How to care for a rug
– A complete maintenance guide
Spruce up your rug’s life with essential maintenance. Take it for a spin, shield from direct sunlight, and add a protective anti-slip. Follow our guide below and learn how to care for a rug to keep it looking fresh and fabulous.
What’s the best way to store a rug when it’s not being used?
Rugs are like fashion for your floors — switch ’em up whenever. But, knowing how to store a rug isn’t always easy. After all, whether you’re redecorating your living space, experimenting with different colors, or embracing a new season, it’s important to store it correctly to ensure it’s kept in the best possible condition.
Follow these steps to store a rug:
1. Prep your handmade or machine-made rug for a roll-up by ensuring it is clean and tidy.
2. Remove any furniture and keep it flat on the floor.
3. Roll it with the pile facing in. Is it a large rug? Ask friends or family for help.
4. Secure the rug with a cotton rope; ditch the tape to avoid any backside damages.
5. Avoid using plastic wrap if you’re storing the rug away for a long time, to allow it to breathe and avoid mould.
6. Store it in a dry and moist free environment, with good ventilation.
7. Store the rug vertically to maintain its shape.
Why does a new rug have an odor?
If you unwrap your new rug and notice an odor, don’t panic. This is just temporary and due to tightly packed yarn. Give it a few days and it’ll gradually disappear.
Why do I need an anti slip for a rug?
A rug accessory, like a non-slip rug underlay, is not just a floor guardian; it adds comfort, ensuring you have a secure and soft walk as the underlay prevents it from sliding. Additionally, there won’t be any movements during hoovering – the anti slip mat keeps things in check.
What is rug sprouting?
Sprouting is when a rug has loose threads that stick out and are longer than the other threads. Use scissors and trim them horizontally to the fibres, maintaining an even surface. This won’t harm your rug if done right. Avoid pulling the threads though and when hoovering, use a low setting to protect the pile.
How do I protect my rug from the sun?
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade or change the hue of your rugs. To care for your rug and protect it from color loss, it’s advisable to keep it away from direct sunlight. If placement in a sunny spot is unavoidable, be sure to rotate the rug on a regular basis to minimise the impact of sunlight on its colour.
Why can a rug vary in size?
It’s common for the sizes to vary up to 5%. Handmade rugs embrace variations as a testament to craftsmanship, adding a unique charm.
How to stop a new rug from shedding
Fibre shedding is totally normal. It occurs due to the manufacturing process, as small surplus fibres are released from production. With proper care, this shedding diminishes over time. Hoover regularly using a traditional cleaner with a recessed brush head, moving in the direction of the pile. If you have a synthetic machine washable rug, the shedding will disappear after the first wash.
How to flatten a rug
Unpacked your rug and found fold marks? It’s a common issue from packing and transport, not a defect. To smooth out the fold marks, flip the rug, roll it tightly for a few hours, then lay it out. After a few days, it’ll rest perfectly flat on your floor.
How do you fix uneven wear on a rug?
Heavy foot traffic and sunlight can cause uneven wear and fading. When it comes to knowing how to care for a rug, we recommend that you rotate your rug every six months to a year for colour and wear glow-up.
How to keep a rug clean
Whether it’s knowing how to care for a jute rug or how to care for a wool rug, regular maintenance is essential. The best way to keep a rug clean is through constant care, including regular hoovering and dealing with any spills as quickly as possible. In doing so, you’ll help to keep your rug cleaning efforts to a minimum, ensuring it retains its fresh look for a long time to come.
