Rugs are a decorating essential that can tie a room together aesthetically while providing warmth underfoot. However, certain mistakes in care and maintenance are easily made that shorten a rug’s lifespan.
Learning from common oversights allows homeowners to enjoy rug investments and decorating with rugs the interior design.
This article highlights rug pitfalls to circumvent through proper handling, cleaning techniques, and preventative strategies. Paying attention to these details ensures rugs remain vibrant and functional long-term.
Inadequate Protection
Failure to safeguard a new rug’s appearance is a mistake. Use rug pads to prevent wear on high-traffic areas from furniture or foot traffic. Pads keep rug fibers from rubbing directly on floors and prolong the rug’s usable life.
Indoor-outdoor rugs should only be used outside with adequate protection from the elements. Consider rolling outdoor rugs when not in use and store inside during wet or icy months. Sun damage from continuous outdoor exposure also necessitates extra care.
Harsh Cleaning
Overzealous or improper cleaning methods pose risks to delicate rug fibers. Avoid excess water, harsh chemicals, or rubbing during maintenance which can promote staining, matting, or thread disintegration.
Even basic vacuuming requires caution if not utilizing proper settings. Let professional rug cleaners assess each material’s needs rather than taking risks at home. Certain fine rugs may only need light vacuuming or occasional shampooing versus commercial machine cleaning.
Accidental Damage
Unintentional accidents happen but some risk is unavoidable through placing rugs in high-traffic zones prone to spills. Position rugs away from places like sinks, stoves, or doorways where moisture, food, or other potential hazards routinely exist.
Consider anchored or non-slip rug padding for slippery surfaces. Train pets not to treat rugs as scratching posts lest unavoidable damage results despite care. Regular vacuuming also helps avoid embedded dirt contributing to premature wear.
Burns, Cuts & Spills
Rags are vulnerable to damage from sharp objects, heat sources, or chemical spills. This means avoiding placing rugs near fireplaces exposed to radiant heat or sparks. Protect edges from abrasion and cuts through furniture placement.
Act promptly when spills occur; quicker response prevents stains from setting. Blot dry or call professional cleaners depending on spill type and rug material. Some fibers especially delicate silk are prone to harm from improper care or condition exposures.
Fading & Sun Exposure
Prolonged sunlight bleaches rug colors over time. Rotate rug placement periodically to ensure even fading. Consider neutral or darker tones less subject to light damage for high sun areas.
Outdoor rugs require special care with extreme weatherproofing, regular cleaning to remove mold/mildew plus coatings for UV protection.
Storing outside rugs inside when not in use also prevents solar aging. Similarly, choose low-dye loose lay rugs suited for high traffic rather than wall-to-wall installs more susceptible to wear issues.
Neglecting Maintenance
Regular care maintains a rug’s lifespan and value. Establish a cleaning schedule based on rug materials, use, and soil levels between deep cleanings.
Professional carpet cleaning equipment gets under fibers for deeper dirt removal in heavy-use rugs versus light vacuuming alone. Deodorizing prevents odors from setting in overtime too.
Address issues or potential damage promptly rather than ignoring warning signs in high-traffic rugs seeing more wear. Regular rug doctoring ensures years of enjoyment.
To Wrap Up
With awareness of common mistakes, homeowners can avoid costly or irreversible rug damage.
Smart choices in placement, protection, prompt care, and tailored maintenance solutions according to rug type keep fibers looking vibrant through re-beautification and extend usable life.
Consulting professional rug cleaners ensures proper handling techniques and schedules for optimal results. Mindful rug stewardship unlocks years of beauty and functionality from decorating essentials.
