How to Care for Your Area Rug

, How to Care for Your Area Rug, Creative Floors

Your choice of area rug for your space is an investment in beauty, practicality and ease of maintenance. Ensure your carpet will last longer and look better by maintaining it properly through vacuuming, removing spills and getting it cleaned by a professional. Consider these fiber, silk, wool, and viscose rug cleaning tips to help you keep up the elegant appearance of your property.

, How to Care for Your Area Rug, Creative Floors

Knowing Your Rug

The following information will help you to understand your rug and to prolong its life. This product may contain various yarns or a blend of different materials. Before taking care of your new carpet, make sure you check the label for any special cleaning instructions from the manufacturer.

Consider the following characteristics of your area rug to discover how to best clean and maintain it:

  • Color: Each handwoven rug contains a unique shade and pattern. Keep in mind that your area rug might have a slightly different color from what you expect because dye lots tend to change.
  • Rug Shedding Spray: New wool rugs shed, but to make a wool rug stop shedding, you can vacuum it at least once a week. Depending on the foot traffic and use of the rug, the shedding usually subsides after several weeks of regular vacuuming. You can get a wool rug to stop shedding by vacuuming it and using the best rug shedding spray according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Creases: When your carpet first arrives at the house, it may feature temporary creases after being rolled up or folded during shipment. To get rid of these marks, you can reverse roll it and allow the material to relax overnight.
  • Sprouts: Handmade rugs tend to develop loose fibers during their initial break-in process in your space. Instead of pulling the threads out, you can cut them with scissors to make them the same height as the rest of the pile to fix a rug that sheds.
  • Fading: Even if your area rug is fade resistant, the colors tend to lose their brilliance when in direct sunlight. You may want to avoid putting your area rug in a room that gets a lot of natural light or rotate it often to distribute the discoloration.
  • Humidity: Exposing your area rug to excessive moisture can harm the fibers and break down the underside. Avoid placing plants and other moist objects directly on top of area rugs, and blot wet spots dry immediately.
  • Wear: Generally, you probably want to rotate your rug every few months to distribute wear and balance the faded color. To avoid marks from furniture and other heavy objects, you can also use furniture pads over your area rug.

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Fiber, Silk, Wool, and Viscose Carpet Cleaning Instructions

Each area rug material requires special care to keep it looking its best. Consider which type of rug you have and remember the following cleaning tips.

How To Clean A Viscose Rug

Viscose rugs contain wood cellulose fibers that can easily absorb water, so you must be careful when cleaning it. These tips show you how to clean a viscose area rug and keep it in good shape:

  • Clean up spills as soon as you notice them: Moisture can shrink or yellow the fibers. Try not to drink or prepare food near your new viscose rug to prevent damage. It would be best if you didn’t place your viscose rug in areas prone to humidity or spills, like the kitchen or the dining room.
  • Vacuum with an upright cleaner: Since viscose rugs shed, it helps to vacuum it at least once a week to prevent the rug from shedding, especially if it’s in an area with heavy foot traffic. Viscose rug cleaning with an upright viscose and wool carpet vacuum cleaner or a canister type with a powerhead can most effectively eliminate soil and dirt particles before they stain the fibers. Avoid using a rug beater bar on your viscose rug to prevent excessive fuzzing.
  • Clean the underside: When vacuuming your viscose area rug, you might want to clean the back because it accumulates dirt, crumbs and dust.

How to Clean a Wool Rug

Wool rugs are extremely durable and resistant to spills, but since they’re natural, the fibers in a wool area rug need special care so you don’t pull out or harden them. These tips can help you keep your wool rug in excellent condition:

  • Vacuum twice a month: You can stop your wool rug from shedding by vacuuming new wool carpets at least twice a month. After you create and adhere to a vacuuming schedule, the shedding will decrease after a few months. Remember that you can only vacuum a wool rug with a vacuum cleaner for wool carpet that won’t get stuck on the fibers.
  • Clean the underside: About once every two months, you can vacuum under the rug to get rid of dust and dirt passed through the fibers.
  • Get rid of liquid stains: Blot out the spill with a gentle dry cloth. If the liquid made a mark on the carpet, you could use a spot cleaner to remove the color. Mix a little dishwashing detergent in a cup filled with cold water. Gently get rid of the rest of the stain with a sponge and soap, and use a dry towel to blot the area.
  • Have it professionally cleaned: You should probably get your wool rug professionally cleaned about once each year, depending on how much traffic it gets and how often you use it.

How to Clean a Silk Rug

Silk rugs feature soft, smooth fibers that can be comfortable for your feet as you walk on them. Follow these tips for cleaning your silk rug:

  • Vacuum your silk rugs regularly: Before washing your silk rug with a liquid, you might want to vacuum the dust and debris out of your rug fibers at least once a week. Instead of using a beater bar or roller brushes, use a vacuum cleaner with a brushless suction head to maintain the fibers’ integrity. You can also sweep it gently and shake the rug outside to remove the debris. The fresh air from being outside can remove unpleasant odors.
  • Remove stains as soon as possible: It’s best to treat a stain as quickly as possible to keep it from setting into the fibers. You can use a spoon to scoop up the stain but avoid using sharp objects that could damage the rug’s fibers.
  • Get rid of liquid spills as soon as you notice them: Blot out the liquid as best as you can with a clean, dry cloth. Use another clean cloth with club soda and blot the stain again. After absorbing the club soda with a dry cloth, let the area air dry.

How to Clean Natural Fiber Rug

Plant material rugs made from sisal, jute, aloe or hemp tend to have a coarse texture. Natural fiber rugs inherently have loose fibers and knots. Consider these tips for taking care of your natural fiber rug:

  • Cut loose threads: You may want to trim the loose threads you find on your rug’s surface with scissors instead of pulling them.
  • Vacuum above and beneath the area rug: When you’re vacuuming, pick up the carpet and clean the debris underneath it. When you vacuum or beat it, you may want to flip it over to help it withstand more wear.
  • Spot clean liquids immediately: You should gently blot out spills with a cloth that doesn’t have any dyes. Blot in the weave direction toward the center and test a small area of the cleaner you use on an inconspicuous part of the rug. You may want to have your carpet professionally cleaned to get rid of stubborn stains. Avoid dry cleaning with harsh chemicals that may fade or damage the fibers.

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Spot and Spill Removal

Removing spots and spills is one of the most important aspects of carpet maintenance. Make sure you deal with spills as soon as they happen to prevent permanent damage from ruining the aesthetic appeal of your area rug.

Consider these tips for successfully removing stains on your area rug:

  • Follow the weave’s direction: If you work against the strands, they may become loose. Before cleaning the spill off your carpet, brush your hand across some of the rug’s clean fibers to see which way it goes. When you blot the cloth, make sure you go in the direction you felt with your hand.
  • Blot the spill: If you don’t have a clean, absorbent cloth, you could also use a paper towel. Make sure the fabric you use doesn’t have dyes that could transfer onto your rug. Instead of rubbing, you can also lay the cloth over the spill and put pressure on the area with a heavy object. Remove solid spills with a scoop or spoon to prevent spreading onto the rest of the rug.
  • Use diluted white vinegar or mild detergent to clean any stains: It helps to use gentle cleaners free of dyes to ensure your area rug maintains its color. If you’re using a new cleaning product on the carpet, you might want to test it in an inconspicuous area to see if it ruins the fibers. If it discolors or shrinks them, you likely want to try a different cleaner.
  • Instead of applying the cleaner on the carpet, put it on an absorbent towel: You could also use a sponge to dab the spill instead of an absorbent towel. However, you don’t want to use a towel or cleaner that bleeds onto the carpet.
  • Rinse the cleaner with clean, moderately warm water: Using another clean cloth, apply tepid water to the carpet to remove the detergent. Only use enough water to remove the stain and not to saturate the fibers. Make sure you work according to the direction of the weave.
  • Get rid of excess moisture with pressure and paper towels: To make sure the water doesn’t soak into the fibers, apply pressure with paper towels or an absorbent cloth. Remove the cloth or paper towel after it has absorbed the moisture so it doesn’t soak your rug again. To dry your carpet as soon as possible, you can use a hairdryer on the cool setting.
  • Restore the texture of your rug’s pile: After the fibers have dried, you can fluff the fibers back into place with your fingers or a napping brush.

Wool And Viscose Carpet Cleaning Instructions – Different Methods Explained

When you’re cleaning your wool or viscose area rug, keep in mind that excess moisture and pressure can damage the carpet fibers. If you notice a stain on the carpet or it looks soiled, you might want to get your rug cleaned with the following methods:

  • Aerosol foam shampoo: Aerosol foam shampoos work effectively in light cleaning and small areas. To reduce leaving an easily re-soiled residue, make sure you spray the foam sparingly directly onto the carpet. Work it into the pile with a moistened brush or sponge. You can vacuum the carpet after it’s dry, which usually takes less time with aerosol than with liquid shampoos.
  • Dry extraction: You can try several cleaning agents that contain solvents, moisture and detergent. After vacuuming, you can sprinkle the powder liberally on the carpet and then vacuum it out. Since the rug is never wet with this method, you don’t have to wait for it to dry, and the room is ready to use as soon as possible. If you neglect to vacuum absorbent powder, it’ll keep absorbing soil and can come out the next time you vacuum.
  • Spray extraction cleaning: When you use a spray extraction cleaning method, you inject warm water and detergent solution under pressure to suspend soil in the water. Then, a high-suction wet-vacuum system almost immediately extracts it. You might want to use this method to clean your carpet because it can get rid of soil deep within the fibers. You may be able to rent the necessary equipment, but it’s best to hire a trained professional to prevent over-wetting or soiling the carpet.
  • Brushing and sweeping: Even after you vacuum your area rug, it may leave behind hair. You can use a stiff brush to get rid of the hair, but make sure you work in the direction of the weave. You could also remove hair from short pile area rugs with a carpet sweeper or brush. A carpet rake is useful for longer pile carpets. If you have an outdoor area rug, you can sweep it because it doesn’t trap dirt like other rugs.
  • Beating: If you have a low-maintenance, lightweight rug, you can bring it outside and shake it vigorously. It’s best to hang it over a railing and use a broom or rug beater bar to hit it. Consider the condition and construction of your rug as you beat it so you don’t damage it.

The Best Rugs to Get for Easy Maintenance

At Creative Floors, we provide luxury area rugs that also happen to be easier to maintain. If you’re looking for a durable yet aesthetically pleasing addition to your space, consider our high-quality rugs from the following collections.

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Transitional Rugs

Our creative artisans handcraft our transitional rugs by hooking 100% wool. Along with the decorative floral motifs featured on the surface, the elegantly braided tassels complete their unmatched aesthetic. You can choose from one of these area rugs based on your color and pattern preferences:

  • Axel: The Axel area rug has several colors within its pattern, but the dominant color is denim.
  • Harper: The Harper area rug features the same pattern as the Axel rug, but with more colors. If you have an eccentric taste or a room that needs a pop of color, consider decorating with this low-maintenance, aesthetically pleasing rug.
  • <b”>Luca: The pink Luca area rug would complement a room with neutral colors, providing an elegant focal point.</b”>
  • Parker: The multi-colored pattern of the Parker area rug stands as a stark contrast against the ivory background to create an eye-catching design.

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Scandinavian Textile

This collection of artisan rugs mimics Scandinavian textile to provide your living space with a long-lasting neutral palette and a soft shaggy pile. Our skilled artisans hand-loom each product with 100% wool, and the high-quality fibers will endure for a long time, even in the room with the most traffic in the building.

  • Amari: The unique grey motif of the Amari rug features diamonds and other geometric patterns that highlight its soft texture.
  • Beckett: Consider the sand-colored Beckett area rug for your space if it complements your wall, floor and furniture colors.
  • Nava: The ivory and grey Nava area rug features an eye-catching diamond design that creates a focal point for your space.
  • Ophelia: The unrivaled pattern of the ivory Ophelia area rug will complement your room’s elegance.

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Langley

The charcoal Langley area rug is a high-quality, long-lasting product with viscose, cotton and polyester that can accommodate even your busiest room. Our experienced artisans create it by hand with textural highs and lows. Geometric patterns establish an eye-catching design that can serve as the focal point for your residential or commercial space. The dark charcoal and brown hues can complement a light room with wood furniture, setting up a warm, inviting atmosphere for guests or clients to enjoy.

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Modern Rugs

Our skilled artisans in India create the rugs in our modern collection with 100% authentic cowhide, a very durable product that can serve well in your frequently used rooms.

  • Marni: The Marni area rug features a cocoa color palette that blends a stark contrast of light and dark cowhide pieces in graphic designs.
  • Miller: The ivory and grey Miller area rug features straight angles that form diamonds through its motif.
  • Prabal: The ivory Prabal area rug has a similar pattern to the Marni design but lighter colors.
  • Ripley: The lines of cowhide on the Ripley area rug are smaller than those on the Prabal and Marni design. With pewter as its primary color, this modern rug can balance the bright colors of your space.

, How to Care for Your Area Rug, Creative Floors

Creative Floors Knows Artisan and High-Quality Rugs

 

At Creative Floors, we provide a wide selection of options to help you find your one-of-a-kind wool or viscose rug in Denver, Colorado. Before you consider its design, try to imagine how you’d like it to look against your current space. Consider the following factors:

  • Size: The area rug should be the right size for your room, creating a subtle balance to your furniture. You might want to make it a little larger than your seating area to establish the space.
  • Material: Consider how much time you want to spend taking care of your area rug each day. A product with softer materials may also be more comfortable for your feet.
  • Color: Your area rug’s color and design should complement the room’s walls, floor and furniture.

Our team of professionals can suggest which products would be best for your space to help you narrow down your choices, keeping your style and budget preferences in mind. Consider visiting our showroom in Edwards to discover the endless possibilities of colors, styles and materials in our collection.

After you decide which rug you’d like, we can bring your vision to life. If you’re local, we can visit and evaluate your room and professionally install your product when it’s ready. The result will be a newly designed space that you can enjoy for many years.

, How to Care for Your Area Rug, Creative Floors

Get Started With Creative Floors Today

At Creative Floors, you have help choosing low-maintenance, high-quality wool and viscose rugs for sale in Vail, Colorado. We’re a one-stop shop for your area rug, and we can even keep it on hold until you’re ready to have it set up on your property.

Please browse through our collection of area rugs to find one that complements your space. You can also visit our showroom in Edwards, Colorado, if you’re in the local area. Once you’ve chosen your favorite design and color, contact our team online or call 970-855-0250 to get started.