Oriental rugs and area rugs are beautiful additions to any home, but they require regular maintenance and special attention to stay in top condition. Whether it’s a hand-knotted heirloom or a machine-made area rug, proper care can extend the life of your rug and preserve its beauty. Here in Cookeville, the professionals at ProCare of Cookeville offer these essential tips for cleaning and maintaining your rugs, helping you keep your treasured textiles looking their best.

Basic Rug Maintenance

Rugs need just as much care as wall-to-wall carpet, and sometimes, they require even more attention. Here are a few essential tips for keeping your rugs clean:

Washing Rugs

If your rug is small and labeled as “machine washable,” you can easily clean it at home. First, shake the rug outside to remove any loose dirt or debris. Then, follow the label’s washing instructions. Generally, you’ll want to use warm water (90 to 105 degrees) and a mild detergent in your washing machine. After washing, tumble dry your rug at the lowest heat setting. Be sure to avoid excessive heat to prevent shrinking or damage to the fibers.

Cleaning Larger Rugs

For larger rugs, start by shaking them outside if possible. Then, hang the rug over a clothesline or railing and beat it to loosen dust and dirt. Once inside, vacuum the rug thoroughly. If the rug’s care label says “dry clean only,” it’s best to take it to a professional rug cleaner. To save time, call ahead to make sure the cleaning service handles rugs, as many do not specialize in this.

Vacuuming Area Rugs

When vacuuming area rugs, especially those with fringe, you’ll need to use a delicate touch. Set your vacuum to gentle suction and start in the center of the rug, working your way toward the edges. Be careful not to catch the fringe in the vacuum’s beater bar. For best results, lift the edge of the rug and vacuum beneath the fringe as well.

It is best to use a simple suction vacuum when maintaining rugs. Beater bars can cause damage.

Oriental, Persian, and Turkish rugs are renowned for their intricate designs and craftsmanship, but they also require a specific type of care to maintain their beauty over time. Here’s how to ensure your investment stays in prime condition:

Cleaning Imported Rugs

Imported rugs, such as Oriental or Persian rugs, should be cleaned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. For heirloom-quality rugs, it’s often best to enlist the help of professionals like ProCare of Cookeville. We specialize in handling delicate rugs and know how to treat them without causing damage. Always handle fringe with care, as it’s often the most fragile part of the rug.

Rug Rotation

Rotating your rug is essential for even wear, especially in high-traffic areas. To maintain the condition of your rug, aim to rotate it every 6 months to 2 years, depending on foot traffic. This helps prevent certain areas from wearing out faster than others, ensuring the rug remains in great shape for years to come.

Vacuuming Oriental Rugs

Like other types of carpeting, Oriental rugs need regular vacuuming to remove dirt and restore the rug’s fibers. Be cautious around the fringe—never use the beater bar when vacuuming the edges. Instead, use the vacuum hose attachment or a canister vacuum without the beater bar to gently clean the fringe.

Rug Padding

A quality rug pad placed underneath your Oriental or area rug can make a world of difference. Not only does it prevent slippage, but it also adds a layer of protection between the rug and your floor. This reduces wear, keeps dirt from building up underneath the rug, and helps extend its lifespan.

Gold and blue oriental rug cleaned by Pro-Care of Cookeville

Spot and Spill Procedures

Accidents happen, and it’s important to act quickly when a spill occurs on your rug. Here’s how to manage spots and spills to prevent long-term damage:

  1. Blot, Don’t Rub
    As soon as a spill happens, use a clean, absorbent material like a white cloth or paper towel to blot up as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing or brushing the stain, as this can push it deeper into the fibers.

  2. Spot Cleaning
    For most stains, a solution of mild detergent, white vinegar, and water works well. Apply it to the spot, but be careful not to oversaturate the area. Afterward, rinse thoroughly with clean water and a little vinegar to remove any soap residue. Be sure not to get the rug’s backing too wet, as this can cause damage or mildew.

  3. Blot and Dry
    After cleaning, blot the area again to absorb any remaining moisture. Once most of the liquid has been absorbed, allow the rug to air dry. You can speed up the drying process by using a fan or a cool hair dryer.

  4. Tough Stains
    If a stain won’t come out using these methods, it may be time to call in the professionals. ProCare of Cookeville’s rug cleaning specialists can handle tougher stains and offer solutions tailored to your rug’s specific materials.