How to Care for Your Rug- Our Step by Step Guide to Rug Maintenance

Prevention is always the best step when looking after anything at home, whether it be hard flooring, carpet or a rug. This means preventing the scuffs, the stains or the marks before they happen. Rug prevention tips are just like carpet tips.

• Try not to wear shoes on your rugs, this minimises outdoor dirt and grit from wearing down rug fibres.
• Vacuuming regularly to lift up any dust and dirt is recommended (see our vacuuming tips below).
• A rug underlay stops movement and the friction between the rug and the floor itself. There are options for both rug on carpet and rug on hard flooring situations. TotalGrip underlays are useful tools to keep the rug in place.
• Furniture pads protect the rug (and carpet or hard flooring) from being damaged. It’s recommended that furniture not be dragged across flooring.
• The rotation of rugs ensures even wearing as well as fading.
• While outdoor rugs are suited to being in the elements, they can fade or wear over time. If you’re heading away or not using the space, it can be a good idea to roll up the rug and store it to preserve its lifespan.

Simple Rug Maintenance Schedule

• Weekly: Vacuum high-traffic areas.
• Monthly: Check for spills, stains and fibre damage.
• Every 3-6 months: Rotate the rug.
• Annually: Assess whether professional cleaning is required.

To maintain the appearance and longevity of your rugs, regular dry vacuuming is highly recommended. Vacuuming at least once per week will help remove dirt, dust, and debris before they become embedded in the fibres. 

For best results, use a standard upright vacuum cleaner with suction only. Vacuum cleaners fitted with turbo heads or rotating brush attachments can be overly aggressive and may cause the carpet fibres to become frizzy or appear worn over time. If you are using a vacuum with a beater bar or an adjustable cleaning head, always select the lightest or gentlest setting available to minimise unnecessary stress on the rug pile.

Dirt, dust, and grit can have a significant impact on the appearance and lifespan of a rug. Fine abrasive particles are often tracked in from outdoors and can become trapped deep within the rug fibres. As people walk across the surface, these particles act like sandpaper, gradually wearing down the fibres and causing premature deterioration. 

Over time, accumulated dirt can dull the rug’s colour, flatten the pile, and reduce its overall softness and appearance. Regular vacuuming and prompt removal of dirt and debris are essential to prevent excessive wear, maintain the rug’s texture, and help preserve its original beauty for years to come.

Not wearing shoes inside is an obvious way to lessen outdoor dirt coming in. Here are some tips to encourage a “shoes off” approach.

• Having somewhere to take off shoes and pop them back on again at entrances is a very good way to tackle the issue. This could be a chair, bench, stool or ottoman.
• Storage at entrances is also important. A basket, shoe rack or even an ottoman with storage within it.
• Door mats at every entrance, including a garage entry, will lessen dirt coming inside, even if shoes are worn throughout the home.

Accidents do happen, and how quickly you attend to spills on rugs will determine how well it will recover. How to clean a rug at home, some key points to remember:

Prompt action is the key to successful spot and stain removal. 

• Do not scrub. Immediately scoop up or blot as much of the spill as possible using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Continue blotting from the outer edge towards the centre to prevent the stain from spreading.
• Act quickly and follow product recommendations. Stains that remain untreated for extended periods are more likely to set and become difficult to remove.
• Avoid incorrect cleaning methods. Unsuccessful or haphazard stain removal attempts can result in permanent staining, pile distortion, matting, or colour loss.
• Follow the recommended treatment sequence. If the first treatment does not remove the stain, allow the carpet to dry completely before proceeding to the next cleaning method.
• Seek professional assistance when required. 

To help maintain your rug’s appearance and extend its lifespan, it is recommended to rotate it, as mentioned above. By rotating the rug every few months, it will it help distribute foot traffic and everyday wear more evenly across the surface, preventing certain areas from becoming worn faster than others. 

It also assists in minimising uneven fading caused by exposure to natural sunlight and artificial lighting, ensuring a more consistent colour and appearance over time. Making rug rotation part of your routine maintenance can significantly enhance the longevity, comfort, and overall aesthetic of your rug.

You might notice your rug is shedding when you first bring it home, particularly if it’s a natural fibre rug. This is normal and will settle within a few months. If you feel like this is not something you want, it’s best to lean towards a synthetic fibre rug. 

Perhaps a thread or tuft looks like it’s coming undone on your rug? Again, this is a normal occurrence, particularly in a hand-woven style. Carefully tuck the fibre back in with something that won’t damage the rug.

Pets are an important part of many Australian households, and our flooring often experiences the impact of their daily activities. To help protect your rug and keep it looking its best, it is recommended that pets’ nails are kept trimmed to minimise pulling, snagging, and excessive wear on rug fibres.

After outdoor playtime or walks, it is also a good idea to check that paws are free from dirt, mud, stones, and moisture before entering the home, as these can contribute to staining and premature wear. Regular vacuuming and prompt attention to any pet accidents will further assist in maintaining the appearance and hygiene of your rug.

For pet owners seeking both style and practicality, Flooring Xtra offers a range of pet-friendly rugs designed to suit busy family homes. These rugs are selected with durability, comfort, and ease of maintenance in mind, featuring hard-wearing fibres and designs that help disguise everyday marks and pet hair.

A rug is an investment in both comfort and style, and a little regular care can go a long way in protecting it. By vacuuming routinely, addressing spills quickly, rotating your rug, and taking simple preventative measures, you can help maintain its appearance and extend its lifespan. With the right maintenance, your rug can continue to bring warmth, texture, and character to your home for years to come. For more rug care advice or to explore the latest rug collections, visit your local Flooring Xtra store.

How to stop rugs from moving on wooden floor?

Rugs are beautiful additions to any room but if not secured they can become a slip or trip hazard. There are a few ways to deal with this. You can either anchor the rug to the floor with furniture to restrict movement or use a non-slip pad between the floor and the rug.

Where is there a rug store near me?

The Flooring Xtra rug store means you can choose a rug online and have it sent directly to you! With so many options to select from and free delivery, it’s a great way to shop.

What should I consider when choosing a rug for my bedroom?

There are a few things to consider here. Do you want the rug to feel plush underfoot or would you prefer a flatter pile? Do you want the rug to become a feature (with pattern and colour) or more understated? Bedrooms are not incredibly high-traffic spaces so you can afford to choose something like wool or a light colour which you may not, say, in an entryway. Ensure the rug is large enough too, you can see a few different size and placement ideas in our Rug Guide.

What type of rug fibre is the most durable for a busy home?

Rugs fibres are similar to that of carpets and if you’re on the lookout for a durable option, a synthetic fibre like polypropylene is a great idea. Something also to consider is an outdoor or washable rug for those really messy areas of the home!