A little regular care keeps your rug looking good for years. Here's how to look after it day to day, deal with spills, and give it a proper clean when it needs one. Always check the care label on your rug first, as some materials need special treatment.
Vacuuming
Vacuum your rug once or twice a week, and more often in busy areas like hallways and living rooms. Regular vacuuming lifts dirt before it settles into the fibres. Use a suction-only setting or turn off the beater bar, especially for wool, shaggy or looped rugs, as a rotating brush can pull and fluff the fibres. Vacuum the back of the rug every now and then too.
It's normal for new wool rugs to shed for the first few months. This settles down with regular vacuuming.
Rotating your rug
Turn your rug around every three to six months. This spreads foot traffic and furniture weight more evenly, so one end doesn't wear or flatten faster than the other.
Sun exposure
Strong, direct sunlight can fade colours over time. Where you can, use curtains or blinds during the brightest part of the day, and rotate the rug regularly so any fading stays even.
Spot cleaning
Act quickly. The sooner you treat a spill, the easier it is to remove.
- Blot, don't rub. Use a clean, white, dry cloth to soak up as much as possible. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages the fibres.
- Treat gently. Dab the area with a little cool water and a mild, wool-safe detergent. Work from the outside of the stain in towards the centre.
- Rinse and dry. Blot with clean water to remove any soap, then press with a dry cloth. Let the area air dry completely before walking on it.
Test any cleaning product on a small, hidden corner first. Avoid bleach, harsh chemicals and hot water.
Deep cleaning
Wool and natural fibre rugs
We recommend a professional rug cleaner every 12 to 18 months, or sooner for high-traffic areas. Natural fibres like wool, jute and cotton shouldn't be soaked or machine washed, as they can shrink, change shape or lose colour.
Synthetic and indoor/outdoor rugs
Most polypropylene and polyester rugs can be cleaned outside. Shake or sweep off loose dirt, hose the rug down, wash with a mild soap solution and a soft brush, then rinse well. Lay the rug flat or drape it over a rail to dry fully on both sides before bringing it back inside.
Pets
For pet accidents, blot straight away and use an enzyme-based pet cleaner to break down odour. Vacuum more often to keep hair under control, and a rubber brush or lint roller works well on short-pile rugs. Keep claws trimmed to help prevent snags. If a loop does get pulled, snip it level with the pile using sharp scissors. Never pull it.
Preventing mould and mildew
Make sure your rug is completely dry after any cleaning, and don't lay it on a damp floor. In humid rooms, keep the space well ventilated. If you're storing a rug, roll it (don't fold it), wrap it in breathable fabric rather than plastic, and keep it somewhere cool and dry.
Rug underlay
A good underlay stops your rug slipping, adds comfort underfoot, and helps reduce wear by cushioning the fibres. It also protects your floors.
Have a question about caring for your rug? Email us at hello@inkandbrayer.co.nz and we'll be happy to help.