Wall-to-wall carpeting is a strong investment, and typically people want to make it last as long as possible. One of the ways some individuals do this is by placing area rugs over the carpeting, especially in heavy traffic areas. Logically, they reason that the area rugs take the brunt of the traffic, thereby saving the carpet. But many tend to forget about those area rugs or consider them to be dispensable, perhaps waiting until they are withered and frayed, and then discarding them.
However, area rugs are more than foot fodder. They can accentuate your home with colors and patters that compliment your décor, bringing vibrancy to your living area. With a little care and keeping, you can get to know your rugs better than your carpet. What can you do to get the most out of your area rugs?
Turn Your Rugs
As creatures of habit, we all have traffic patterns in our home. When arriving home, perhaps we go from the front door though the living room to the kitchen, then across a different part of the living room to the bathroom. This results in specific wear patterns. Unlike carpet, however, area rugs have a nice little advantage: maneuverability. They can be re-positioned or pivoted so that the wear patters balance out and the rug lasts longer. Depending on how much traffic your rug sees, turning them once or twice a year might be all that is needed.
Take Your Rug “Dancing”
Using the same advantage, take your rug outside where you can shake it heartily. This often results in your shaking too, like a little dance. However, there might be quite a bit of dust and particles coming off your rug, so try dancing with it away from your back door or patio. Before you begin, take note of any wind direction. Also, try to shake it at arm’s length to avoid catching the released debris onto yourself, tracking it back in the house. After all, this isn’t a slow dance, so don’t hold it close.
Some individuals might hang their rugs up and beat them with a broom or other tool. Although this could prove beneficial, beware of causing unnecessary damage to your rugs using this method. Keep in mind that shaking out your rug will not get out all the dirt and grime. Some will be broken loose but still holding on. Fortunately, the next step will help in removing those stubborn particles.
Vacuum… Carefully
Since you have already removed your rug from its normal place to shake it out, find an open area outside and vacuum it there to get anything staying behind. Be cautious, though – it’s easy to damage smaller rugs, tassels or fringes by getting them caught in the vacuum. Don’t be afraid to use your vacuum attachments and accessories. Many come with an upholstery add-on to help clean smaller, more delicate rugs. When you’re ready to put your rug back in place, it might be a good time to consider changing its position to balance out wear.
Give Your Rugs a “Spa Day”
When you call Preferred Carpet Care in Redding to clean your carpets, we can clean your rugs too. Just like your carpet, area rugs should get regular professional cleaning twice a year. Sometimes we can address stains or accidents a little easier than with fixed carpeting. If your rugs require delicate treatment, or perhaps even repair, we might have options to address those concerns as well.
Your area rugs can be as much a part of your family as your carpets, and perhaps even more so as you get to know them. If you’d like to know more about how to get to know your area rugs and any special care they might need, please give Preferred Carpet Care a call. We’d be happy to help you give the love they need.