Rug Care and Cleaning Tips
Please note that these instructions are guidelines only. We always recommend that you consult the cleaning and rug care instructions that come with your rug, or are found on many manufacturers’ websites. Always test a small portion of the rug before applying a cleaning method to the entire rug.
General Maintenance tips
- Vacuum often - frequency depends on amount of traffic rug receives. When vacuuming, perform several passes from various angles to ensure a thorough cleaning. Ideally, empty the bad when half full.
- Perform an annual detailed cleaning (or hire someone to do it!)
General tips for removing spills and stains
- Clean spill immediately!
- If spill is liquid, blot up as much as possible with dry, non-dyed towel.
- If spill is solid, gently scrape of material with dull silverware or spatula.
- To minimize potentially damaging excess liquid, use as little soap and water as possible.
Cleaning Spills
As a general rule, follow any cleaning instructions provided by the rug's manufacturer.
Wool Rugs
- With a dry cotton towel or white paper towel, blot out stain as much as possible
- Scrape off any food or debris with a dull knife.
- Mix a very small amount of dish soap (Joy, Palmolive, etc.) with a cup of cold water.
- With clean sponge and soap mix, gently remove remainder of stain.
- Blot area with dry towel.
- Avoid excessive heat or agitation. For all-over cleaning, we recommend using a professional. Wool rugs are more prone to bleed and stain than their synthetic counterparts, thus requiring extra prompt and careful cleaning.
Olefin/Polypropylene/Nylon Rugs
Synthetic - color fast, won't run or bleed. Easiest to clean.
- First, blot out stain as much as possible with dry cotton towel or white paper towel.
- Scrape off any food or debris with dull knife.
- Mix a very small amount of dish soap (Joy, Palmolive, etc.) with a cup of cold water.
- With clean sponge and soap mix, remove remainder of stain. Avoid using excessive water.
- Blot area with dry towel.
- Fantastic and 409 can be used to remove grease and stubborn stains.
- For all-over cleaning: Send it to a professional cleaner.
Shag Rugs
For everyday cleaning, give rug a good shake to remove loose dirt and fluff the pile. We recommend you go over your carpet every day with an upright vacuum that has a beater-bar action (no teeth or combs). For deeper cleaning, professional cleaning is recommended. Small rakes can also be used to fluff the pile, if necessary.
Silk Rugs
Due to the delicate nature of the fabric, rug should be dry cleaned.
Cotton/Rayon
- May be cleaned using all methods.
- To prevent shrinking and possible browning, avoid excessive drying and agitation.
Plant fibers (Jute, Hemp, Coconut, etc.)
- Have characteristics similar to cotton.
- Generally safe to clean using all methods
- Ideal for light wear (i.e. bedroom floors, sitting rooms, etc.). Not practical for heavy wear.
- Not recommended for areas with high moisture levels. Do not steam clean or wet shampoo.