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Ways to put new life into your rugs after a long winter
When properly cared for, a good area rug will last for years. Some area rugs are washable, while others aren't. Regardless of the type, the very first line of defense is regularly vacuuming, declares Nancy Bock, Vice President of Education at The Soap and Detergent Association. This means at least once a week, going back and forth six to eight times on each section of the rug. For the most efficient pickup, an upright vacuum or a canister style with a power nozzle is the best choice. However, if it's a lightweight rug, use a vacuum with a little less power so it doesn't suck up the rug. And if the rug has fringe, use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe. Be careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.
Small Washable Rugs
Shake the rug outside, if possible, and then follow with a light vacuuming. When you're ready to wash it, vacuum and/or shake it outside first, and then put it in the washing machine, following the care label's recommendation for water temperature and wash cycle and using a mild detergent. If you can't find the care label, use a warm-water setting and the gentle cycle. Tumble dry at the lowest heat setting.
Larger Area Rugs
Turn it. In addition to a weekly vacuuming, it's a good idea to turn the rug over and vacuum the backside every three to eight months.
Rotate it. Once a year, rotate the rug. This will help distribute wear and fading so that your rug lasts longer.
Beat it. Previous generations had the right idea! If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline or an outdoor balcony railing and gently beat it to remove ground-in grime. Use an old-fashioned rug beater or the flat side of a broom. Finally, take the rug inside and vacuum it.
Treat stains promptly. Don't let a stain sit so that it sets into your rug. When you spill or stain your carpet, attack the problem as soon as possible. Have a carpet-stain remover product handy to help lift that stain or spill before it sets in. Read the label to make sure you're using the product properly and safely. Proper treatment depends on the type of stain. An easy way to know what to do is to visit the website of The Carpet and Rug Institute. Use the search box to identify the source of your stain and a box will pop up telling you what to do.
Professionally clean it. Adhere to a regular vacuuming routine, so that a professional cleaning is done no more frequently than once a year; every two years is better. Cleaning it too often will shorten the life of your rug.
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