Wooden Furniture

Most people who have throw rugs simply toss them wherever needed, but natural fiber rugs need special attention to prolong their life and help you get full value from your investment. By following a few guidelines for your area rug care, everyone in your family can appreciate them.

Water seldom causes damage itself, but it sure can cause serious issues with everything else. It weakens natural fibers until they literally come apart. Few people realize it is not a good idea to put potted plants on any type of carpet. Even watertight containers form condensation that can deteriorate the fibers.

Standard floor covering typically gets routine vacuuming and cleaning, but it is sometimes difficult to imagine doing such things to fine floor covering such as natural fibers. However, they need attention once a week to keep dirt, dust and pollen out of them. You can test them by an old-fashioned method of lifting a corner and beat the carpet with your other hand. If dust flies, it needs cleaning according to instructions.

Shampooing is not a recommendation for these rugs since they are not like typical commercial carpeting. Mild cleaning products used for fine linen or silk will do much better than attempting a powerful rug-shampooing machine. Avoid bleach, unless it is necessary to return a snow-white look to the carpet, and remember that direct sun can fade natural fibers.

The thought of bugs in the house is unpleasant, but for these carpets it means destruction if moths lay their eggs in the fibers. When the eggs hatch, the larvae eat the carpet. Keep the carpet inspected for signs of dark patches, or cobweb effects, and look for long white worms as evidence of a serious infestation.

To prevent moths and carpet beetles from starting an infestation, knock the dirt, dust and pollen out of the carpet once a week. Use the vacuum if necessary. Products such as mothball flakes will deter grown moths, but do not kill the larvae. However, it does leave the odor from those chemicals that may assist in deterring pets from chewing the rugs or using them as scratching posts.

People of all ages walk on the carpets, and children play with their toys while sitting on these rugs. Regular damage from daily use and wear and tear is unavoidable, but some care can prevent uneven wearing. Avoid placing the carpets where warped floorboards create a high spot. The scuffing action of shoes will cause that spot to wear out faster. Make a note to turn the rug several times a year.

Natural fiber rugs have a tendency to wrinkle during shipping, but using a steam iron set to Wool easily removes these wrinkles, if you gently direct the steam on the folded areas. If the rug is out of square, you will be better off calling a professional to remedy this condition since it involves stapling the carpet down and using sizing mixed with water to reshape it. Otherwise, follow the guidelines for your area rug care.