant, so do not place a jute rug in an area with high moisture.  Blot stains with a dry cloth immediately.
  • If applying cleaning solvents , test on a small area first.
  • For stubborn stains, contact a professional cleaner.
  • Do not dry clean the rug, as strong cleaning chemicals may damage or fade the rug.

Polyester

  • Polyester is one of the most stain resistant fibers as it resists moisture damage comparatively well. Follow wool cleaning instructions.

Polypropylene (often used for indoor/outdoor rugs)

Polypropylene is one of the most stain-resistant fibers and it resists moisture damage comparatively well.

  • With a dry cotton towel or white paper towel, blot the stain as much as possible.
  • Scrape off any food or debris with a dull instrument.
  • Mix a very small amount of dish soap with a cup of cold water. With a clean sponge and soap mix, remove the stain. Allow the area to dry in sunlight.
  • For allover cleaning, spray the rug with a mixture of soap and water and rinse with a garden hose.

Sisal

  • Loose threads on the face of the rug should be trimmed with household scissors.
  • Blot stains with a dry cloth immediately.
  • If applying cleaning solvents , test on a small area first.
  • For stubborn stains, contact a professional cleaner.
  • Do not dry clean the rug, as strong cleaning chemicals may damage or fade the rug.

Wool

Shedding in wool rugs is completely normal. Vacuum wool rugs at least once a week for the first few months.

  • With a dry cotton towel or white paper towel, blot the stain as much as possible.
  • Scrape off any food or debris with a dull instrument.
  • Use a common wool cleaning detergent or mix a very small amount of dish soap with a cup of cold water. With a clean sponge and soap mix (avoid using excessive water), gently remove the remainder of the stain and then blot the area with a dry towel.
  • Avoid excessive heat or agitation, as wool rugs are more prone to bleeding and staining than synthetic rugs. We recommend cleaning wool rugs professionally once a year.

Viscose

  • Avoid placing a viscose rug in a high traffic or high moisture area.
  • Whisk up any spills or stains by blotting with a dry cloth.
  • Scrape solids with a dull knife.
  • If in doubt, contact a professional cleaner.

Information courtesy Loloi and Surya Rugs.

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