An area rug, as you may know, can be quite an investment, not only in terms of money but also for the time taken to look through dozens of products before selecting the one that fits your home perfectly. Vacuum cleaning regularly and using basic discretion like not walking on it with dirty footwear are effective ways to keep your rug clean, but there are a few more tips that will not only help maintain the rug but also increase its life.

– Managing Spills: Any spills on your rug must be tended to immediately. For spills involving colored beverages like soft drinks, use an absorbing agent like salt. This should be followed by vacuuming off the salt and cleaning the stain with a wet towel. In case of a water spill, dry the area with a hairdryer on both sides of the rug; use a ‘warm’ setting only.

– Rotation: Every year you should rotate your area rug by 180 degrees: do this every few months if the traffic is more. Rotation ensures that all areas of the rug are uniformly exposed to the light as well as the traffic which helps in even aging of the rug. Otherwise you will be left with a rug that has one section excessively worn off or faded as compared to the other sections.

– Loose Threads: Loose threads or pulls on the rug must never be ignored. Use scissors to cut off the threads close to the surface. Remember never to pull out these threads, as rugs are woven and any such action can cause severe damage to its very structure.

– Padding: Putting a rug pad underneath your rug is useful in more ways than one. Not only do such pads keep the rug from slipping, they also form a cushion between your rug and the floor which prevents the pile from getting crushed and minimizes wear, while also maintaining the appearance.

– Storage: Storing your area rug properly will prevent damage and ensure it can still be used after long periods of storage. First, clean off any debris with a vacuum cleaner or soft broom, and then put some mothballs in the middle to repel insects and roll it tightly like a cylinder. The rug must be stored in a dry place, away from light.

– Professional Assistance: Every few years you must get your area rug washed by professionals, who have an array of cleaning agents and equipment in addition to cleaning techniques suited to your particular rug. Such professionals tend to the foundations of the rug, too, which will need a thorough cleaning after long periods of use.

There are some people who regard rugs as pieces of art and avoid walking on them; however, while a rug may be exquisite to look at, it is, after all, meant to be walked on. In fact using it will ensure that the rug looks smoother and shinier, and actually become more valuable. Thus you must enjoy your rug for what it is intended for and maintain it appropriately for years of satisfaction.

For more information, please visit our area rugs website.

For more information, please visit our area rugs website http://www.rugstomydoor.com/scripts/default.asp

Author Bio: For more information, please visit our area rugs website.

Category: Home Management
Keywords: carpet ,vacuum clean ,breathing problems,bronchitis,ornate area rugs ,Cleaning Area Rugs,Area Rugs