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How to Care and Maintain Your Area Rug

Area rug cleaning might seem like a daunting task, but with a few simple tips and some careful treatment, it's a cinch. The first step is identifying the material of your area rug. Different fibers react differently to cleaning treatments, and a misstep here could prove disastrous. Regular vacuuming is one of the best ways to maintain and care for area rugs. It's the best prevention against dry soil, like dirt, food, dust, and sand.

A cut-pile area rug, no matter its fiber, will stand up to regular vacuuming with a typical vacuum cleaner. If your rug has more of a loopy, loose finish, consider vacuuming with suction only, using your vacuum attachments instead of the upright suction feature, which could damage fibers. Another tip to remember: don't vacuum in the same direction all the time. Mix up the direction every once in a while to prevent matting.

If the stain on your rug is one that can't be cured by vacuuming alone, there are other options. Oxy cleaners have become a popular option for cleaning just about everything, and they'll work for area rugs, too. Use them as a spot-cleaner and test a small area of the rug for colorfastness before spraying on the stain. Spray cleaners are the best type of cleaner to use on rugs, as fibers respond well. Powder cleaners can get caught in the nap and leave unsightly stains or residue. Avoid using water on rugs if possible, and do not overly agitate natural fiber rugs. Acting quickly is also key: blot immediately and follow with your preferred method of cleansing.

In the most dramatic of stain situations, there are always professionals. Steam cleaning is an oft-used tactic by cleaners, and for the brave, steam-cleaning machines are available for rent if you want to try it at home. Things to never use to clean your rug include, but may not be limited to: dishwashing detergent or liquid, bleach, laundry detergent, or any other strong household cleaners.