Special Cases: Sisal, Oriental, Fur, Braided

Many different materials and methods are used to create rugs. If you purchase a rug at an antiques show, flea market, or garage sale, find out all you can about the material composition and recommended care.

Follow the instructions below to care for some of the favorite rugs used in decorating.

 

Check for stitching breaks before and after cleaning woven or braided rugs. Check labels to determine whether small rugs are washable. If a rug is washable, a small rug can be placed in a zippered pillow case or mesh laundry bag. Machine wash in cool water on a gentle cycle, rinsing thoroughly. Tumble dry on low setting.

Place large rugs on a vinyl or concrete floor or place an old blanket beneath them. Sponge commercial carpet cleaning foam over the surface and rub it in according to the product directions. Finish by rinsing or vacuuming. Dry thoroughly before replacing the rug on the floor.

 

Vacuum new handmade, hand-knotted, antique, and Oriental rugs as you would carpet and wool area rugs. Use special care with delicate vintage or antique rugs by following these guidelines.

Special Vacuuming Tip: Lay a piece of nylon screen over the rug and weight it around the edges with books or bricks. Vacuum over the screen. The dirt will be removed while the screen protects the rug from the vacuum. Alternatively, tie nylon mesh over the vacuum attachment and change the mesh frequently as dirt accumulates.

Stains: Immediately treat wine and other beverage spills with club soda; use baking soda to soak up gravy, sauces, and liquid foods. Consult an Oriental rug dealer for a more complete list of food stain removal. If the rug sustains heavy traffic, have it professionally cleaned annually; rugs in other locations can be cleaned every few years. Rug dealers may offer cleaning services or referrals.

Rotate rugs to ensure even wear; direct exposure to sun will cause fading. Be sure to find appropriate window treatments to safeguard valuable rugs from sun exposure, or install UV blocking window films.

Rugs made from coir (coconut), sisal, rush, grass, and other natural materials tend to have an open weave, allowing dirt to sift through to the floor beneath. Vacuum frequently. Remember that water weakens the fibers. When washing stains, work quickly and dry thoroughly to extend the life of these natural rugs.

Vacuuming: - Remove the rug occasionally to vacuum the floor. - If possible, take the rug outside and gently beat it to loosen dirt trapped between the fibers. - Many of these rugs are reversible; flip rugs over each time you vacuum for even wear.

Stain Cleaning: - To clean stain or discolorations on a room-size natural fiber rug, leave the rug in place, protecting the floor beneath with a plastic drop cloth and towel. - Move small rugs to a protected counter or table to clean. - Scrub the stains with a soft brush dipped in soapy water. Rinse with clear water. - Place towel over the wet area. Blot the cleaned spot as dry as possible. - Use a portable fan or hair dryer to speed drying.

Sisal Saver Tip: Some natural fiber rugs are constructed in squares that are sewn together. Buy a few extra squares or a smaller size of the rug. If a rug square is stained, clip the threads that hold it in place, replace with a new square, and hand-stitch with heavy-duty carpet thread.

 

- Shake unscented talcum powder over a fur, sheepskin, and hair-on hide rug and leave for several hours. - Brush the talcum powder through the hair; then shake it out. - Repeat the process several times, depending on the length of the fur. - Dip a clean cotton cloth in lukewarm soapy water and wipe off the back. - Rinse with a cloth dipped in clean water. - Allow to dry before replacing.

Drapery Care Tips

Leather Care