Rug care guide
Keep your rug in tip top condition with these simple steps in our rugs care guide. Pulled together to make care and maintenance of your fabulous rug as easy as possible. Filled with expert hints and tips, you have all the guidance you need in one place.
Top tips for your new rug
New rugs may fluff or shed. Vacuuming your rug regularly will ensure that this doesn’t happen for long.
The only rugs that are safe to bleach clean are those crafted from 100% Polypropylene.
Deal with stains as soon as possible for the best chance of full removal.
How to clean a rug
You should ideally hoover your new rug regularly to keep it in good condition. For rugs with a loop pile you should use a vacuum without a beater bar or brush to avoid causing the rug to look felted. Cut pile rugs on the other hand are best vacuumed with an upright cleaner with a beater bar and brush.
Dealing with spillages
It is important to deal with spillages as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some stains if left will become permanent. To ensure that this doesn’t happen take action immediately:
- Blot the spillage with clean white towel or tissue. Do not rub the stain, this will permanently change the appearance of the pile.
- To avoid spreading the stain, blot the stain from the outside inwards.
- Brush the pile up to enable the carpet to retain its appearance after it dries.
- If you are using a proprietary cleaning agent apply the product to a cloth and not directly onto the rug. After using the cleaning product and the stain has lifted rinse the area with water, take particular care not to over wet the rug.
Cleaning polypropylene rugs with bleach mix
100% polypropylene rugs are the only rugs that are safe to clean with a bleach mix. Always check the fibres of your rug with your Carpetright store if you feel unsure. For particularly stubborn stains such as ink, red wine or ground in mud take the following steps to remove the stain:
- Always wear rubber gloves and a mask when working with bleach to protect your respiratory system from the caustic fumes. Open a window if possible.
- Create a solution consisting of 50% thin domestic bleach and 50% tap water into a spray bottle.
- Cover the stain evenly with the solution and leave for 30 to 60 minutes.
- Rinse the affected area with water thoroughly, whilst taking care not to over wet the area.
- Should there be any stubborn dirt, use a brush if needed.
Cleaning a pet stained rug
If you have a pet, there’s a strong chance that you’ll have to deal with stains at one point or another. Thankfully there are some solutions available to help you bring your rug back to its best.
- Look out for an enzyme based solution suitable for the fibre type of your rug.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Once the solution has lifted the stain, rinse with water.
- Always be careful to not over wet the area.
How to rid your rug of pet hairs
Warm, furry and loving, our pets can bring a lot of joy to our lives – and a lot of hair to our living room rugs! If you have a breed of pet that malts or sheds, you’ll know how difficult it can be to get hair out of rugs and carpets. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to combat those fallen follicles:
- Begin the process by vacuuming your rug. Some vacuums have specific attachments designed to remove pet hairs.
- If the above does not remove the hairs, spray a mop or sponge with water and run this along the surface of the rug to pick up hairs, ensuring you do not over wet the rug.
- Once the rug has dried, vacuum it again – you should now have a rug that is free from pet hair!
How to maintain your rug
Rugs are easy to care for and maintain, and if treated well, you can expect many years of life from a quality rug.
- If possible, lay your rug in an area that does not endure sustained direct sunlight as this could cause the rug to discolour.
- Place your rug in an area of low footfall to avoid excess wear.
- Deal with spillages quickly to avoid permanent damage.
- Always take your shoes off when entering the house, and make sure you ask guests to do the same. Bare feet or socks is generally easier on rugs than with shoes. Removing shoes not only protects the rug, it also prevents the rug from unnecessary outdoor dirt.
What are the best tips to care for your rug?
DO
Vacuum regularly
Use furniture cups if placing under furniture
Keep pets’ nails trimmed
DON'T
Over wet the rug when removing stains or pet hair
Rub the stain
Place in an area of sustained direct sunlight
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No matter how well you care for your rug, it’s likely that one day you’ll need to replace it. If you think the time has come, take a look at our range of rugs to find a great fit for your home. If you need a bit of help making the right choice, read our rugs buying guide.