Area rugs can be made from a variety or blend of materials. Make sure to carefully read the label on your new rug and always follow the care and cleaning instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Vacuuming
Most rugs require regular vacuuming to prevent the build up of dirt and dust, as well as to deter shedding, particularly in wool rugs.
Ideally, you should vacuum your rug once a week (twice a week at most) making sure to vacuum in the direction of the pile. Avoid over-vacuuming as this can damage some natural-fibre rugs. Synthetic rugs can be vacuumed on any setting, however natural fibre rugs should be treated delicately. Avoid using a rotating head/beater bar or any Dyson brand vacuum on any rug. Some beater bar vacuums have a carpet head. If so, you may use it on the lowest power setting but avoid loop pile rugs, fringing or the edging of your rug as it may still pull.
For delicate materials such as viscose, silk and bamboo silk it is recommended to use a carpet sweeper in lieu of a vacuum.
Do not vacuum fringe. Opt instead for a brush or broom to remove dust and dirt.
Spot Stains
If a spillage occurs on your rug, clean the area immediately, carefully blotting the excess liquid with a white dry cloth.
Use a gentle detergent such as Woolite or a non-biological washing powder to remove the stain. Do not use bleaching agents or carpet cleaners. Do not use a detergent or water on jute, viscose, silk or sisal rugs as this can stain the pile permanently. Blot instead of wipe to prevent further damage to the dye and pile.
Flatweaves
Flatweaves are generally low-maintenance. They can be wiped and shaken clean. Make sure to double-check the material however, certain materials such as jute should not be in contact with water because discolouration can occur.
Oriental & Persian Rugs
If cared for correctly, Oriental and Persian rugs can last a lifetime. Incredibly durable, they can generally be treated the same as wool rugs, however, take care when spillages occur. The rich colours found in Persian and Oriental rugs are often achieved using natural dyes, which can run when exposed to a certain amount of liquid. If a spillage or stain occurs where all or parts of the rug become heavily saturated we recommend drying the rug as much as possible with a clean dry cloth or towel before having your rug professionally cleaned to prevent further damage.
Lore Machine Washable Rugs
For routine cleaning, vacuum your rug on the lowest setting. Always avoid using a beater bar or any Dyson brand vacuum as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear on the rug fibres.
The material is manufactured to repel liquid. Blot any spills immediately with a clean dry cloth or kitchen paper and the stain should be removed with ease. It's important to note that some liquids with strong tannins may still stain the pile if untreated for an extended period of time.
Lore Machine Washable rugs can also be cleaned in a domestic machine on the largest load setting at 30 degrees. Ensure your rug is the only item in the drum and arranged evenly; do not use detergent. To dry the rug, hang it over a clothesline of place on a flat surface, flipping it every few hours to ensure a quick and even dry. Do not tumble dry.
Shaggy Rugs
Shaggy rugs offer comfort and plushness underfoot and are a great option for adding texture to a space. Because the long fibres can trap dirt more easily than short fibre rugs we'd recommend regular cleaning to keep your shaggy rug looking fresh.
First, we'd advise taking the rug outside and shaking out any excess debris. Larger shaggy rugs can be hung over a washing line or railing and beaten with broom handle a few times to remove any excess dirt.
This is typically quite effective at removing everyday dust and wear however for a deeper clean you can also vacuum your shaggy rug using an upholstery attachment or with your vacuum set to the lowest pile setting. If your vacuum has a rotating beater bar it's important to disengage the beater bar before vacuuming your rug. If you can't change these settings, we would advise against vacuuming your shaggy rug to prevent the fibres from being pulled up.
You can also spot clean your shaggy rug by using a dry white microfibre cloth or a soft-bristled brush. Simply dip the brush or towel into a solution of non-biological detergent and warm water and gentle dab at the stain. Rinse away any soapy residue with a clean microfibre towel and blot to dry.
Rug Care by Material
Wool: In order to prevent the fibres getting damaged, vacuum your wool rug 2 to 4 times a month at most. You will witness a certain degree of shedding which is completely normal, particularly within the first few months of purchase.
Polypropylene & Polyester: No need to be delicate with polypropylene or polyester rugs because they are synthetic. Both materials have good stain resistance, however it is difficult to remove long-term stains, so take care when spillages occur and treat immediately.
Cotton: Some cotton rugs can be washed in a regular washing machine using a delicate setting and mild detergent. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions before proceeding. Cotton is durable and can also be blotted clean.
Jute & Sisal: Avoid all contact with water if possible. Jute and Sisal are not water-resistant, resulting in discolouration and warping. Carefully blot stains with a dry cloth if they occur and avoid placement in areas with high-moisture such as bathrooms and outdoor patios.
Viscose, Silk & Bamboo Silk: Avoid all contact with water if possible. These materials are quite delicate and are prone to staining easily. Avoid placing in areas of high moisture as this can cause discolouration or bleeding of natural vegetable dyes. It's important to note that they can only be professionally dry cleaned. If a spill occurs, gently blot the rug immediately with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel. Do not rub the stain as this may damage the pile. Seek professional cleaning advice immediately. We recommend you avoid placing silk or viscose rugs in high-traffic areas of the home. Do not vacuum, opt for a carpet sweeper to remove dirt and dust.
Normal Things to Expect
Sprouting: Sprouts are small, loose threads that stick up above the pile. They are completely normal and can occur in all rug types, particularly those with a loop pile. The best way to remove them is to take a scissors and trim the tuft with the blade parallel to the pile so that the surface is even. It's important to avoid pulling on the sprouts as this can remove additional strands of material from the rug.
Creases: Your rug may have slight creases as a result of the shipping process. These should disappear after a week. You can speed up the process by rolling your rug in reverse and leaving it overnight.
Shedding: For natural fibres such as wool and jute, you may witness a certain degree of shedding within the first few months of purchase. This is not indicative of the quality of the rug. In this instance, do not over-vacuum the pile as this will cause even more shedding.
Loose Fibres: Viscose strands tend to occasionally come away. This is completely normal and does not mean that the rug is unravelling. Cut stray fibres instead of pulling them.
Size Variation: Please allow size deviations of up to 5%, particularly with handmade pieces.
Colour: Dye can take differently from rug to rug, because of this, please allow for slight colour discrepancies.
Odour: Events during the shipping process can sometimes lead to slight odours sticking to the rug. Odours will generally disappear after rug has been removed from its package and aired.
Fading: No rug is 100% fade resistant. Regardless of material and dye, all rugs will fade over time when exposed to direct sunlight. Rotating your rug every so often will ensure even fading.
Professional Cleaning
While regular home maintenance is important, all rugs should be professionally cleaned at least once a year. Visit www.rugwash.ie for all cleaning, stain removal and restoration purposes.
We'd also recommend that you rotate your rug frequently to prevent uneven wear and place a rug underlay underneath to prevent surface friction.
If you are unsure of the best way to care for your new rug, please feel free to contact us at shop@rugs.ie. Our expert team is always happy to answer any query.
