How To Maintain Your Seattle Area Rugs

Cleaning and maintaining your area rugs is important if you want to get a long life out of them. Before you can effectively clean your rugs, you must understand that dirt, dust, and allergens do accumulate in them, especially in high traffic areas (such as in front of doors).
It is important to vacuum your area rugs at least once a week, and in extra high traffic zones (such as in front of an entrance door where no mudroom exists) it is probably best to do this twice a week. If you have not vacuumed in several weeks or months, be prepared for a lot of dirt and dust.
When vacuuming, use a plain vacuum nozzle so that the rotating brushes on the vacuum do not catch and deteriorate or destroy your rug. Also be sure to vacuum against the nap. If you go in the direction of the nap, all the dust and dirt gets moved into tiny crevices which then act like a shelter against the vacuum’s effects, trapping the dirt in the rug. By going against the nap, the vacuum is then able to reach all of the hidden areas to ensure a deep clean. Be sure to move the rug and vacuum the floor under it as well, as dirt can accumulate there.
Area rugs also tend to get used more in certain areas than others, leaving them looking uneven. Sun-splotching can also occur. To avoid this, be sure to move the rug around, turning it’s direction either 90 or 180 degrees ever couple months, while also ensuring it continues to add a special quality to your room. This will help keep the rug looking vibrant and youthful as well, since it will give the rug a little time to bounce back.
Also be sure the rug is not too large for the area. Rugs that are too large can over-take a room, losing their special appeal, and causing furniture to be placed on them. If this happens, your rug will develop grooves, permanent markings, and will lose its natural look. Rugs should be accents that flow naturally with the room, and must be maintained to uphold that quality. Instead of using your couch or chair to hold your area rug in place, consider rug pads, or some other solution that helps hold your rug in place without damaging your floor or your rug.
If your rug requires a deeper clean, it may be time to give in and call a professional cleaning service. They usually have solutions and know the proper temperature of water to use for shampooing rugs and carpets. If a spill requires immediate care, it is important to respond promptly, and to use a clean cloth or paper towel to blot up as much of the spill as possible. If water is necessary, be sure to only use water on the spill area, and to use only a minimal amount of cool water. Try to avoid water whenever possible, though, due to the possibility of the rug’s foundation deteriorating over time.
If there are any questions or concerns about rug cleaning and maintenance, it is always a good idea to call your local carpet and rug cleaners for tips and advice. If they are unwilling to do so, contacting the carpet or rug store where you purchased the rug might get you the information you need. Please take into consideration the type of rug you have and it’s special needs before performing any type of shampooing.