How To Care For Luxury Area Rugs

Area rugs are an excellent way to add style, comfort, and warmth to any room, and luxury area rugs take this experience to a whole new level. These high-end area rugs are often made from premium materials like silk or wool and feature intricate woven fiber patterns, making them highly valuable and deserving of proper care to maintain their beauty and longevity.

Whether you have an antique Persian rug or a modern designer piece, the following tips can ensure your expensive area rugs remain in pristine condition.

Regular Vacuuming

Vacuuming at least once per week is the foundation of rug maintenance. Dust, dirt, and debris can accumulate on the rug’s surface, leading to fiber damage and discoloration if uncontrolled.

Use a vacuum cleaner on medium suction with adjustable height settings, and avoid using a brush roller that can pull and damage delicate fibers. For luxury rugs with fringes, use a brush attachment or set the vacuum cleaner to a higher height setting to avoid tangling or snagging the fringes.

Spot Cleaning

Accidents happen, and when they do, swift action is crucial to prevent stains from setting. Immediately blot spills with a paper towel or a clean, white cloth, avoiding rubbing as it can spread the stain further.

Use a mild cleaning solution that is safe for your specific rug’s material, and always test it on a small inconspicuous area before applying it to the stained spot. Remember to blot the area with a damp cloth after cleaning to remove any residue.

Rotate Regularly

Over time, foot traffic and exposure to sunlight can cause uneven wear and fading in area rugs. Rotate your luxury rug at least once every six months or more frequently if it receives heavy traffic or is next to a large window. This simple practice will extend the life of your rug and maintain its visual appeal.

Protect from Sunlight

Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and delicate fibers to weaken over time. Place your luxury area rug away from windows or use window treatments like blinds or curtains to reduce the amount of sunlight that reaches the rug.

In addition to rotating the rug regularly, you can apply a UV protectant to combat fading and discoloration for prolonged beauty and durability. Look for ingredients like UV absorbers, acrylic polymers, and non-toxic formulas. Ensure you always perform a patch test before full application to ensure the protectant is compatible with your rug’s fibers.

Invest in Rug Padding

Rug padding adds an extra layer of cushioning and comfort underfoot and helps protect the rug from wear, tear, scuffs, and dents caused by furniture weight and foot traffic.

When choosing a rug pad, opt for natural materials like felt or rubber for hardwood floors and synthetic pads for carpets. The pad’s thickness should be around ¼” to ½,” providing sufficient cushioning without raising the rug too high. The padding should be slightly smaller than the rug to prevent it from peeking out and becoming a tripping hazard.

Look for pads with a non-slip surface to prevent slipping and sliding, keeping your rug in place and protecting your flooring.

Grooming and Brushing

For rugs with longer fibers or shaggy textures, occasional grooming and brushing are recommended to maintain their appearance and prevent tangling. Use a soft-bristle brush or a rug rake to gently brush the fibers toward the nap. Be gentle during this process to avoid pulling or damaging the fibers.

Professional Cleaning

While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning are essential, luxury area rugs benefit from professional cleaning at least once a year. Professional luxury carpet cleaning companies have the expertise and equipment to deep clean and effectively remove embedded dirt, allergens, and stains. They can also address specific issues like pet odors, water damage, and discoloration without causing harm to the rug’s delicate fibers.

Never DIY steam clean your rugs. High heat and moisture can damage delicate fibers, causing them to shrink, warp, or lose luster. Additionally, DIY cleaning solutions might be unsuitable for some materials, leading to irreversible damage to your expensive rug.

Cleaning Different Types of High-End Rugs

Each type of luxury area rug requires a specific cleaning approach based on its style and material. The following are some guidelines for cleaning various types of high-end rugs.

Oriental Rugs

These rugs are traditionally handcrafted using natural fibers like wool, silk, or cotton and are renowned for their intricate designs, vibrant colors, and high-quality craftsmanship. However, Oriental rugs are prone to color bleeding and shrinkage if improperly cleaned.

Vacuum regularly, but avoid using the vacuum’s brush feature, as it can damage the fibers. Spot clean stains immediately and use a low-moisture cleaning method to wash the rug on a warm day to facilitate quick drying.

Wool Rugs

Wool rugs, crafted from natural sheep’s wool, offer softness and warmth. However, they require special care due to their vulnerability to shrinkage and color fading.

To maintain their beauty, opt for gentle cleaning methods like dry cleaning and low moisture extraction, avoiding chemicals that could harm the delicate fibers, such as bleach or abrasive cleaners.

Polypropylene Rugs

Polypropylene rugs feature vibrant colors and offer long-lasting durability, making them suitable for high-traffic areas and outdoor use. To clean a polypropylene rug, brush, and vacuum to remove dirt and debris.

Use mild dish soap to spot clean stains, rinse the rug thoroughly, and allow it to dry completely before use. Avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach, or ammonia-based cleaners, as they can be too strong for synthetic materials.

Jute Rugs

A jute rug is a natural fiber rug made from jute plant fibers, offering a rustic charm to interiors. To clean, vacuum regularly with a brushless attachment, spot clean stains with mild detergent and water, and blot gently.

Always dry the rug thoroughly and avoid high-moisture cleaning methods, as jute rugs are prone to mold and mildew growth which can harm your health.

Moroccan Rugs

A Moroccan rug is a type of handwoven rug made by the indigenous people of Morocco. They are known for their beautiful designs and soft, plush texture. To clean a Moroccan rug, shake it to remove loose dirt and debris then gently scrub the stained area with mild detergent and a soft brush before rinsing thoroughly with water.
Allow the rug to air dry completely before placing it back in its designated area.

Shag Rugs

Shag rugs have a deep, thick pile, making them difficult to clean because they easily trap dirt and debris. They are also vulnerable to matting, shedding, and staining.

To clean, shake and beat outdoors to remove loose dirt, gently vacuum with a beater bar—spot clean stains with mild detergent and blot dry. Avoid excessive moisture and groom fibers with a wide-toothed comb or rug rake to restore the rug’s fluffiness.

Common Area Rug Cleaning Mistakes

Cleaning expensive rugs is essential for maintaining their beauty and prolonging their lifespan. However, many rug owners unknowingly make mistakes during the cleaning process that can damage and diminish the rug’s overall appearance. Avoiding these common mistakes can help preserve the rug’s value and ensure it remains a cherished part of your home décor.

• Vigorously scrubbing stains: When faced with a stubborn stain, your instinct may be to scrub it vigorously to remove it quickly. However, aggressive scrubbing can cause the stain to penetrate the rug fibers deeper, making removing it more challenging. Instead, blot the stain gently with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much of the stain as possible without damaging the rug’s fibers.
• Delaying stain treatment: Allowing stains to sit on the rug for an extended period can lead to permanent damage. Act promptly when spills occur by immediately blotting and treating the stain with a suitable cleaner. The longer the stain sits, the harder it becomes to remove, and it may eventually become a permanent blemish on the rug.
• Using incorrect cleaning products: The wrong cleaning products can harm the rug’s fibers and colors. Strong chemicals such as bleach or ammonia-based cleaners can cause discoloration or weaken the rug’s fibers, leading to fraying or work patches. Always use a cleaning product specifically designed for area rugs and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Skipping a patch test: When using a new cleaning solution or product, perform a patch test in an inconspicuous area of the rug first. This helps ensure that the product does not cause any adverse reactions or damage to the rug’s colors and fibers. If the test area shows no negative effects, proceed with cleaning the entire rug.
• Overusing deodorizing powders: Deodorizing powders can help eliminate odors from the rug. However, using excessive amounts or leaving the powder on the rug for too long can lead to a build-up that is challenging to remove. Follow the instructions on the deodorizing product and vacuum thoroughly to remove any excess powder.
• Using excessive water: Overwetting the rug during cleaning can cause mold and mildew growth, weakening the rug’s backing and fibers. Avoid saturating the rug with water, and use a damp cloth or sponge for spot cleaning. If deep cleaning is required, consider professional cleaning services that use specialized equipment to extract excess moisture.

Hire a Professional for the Best Results

While regular maintenance, spot cleaning, and proper grooming at home can extend the beauty and longevity of your luxury area rugs, caring for luxury area rugs requires attention to detail and using the right cleaning techniques. For the best results and to preserve your investment in these exquisite pieces, hire professional luxury area rug cleaners.