caring for your rug
The first thing anyone asks us after choosing the rug they want to take home is “how do I keep it clean?” Different fibers require different levels of care, but knowing a few basics about cleaning and maintaining area rugs such as how to handle different types of spills and how to vacuum your rug properly can go a long way. In our comprehensive guide on caring for your rug, we’ll be covering all the necessities - we’re talking fiber types and their cleaning methods, construction types and their vacuuming methods, spills, stains, shedding .. you name it!
Proper cleaning and care is always dependent on the type of fiber and construction used in the rug! Each different fiber has variables like cleanability, durability, softness, shedding, color retention, and more, which can influence the proper way to clean and maintain your particular rug. But first, let’s cover the very basics to rug care, which can be applied to any type of rug.
cleaning spills
Note: These are only suggestions, and because stains are affected by a number of different conditions, BEACON KC cannot guarantee complete stain removal. If in doubt, please consult a professional rug cleaning service.
Clean spills immediately. Once a stain is set it becomes much more difficult to clean.
Scrape off any food or debris/solids with a dull instrument before blotting any remaining stains.
Blot the spill with a clean, dry cotton cloth or paper towel and press firmly to absorb as much liquid as possible.
Work from the outer edges of the spill towards the center to prevent spreading.
Never rub a spill as this forces the spill deeper into the rug, making it harder to remove and increasing the chances that the stain will re-appear.
To remove any residual staining, dampen a cotton cloth or clean paper towel with clean, cold/lukewarm water. Gently blot with the damp cloth and quickly absorb the moisture on the rug.
Rugs made of viscose or tencel should never be cleaned with any water or liquid. Avoid liquids and moisture around/on top of viscose or tencel rugs as much as possible.
vacuuming
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.
If you must use an upright vacuum, use the handheld attachment whenever possible.
If you are unable to use the handheld attachment on your upright vacuum, turn off the vacuum’s beater bar.
If the beater bar cannot be turned off, set it on the highest position possible before vacuuming.
Refrain from running the vacuum over the edges of a rug. Instead, use the handheld attachment or carefully place the vacuum on the rug.
If a rug is reversible remember to vacuum both sides.
Rotate your rug periodically. Regular traffic will begin to show eventually, so be sure to rotate rugs in order to create even wear across the entire rug surface.
Pile shedding is a normal characteristic of quality area rugs, particularly with wool and other natural fibers.
cleaning based on fiber type.
As we mentioned above, the different types of fibers rugs are made from require different levels of care. Rugs are made from both natural fibers and synthetic fibers.
Many rugs made today are either made 100% from one fiber, or they are made from a blend of two or more fibers. Natural fibers are commonly used in blends. When cleaning and maintaining a rug made from a blend of natural fibers, follow the cleaning and care instructions for the fiber your rug has the highest percentage of.
Let’s start with natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, jute, sisal, and animal hair and hides - and how to care for them.
natural fibers.
what are natural fibers?
Natural fibers are fibers that are made out of natural materials that come from plants, animals, or minerals. The raw, natural materials are spun into threads and yarns that are then woven or knit into natural fabrics. There are two general categories of natural fibers: animal-based or plant-based. Animal-based natural fibers include silk and wool, while plant-based natural fibers include cotton, linen, and jute.
most commonly used natural fiber in rug production
warm, absorbent, and durable
noted for luxury and softness. Its natural ability to repel water due to lanolin oils from animal hair and resistance to breaking and compressing makes it a very popular material for higher-end-rugs.
usually refers to hair from sheep, but can also come from goats, alpacas, llamas, and other animals, but fiber diameter is the single most important characteristic as it determines the price and quality.
how to clean & maintain a wool rug
When cleaning your wool rug, use a common wool cleaning detergent or create one with 1 tsp of neutral detergent (a cleaning solution with a neutral pH, such as most dish detergents) and 1 tsp of pure white vinegar combined with a quart of warm water.
For stains, blot with a dry cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible before applying the cleaning solution to the stain.
Pile shedding is a normal characteristic of quality area rugs, particularly with wool and other natural fibers.
soft, easy to clean and maintain. Affordable
sometimes used as thread for the base of a rug
made from the cotton plant. Cotton is primarily composed of cellulose, an insoluble organic compound crucial to plant structure, and is a soft and fluffy material
how to clean & maintain a cotton rug
Large cotton rugs should be treated with a dry cleaning powder to prevent damage.
If stated on specific care instructions from the manufacturer, small cotton rugs can be machine washed in warm water with neutral detergent.
durable, resistant to stains, and easy to maintain
made from the complete skin and hair of an animal (usually cow), cured using either a chrome tanning method or by vegetable tanning, which is more environmentally friendly
relatively affordable. Very common in rug production, especially in regards to natural fiber rugs
known for its texture. Softer than sisal.
NOT water resistant
jute is a coarse natural plant fiber from the jute plant that is also commonly used to weave fabrics like burlap cloth
how to clean & maintain a jute rug
Jute is NOT water resistant, so do not place a jute rug in an area with high moisture. Do not steam clean or wet shampoo your jute rug. Plant fibers are highly absorbent, so they are subject to some shrinking and puckering when exposed to liquids or excessive dampness.
Blot stains with a dry cloth immediately, and if necessary, opt for a professional cleaning service.
Vacuum regularly on both sides of the rug.
Pile shedding is a normal characteristic of quality area rugs, particularly with wool and other natural fibers.
attracts minimal dust and is static free. Highly sustainable
not as soft as jute, but more durable. Has a stylish, “rugged” look
sisal is a natural fiber that stems from the agave plant. Once it’s crushed, it provides stiff sisal fibers that are then used to create sustainable area rugs and carpets
how to clean & maintain a sisal rug
Immediately remove any spills or stains by blotting with a dry cloth.
Scrape up solids with a dull knife.
Vacuum regularly on both sides of the rug.
Pile shedding is a normal characteristic of quality area rugs, particularly with wool and other natural fibers.
how to clean & maintain a cowhide/hide rug
Steam cleaning is very popular for giving your hide rug the occasional deep clean and making it look as fresh and new as the day you bought it. Always make sure to vacuum the rug first for the most effective deep clean. Use the steam cleaner in the direction of the hair making sure not to get the fibers too saturated. Simply allow the rug to air dry after.
Natural skin rugs are not recommended for areas with heavy foot traffic.
Clean spills immediately by wiping smoothly in the direction of the hair with a slightly damp cloth, using mild soap and water. If necessary, opt for a professional cleaning service.
synthetic fibers.
what are synthetic fibers?
Synthetic fibers are made of synthetic materials, usually formed through various chemical processes. The fibers are generally extracted during the chemical process using a spinneret, which is a device that takes polymers to form fibers. Polymer is a plastic with super-long, heavy molecules built up of short, endlessly repeating sections of atoms - just like a chain-link. The textile industry began creating synthetic fibers as cheaper and more easily mass-produced alternatives to natural fibers.
Synthetic fiber rugs provide cheaper alternatives to natural fiber rugs, tend to be more stain and water resistant - some are even almost completely waterproof, making a synthetic fiber rug a great choice for the outdoors or a room with heavy foot traffic and moisture. Also, synthetic fibers shed less and, being synthetic, they are less likely to affect those who struggle with allergies.
very affordable, easy to maintain, highly durable
bold, fade-resistant color
commonly used in indoor/outdoor rugs for its UV, mildew, and stain-resistant qualities
polypropylene is a petroleum-based fiber formed into yarns by a process of extrusion, where pre-dyed polypropylene pellets are melted down and extruded into a continuous fiber
very affordable, can feel very soft, especially when used for rugs with a thick pile
moisture, stain, and abrasion-resistant
retains color well over time and is easy to clean
polyester is a synthetic fiber created from coal and petroleum. Polyester is characterized by its durable nature and resistance to absorbing liquids
how to clean & maintain polypropylene/polyester rugs
Use a common cleaning detergent or create one with 1 tsp of neutral detergent and 1 tsp of pure white vinegar combined with 1 quart of warm water.
Blot with a dry cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible before applying the cleaning solution to the stain.
extremely stain-resistant and low in moisture absorbency
nylon is a polymer; nylon yarn and thread is made by melting nylon chips and drawing them through a spinneret
moderately priced. Durable, although not as strong as other synthetics
most commonly blended with other fibers like polyester (this is called a poly-acrylic blend)
often considered an imitation wool due to its heat retention qualities
acrylic fibers are made from polymers formed by acrylonitrile or vinyl cyanide
how to clean & maintain nylon & acrylic rugs
Use a common cleaning detergent or create one with 1 tsp of neutral detergent and 1 tsp of pure white vinegar combined with 1 quart of warm water.
Blot with a dry cloth to absorb as much of the liquid as possible before applying the cleaning solution to the stain.
rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber made from reconstituted wood pulp. Even though rayon is made from plant fibers, it is considered semi-synthetic because of the chemicals used in the production process
can be an imitation form of silk, wool, and other fabrics
examples of rayon include viscose and modal
how to clean & maintain rayon and viscose rugs
Avoid placing a rayon or viscose rug in a high traffic or high moisture area.
Scrape solids with a dull knife or nail file.
Blot with a dry cloth to absorb as much of the spill or stain as possible. After blotting stains, groom by combing the face of the rug in the direction of the pile with a soft brush. The pile may look flatter and more reflective afterward.
Once the stained area is dry, re-brush the fiber to regain original texture.
If in doubt, opt for a professional cleaning service.
vacuuming based on rug construction.
A rug’s construction type is another important variable to the methods in which a rug should be cleaned and cared for. Construction refers to how a rug is made, which makes all the difference. Whether it’s a hand-knotted rug or a hand-hooked one, the construction matters. It will determine the look, texture, quality, and longevity of your rug. Click here to read our guide to rug construction types.
Not all rugs should be vacuumed in the same way, as the different structural makeups of a rug have different types of sensitivities. Regular vacuuming is essential for removing deeply embedded dirt and prolonging the life of your rug, and we want to keep our rugs looking good! So, let’s take a look at methods and tips for vacuuming rugs based on their construction.
We recommend removing the beater bar before vacuuming any rug. If it cannot be removed, set the beater bar on the highest possible setting.
RUG FEATURED: ELIXIR GREY/MULTI
Vacuum hand-knotted rugs regularly, as dirt and debris can get into the base of the pile and abrasion can damage the wool, which most hand-knotted rugs are made from, resulting in loss of the pile.
Vacuum only with suction. Never use a beater bar on a hand-knotted wool rug.
Avoid using vacuums with powerful suction, such as certain Dyson products, as they can damage the fine knots.
RUG FEATURED: PRIYA BONE/BLUESTONE
Vacuum woven rugs in a perpendicular direction to the pile. If you vacuum in the direction of the pile, the fibers will mat down and cover the dirt and debris that you are trying to remove. If you vacuum against the direction of the pile, you’ll cause unnecessary wear and tear on your rug.
As with all rugs, we recommend removing the beater bar on your vacuum before vacuuming your woven rug. If it cannot be removed, set the beater bar on the highest possible setting.
TIP: In order to find out the direction of the pile, look at the direction in which the rug fibers naturally lay. If you can’t tell the pile direction just by looking at the rug, run your hand across the rug. If you are brushing against the rug pile, you will feel some resistance.
Be careful with the fringe of a woven rug when vacuuming. Mishandling a woven rug’s fringe can cause unnecessary damage to your rug and vacuum.
When vacuuming the edges of your woven rug, temporarily turn off or raise the beater bar on your vacuum.
RUG FEATURED: VICTORIA SLATE
Hooked rugs should not undergo vigorous vacuum cleaning and you should never use a brush attachment.
To clean, we suggest using a gentle, hand-held vacuum if available. Using a vacuum with gentle suction power will prolong the life of your hooked rug.
If you don’t have a hand-held vacuum available, raise or remove the beater bar from your standing canister vacuum, and vacuum on a low setting.
RUG FEATURED: BODHI IVORY/NATURAL
Flat-weave rugs are made from extremely durable materials and usually have little to no pile. Due to their sturdy yet thin nature, flat-weave rugs tend to appear dirty more often than other rugs.
We suggest vacuuming your flat-weave rug on a frequent basis, at least once a week.
Be careful with the fringe of a flat-weave rug when vacuuming. Mishandling a flat-weave rug’s fringe can cause unnecessary damage to your rug and vacuum.
When vacuuming the edges of your flat-weave rug, temporarily turn off or raise the beater bar on your vacuum.
With flat-weave rugs, vacuum both sides of the rug as both sides are susceptible to dirt and debris. Plus, vacuuming both sides of the rug can decrease shedding and increase the lifespan of the rug.
RUG FEATURED: MILO GREY/GRANITE
Tufted rugs shed more than other rugs and may require more frequent vacuuming. Hand-tufted rugs shed more because of their manufacturing process.
It is important to regularly check the underside of your hand-tufted rug before vacuuming to see if the backing is peeling or worn. If there is, this is a sign that the rug is no longer secure on the backside. This means that you need to take extra care when vacuuming. If you’re too aggressive, the fibers will fall out and there will be dry patches.
Just like woven rugs, find the pile direction of a tufted rug before vacuuming. In addition to resistance, you’ll notice that the color is slightly darker when you brush against the direction of a tufted rug pile. *See the description for vacuuming a woven rug for a tip on how to find out the direction of a rug’s pile.
Vacuum in a perpendicular direction to the pile.
As with all rugs, we recommend removing the beater bar on your vacuum before vacuuming your tufted rug. If it cannot be removed, set the beater bar on the highest possible setting.
RUG FEATURED: CASPIA TEAL
For shag rugs, shake them outside to loosen dirt and other particles. Or, flip the rug over and vacuum the underside first. This will help dislodge any dirt and small debris that may be embedded in shaggy fibers.
If you choose to vacuum the underside first, also make sure to vacuum or sweep the area where you place the rug. This will help ensure you pick up any excess dirt and dust.
When vacuuming the face pile of a shag rug, avoid using the beater bar, or use a handheld vacuum.
Vacuuming a shag rug with a beater bar can cause the fibers to snag and warp, and can cause damage to both your rug and vacuum.
shedding & sprouting.
Shedding is also attributed to how a rug is made. Wool rugs that are hand-knotted shed significantly less than wool rugs that are hand-tufted. Wool rugs shed because wool is a natural fiber that can fray and split with irritation. Wool rugs are often sheared after being made, leaving behind tiny pieces of rug fiber.
Vacuuming should resolve shedding in new rugs in a relatively short amount of time. For artificial silk rugs or rugs made with natural fibers, turn off the beater brush on your vacuum or raise it to the highest setting. Use a soft bristle brush to groom the rug as needed. Rugs made of synthetic fibers will not shed.
Sprouting refers to when isolated yarns on your rug appear after vacuuming. With shedding, fibers are no longer connected to the rug, but with sprouting, fibers remain attached. To resolve this problem, simply clip sprouts to an even height with the surrounding pile. Do not pull sprouts!
rug pads.
While concerns about cleaning area rugs may rank number one on our most frequently asked questions list, “do I really need a rug pad?” is right behind it. The truth is, using a rug pad IS part of caring for your rug.
From safety to comfort, every rug needs a rug pad. Rug pads prevent rugs from sliding, buckling, and wrinkling. This helps with safety and prevents premature aging of a rug. A rug pad can also help prevent floors from being scratched, and vacuuming is easier with a rug pad. The right rug pad can mean improved performance and longer enjoyment of that perfect rug you worked so hard to find!
No matter what type of floor covering your area rug will be laid over; a rug pad is essential for several reasons. So, let’s have a look at rug pads and their benefits.
what is a rug pad?
Rug pads are thin, placemat-like underlays that are made specifically for use under area rugs. They can be made from various types of materials, and range in price depending on the material and density of the pad. There are several varying types and thicknesses of rug pads, therefore providing different benefits depending on the type of rug you have, the type of flooring beneath your rug, and the level of foot traffic.
A rug pad helps to keep the area rug laying flat and in one place. There are rug pads designed specifically for laying an area rug over hard surface flooring or laying a rug over wall-to-wall carpet.
A good rug pad grips the area rug to keep it from sliding around. Even rugs that are anchored by furniture can shift, causing them to buckle and bunch up, and creating tripping hazards.
Like the cushion under a wall-to-wall carpet, a good rug pad helps to protect the area rug from wear and tear by absorbing the majority of the impact from foot traffic.
The pad is designed to compress and bounce back (even a firm pad will do this slightly) which takes the strain off of the rug fibers.
Without a pad underneath to act as a shock absorber, the area rug fibers will be crushed, and the rug will show signs of wear much sooner than it would with a proper rug pad.
A rug pad provides a protective barrier between the area rug and the floor underneath. Even wall-to-wall broadloom on which an area rug has been laid requires the use of a rug pad. Regardless of the type of floor covering underneath your area rug, it needs to be protected. Area rug backings can sometimes be rough, which can cause scratches on hardwood or another type of hard surface floor.
Other things that could pose a risk to the underlying floor include color transfer from the rug, abrasive wear on the surface of the underlying floor caused by the rug shifting with foot traffic, and even something like the possibility of a small stone or other sharp object being caught underneath the rug, which could cause damage to your flooring AND your rug.
There are other, non-essential reasons for using a rug pad beneath an area rug. These could include comfort, noise reduction, and insulation from a cold sub-floor – the benefits of rug pads are numerous! Ensure you get the most out of your area rug by using an appropriate pad underneath it.
choosing the right rug pad.
There are many different options available for rug pads, but not all of these options will suit every application.
When buying a rug pad, it is best to buy a pad that is specially designed for use under an area rug. A pad or cushion that is designed to be used under wall-to-wall carpet does not offer some of the features needed for use under area rugs and could end up damaging the floor underneath.
Some types of materials found in rug pads may not be recommended for use on certain floor types, as they may cause damage to your floor. For example, a rug pad made of PVC will likely cause discoloration in vinyl flooring and certain types of hardwood finishes.
Aside from PVC rug pads, which are inexpensive but can be damaging, there are three leading types of rug pads that are generally considered acceptable for use on a wide variety of hard surfaces and wall-to-wall-carpet: natural rubber, felt, and a blend of rubber and felt.
Natural rubber pads are ideal for preventing area rugs from sliding on hard-surface floors. They grip the rug and hold it in place while providing a cushioned, protective barrier between the rug and floor.
Felt pads are not always successful in holding area rugs in place, so they are good options for large rugs that are well anchored by furniture. They provide a denser cushion than rubber pads. Felt pads can provide firm support for the area rug, which is essential to proper rug performance.
Rug pads made from a combination of rubber and felt combine the benefits of a non-slip rubber pad with a supportive felt pad.
For laying an area rug over carpet, look for a specially designed rug-to-carpet pad. These pads are typically made of PVC and are made to prevent the rug from bunching up on the carpet underneath.
rug pads available to order.
If you have a rug, you need a rug pad! Scroll below to see different rug pads we have available for special ordering. Call us at 816-601-1010 during open hours or e-mail virginia@beaconkc.com for sizing and pricing options and to place your rug pad order.
creases, dents, color fading & other rug care concerns.
Do you have a particularly heavy piece of furniture sitting on your rug? Placing heavy furniture on area rugs may crush the fibers, creating dents in the rug.
Use furniture coasters under the legs of heavy furniture to avoid flattening your rug’s pile. You can get furniture coasters at most local hardware stores. Glass furniture coasters work well for area rugs.
Rotating your rug every few months will also help relieve areas from excessive wear/denting.
Rugs with a thicker pile are more prone to furniture dents.
Does your new rug have creases? Dealing with annoying curled corners and flipped edges on your rug? This is completely normal with the standard packing and shipping of rugs, particularly synthetic ones.
These flipped edges and creases are a simple fix - just back-roll/reverse roll your rug and allow time, about 1-2 days, for the creases to relax. Placing a few books on top of stubborn curls can also help, but be sure not to use anything too heavy.
Stubborn pet hairs in your rug? Brushing your rug is the best way to remove those stubborn pet hairs that a vacuum can miss.
For area rugs with a short pile, use a carpet brush or carpet sweeper. For area rugs with a longer pile, a carpet rake works well.
Sweeping works best for indoor/outdoor rugs. The sturdy pile of an indoor/outdoor rug doesn’t trap dirt as readily as other area rugs.
Worried about your bold, colorful rug losing its luster? The colors in a rug will fade with time, even if its material is fade-resistant. But no fear! Here are some tips to maintaining rug color fading.
If you can, place your rug away from very direct sunlight. Direct sunlight will cause faster fading than indirect sunlight.
Rotating your rug every 2-4 months will distribute the fading more evenly over the rug. This helps to reduce the appearance of fading.
Jute and wool will fade the fastest
Synthetic fiber rugs, such as polypropylene, will fade much more slowly than natural fiber rugs due to the method in which synthetic fibers are dyed (solution dye).