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.
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.
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.
General Tips
- Rotate your rug frequently to prevent uneven wear and place a rug underlay underneath to prevent surface friction.
Normal Things to Expect
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.
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.
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.
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.
Flatweaves
Flatweaves are generally low-maintenance. They can be wiped and shaked 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 achieved using vegetable dyes, which can often run when exposed to water or detergents. If a spillage or stain occurs, we recommend you have your rug professionally cleaned so as to prevent further damage.
Vacuuming
All pile rugs require regular vacuuming to prevent the build up of dirt and dust, as well as to deter shedding in wool, jute and sisal rugs.
Ideally, you should vacuum your rug twice a week at most, making sure to vacuum in the direction of the pile. Avoid over-vacuuming, which 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 on material that sheds easily, such as wool, jute and sisal.
For delicate materials such as viscose, silk and bamboo silk, a carpet sweeper is recommended 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 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 Persian, Oriental, jute, viscose, silk or sisal rugs.
Blot instead of wipe to prevent further damage to the dye and pile.
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: Many 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.
Jute & Sisal: Avoid all contact with water if possible. Jute and Sisal are not water-resistant, resulting in ugly discolouration and warping. Carefully blot stains with a dry cloth if they occur and avoid placement in areas with high-moisture such as bathrooms.
Viscose, Silk & Bamboo Silk: 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.
