Area rugs add color and character to your home. They help to create and define spaces in your living areas. However, along with rugs comes stains and debris. One of the most common questions I get is “how do I care for my area rugs?” With the increased popularity of hardwood floors and use of area rugs, many homeowners are faced with this dilemma. With proper care, rugs can last decades if not generations. Here are my recommendations:

DIY maintenance. If you notice a pulled loop in your Berber rug, use sewing scissors to cut the loop as low down as possible. For other fabrics, use a large sewing needle to pull the loop back through the back of the rug.

Know your material. Keep sisal rugs away from water. Large loop Berber rugs do not work well with children or pets – but nylon rugs do! Wool rugs are among the most the most water repellant and stain-resistant available.

Simple care is the best. Take your smaller rugs outside and beat them. Vacuuming larger rugs is fine, but do not use a beater brush (that spinning, rolling beater brush that is under a vacuum cleaner) that can harm fibers and pull loops.

Turn rugs occasionally. Sunlight and general wear and tear can wreak havoc on your rugs – turn them once or twice a year to even out the wear.

Use product if needed. My favorite product, and one that I highly recommend, is Capture Carpet Spot Eliminator. This tough oil spot remover works on everything – pet stains, make-up, grease, wine, and much more. Capture Carpet will work on both water and oil-based stains and is very easy to use; you don’t even have to scrub. Most importantly, this product is safe to use around children and pets.

As always, please feel free to contact us at Tracy Morris Design if you have any questions.