How to Prevent Rug Damage

A rug adds warmth and beauty to any home-so protect that beautiful rug of yours from damage. The difference between a rug and a carpet is that a carpet is attached to the floor, as in wall-to-wall carpeting; while a rug is usually used as an accent piece. Rugs can be handmade, contemporary or antique. Protect your investment and stop the damage before it starts.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Stop sun damage and keep your rug out of direct sunlight. Sunlight damages the rug by causing it to fade or become lighter where the sun hits it. This is especially true of antique rugs or those with natural substances used for colors.

2. Rotate your rug frequently if it is in the direct sun; rotate at least once a month. The rug will fade, but it will be uniform in color. If your rug is not in direct sunlight, rotate it at least four times a year. A good way to remember to rotate your rug is the change of seasons.

3. Vary the pathways on your rug. When furniture is placed on the rug, it creates a natural pathway that is used frequently. Move the furniture on the rug so walkways are changed. This will stop the damage of a wear pattern in just one place.

4. Flip the rug end over end to straighten any twisted fringe. Do not comb the fringe as the natural fibers can become damaged. Flipping the rug end over end is done by grabbing one end of the carpet and walking it to the other end. The rug will then be upside down and the fringe will straighten out. Shake the rug gently to help straighten fringe.

5. Vacuum the rug regularly to keep it clean. Vacuuming will also keep the natural fibers from becoming packed down. If you have an old, antique or expensive rug you may want to turn off the beater bar of your vacuum. The beater bar can grab loose fibers, which can cause a run or tear. If you have a threadbare spot on the rug, a beater bar can also make the damage worse.

6. Clean all spills immediately. Do not use soap or bleach on your valuable rug to clean it. First, absorb the spill with paper towels by gently daubing it from the end of the spill towards the center; this will keep the spill from spreading. Place paper towels under the spill to stop further damage to the backing. Use only water to clean spills on a valuable or antique rug; call a professional who has experience if the stain cannot be removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use a pad under a rug with a silk backing; the pad will cause damage to the silk backing.

[passionofpersia]

on 10/16/2007 Also a good pad, prefer Duarahold padding. Also cleaning and having someone clean the internal foundation will prevent damages. rememeber an improper cleaning will cause damage, and a correct cleaning will prevent damages.
Passion of persia
602 374 6973
www.passionofpersia.com

I have my degree from the University of theran in the rug field, and spent 3 years at the Musuem of fine Carpets in Iran. I was in charge of cleaning and repairing the country's finest rugs, and kilims.