Rugs are an important addition to any space and can be the final addition a room needs to be exactly right for your home. Rugs are an invaluable investment into your interior decor, and quality carpet care can keep your rugs looking immaculate for years to come. This comprehensive guide will highlight how to care for the several types of rugs available on the market.
An appreciable way to incorporate texture, colour and patterns into the space, it is important that time is spent choosing the correct rug for your home. Wearability, material, size, shape and ease of care are all important considerations in the rug buying process. As there is a wide variety of rugs available on the market, this guide can be utilised to narrow your search - allowing you to analyse which rug type is best suited for your home and lifestyle.
Placement: Finding the Perfect Rug for Your Space:
Before picking a rug, it is important to consider where the rug will reside within your home. Areas of high traffic will require rugs with higher durability, otherwise you run the risk of having to replace your rug due to damage from wear. Softer, less durable rug types will be better suited to areas of low traffic, such as under a table.
The shape and pattern of the rug also come into play. Our modern rugs highlight the best design trends of the recent years and is a great starting place if you are unsure what rug will work best in your space. Geometric patterns and bold patterns are in-vogue now, and vastly improve the aesthetic of your space.
Remember these rules of thumb when it comes to rug placement:
Larger and rectangular shaped rugs make spaces like entry rooms appear bigger. These rugs accentuate a space and make it appear larger. If this is your goal, our Visions rugs are the perfect place to start. However, this style isn’t the best choice for highlighting furnishings, as it can dwarf them.
Smaller circular or shaped rugs are a perfect choice for highlighting furnishings. When placed at the end of the bed or under a sofa, the shape draws attention to how the furniture interacts with the space. Our Bondi rug is perfect for this, adding a captivating element to the room.
Runner rugs are shaped to suit narrow spaces such as hallways. Choose a product whose fibres, construction and recommended use suit the expected foot traffic. This shape is perfect for revitalising the space, whilst simultaneously protecting your floors from dirt and wear.
Living Room:
Less is certainly not more when it comes to your living room. Smaller rugs will cause the room to appear crowded and cluttered, a disservice to the communal nature of your living space.
Larger rugs will shine within this space, especially when traditionally centred within the room. This creates the illusion of space, making the room appear bigger and more inviting to guests. Our Visions - Winter Grey Modern rug is a smart choice for living rooms, as the neutral colours will go with most room colour schemes without distracting from the furniture within the space.
Dining Room:
Bespoke dining rooms are all about proportion, so the size of rug that you need for this space differs depending on the furniture you have. A handy hint is to make sure the rug is large enough so that all your dining chairs remain on it even when pulled out.
Larger wins over smaller rugs for this space, as again, the illusion of openness is what you want to achieve. This creates an inviting atmosphere, which is pivotal for communal spaces.
Large round rugs are an excellent choice for those who are wanting something different for their dining room. The trendy Matrix rug’s geometric pattern is perfect for those wanting an eye-catching centrepiece for the room, or for those who have smaller spaces.
Study:
Home offices are where smaller rugs shine. Highlighting a desk or book nook with a small, modern rug is a fantastic way to create a comfortable atmosphere within the room. A rug can also be used to add texture and colour to a smaller space, without compromising on room for storage and furniture.
Rugs protect the floor against weighed-down furniture and traffic from office chairs. Thus, rugs are a practical addition to this space.
How to Keep Your Rug Clean: Materials Guide:
Rug care depends on the fibre, dyes, backing and construction. Always follow the care label and the manufacturer’s instructions for your specific rug. A fibre name or machine-made construction alone does not mean a rug can be washed, hosed down or steam-cleaned. If the instructions are missing or unclear, contact us or a professional rug cleaner before using water or cleaning products.
Natural Materials:
Environmentally friendly and able to add texture to a space - natural materials such as hemp should not be used in damp places due to the risks of mould.
Natural-fibre rugs vary in durability and care needs. Check the specific rug’s recommended use before placing it in a busy walkway, and keep moisture-sensitive fibres away from damp or spill-prone areas.
Vacuum gently using a suction-only head, as directed by the care label. Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry, white cloth. Jute and other absorbent natural fibres can be damaged or marked by moisture. Do not apply vinegar, detergent or water unless the manufacturer permits that treatment for your rug. Seek a professional rug cleaner’s advice for persistent stains.
Wool:
Wool is popular for its texture and natural stain resistance, although spills can still leave marks. It is commonly found in tufted, flat-woven and shag rugs. Cleaning needs vary with the construction, backing and any blended fibres, so check the care label.
Blot spills promptly with a clean, dry, white cloth or paper towel. Do not rub or scrub the pile. Vacuum gently with a suction-only head, following the care label. Use a spot-cleaning product only if it is suitable for the specific rug and permitted by its manufacturer, testing an inconspicuous area first. For stubborn marks or a deeper clean, consult a professional rug cleaner.
One thing to be mindful of is new wool rugs may shed for the first few months of ownership. This can be annoying, but regular vacuuming will help reduce the mess. Shedding usually reduces with time and gentle care, but may not stop completely.
Polyester:
Polyester is often affordable, soft and low-shedding. Suitability for high-traffic areas and ease of cleaning depend on the complete rug, so check its recommended use and care instructions.
Remove loose dirt with gentle, suction-only vacuuming, following the care label. Avoid beating or vigorously brushing the rug, as its construction and backing may need gentler handling.
Polyester pile alone does not make a rug washable. Blot spills promptly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for spot cleaning. Do not hose down, soak, scrub or roll a wet rug unless its specific care instructions permit that method. For a deeper clean, use the method stated on the label or ask a professional rug cleaner. Any permitted wet cleaning must be followed by thorough drying as directed before the rug is used or stored.
Cotton:
Cotton rugs vary in construction and care needs. Only machine-wash a rug if its manufacturer explicitly labels it machine-washable. Follow the stated cycle, temperature, detergent, machine-capacity and drying requirements; size alone does not establish washability. Do not use a steam cleaner unless the manufacturer permits it for that rug. If washing is not approved, follow the label’s cleaning method or seek professional advice.
Polypropylene:
Polypropylene is an affordable synthetic fibre that is generally durable and stain resistant. It still needs prompt spill treatment and appropriate care; suitability for busy households depends on the complete rug, including its backing and construction.
The colours in polypropylene rugs remain consistent due to the phase in which the fibres are dyed. They are dyed at the creation of the fibre rather than being added as an afterthought, vastly reducing bleed or inconsistencies.
Vacuum gently and blot spills promptly. Follow the specific rug’s care label for spot cleaning and deeper cleaning. Some outdoor polypropylene rugs permit rinsing with water, but this does not apply to every polypropylene rug. Only hose or wash a rug when its manufacturer approves that method, and follow the cleaning and drying directions. Allow it to dry completely before returning it to the floor or storing it.
Construction:
Construction is a key consideration in purchasing a rug due to the differences in care needs. Machine-made rugs can offer consistent designs and a range of price points. Durability and cleaning needs depend on the particular fibres, backing and construction.
Handmade rugs come in three distinct styles - woven, braided and loomed. Some hand made rugs do not have a pile, allowing them to be reversible. Handmade rugs can require specialist care depending on their fibres, dyes and construction. Professional cleaning is recommended due to the potentially delicate nature of these rugs. If in doubt, blot spills with a dry, white cloth and consult a professional before applying water or cleaning products.
Stress Free Guide to Cleaning Your Rug
Here are some of our winning tips for keeping your rug clean.
Vacuuming:
- Follow the care label and use a suction-only vacuum head without a rotating brush or beater bar. Use low suction for delicate, looped or textured rugs. A suitable handheld attachment can help clean gently.
- Avoid vacuuming over fringes and binding. Use a suitable suction-only attachment carefully near the edges, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Handwoven rugs need extra care because strong suction can pull on the weave. Use gentle, low suction as permitted by the care label. Do not beat the rug; seek specialist advice if you are unsure how to remove embedded dirt.
Stains:
- Clean stains immediately. Quick action is vital in preserving the quality of your rug. Once a stain has set, it becomes immensely difficult to remove.
- Blotting is your friend. Always blot spills, never rub. Use a dry cotton cloth or paper towel and work from the outer edges of the spill towards the middle. This minimises spreading.
- For residual stains, check the care label before adding water or a cleaning product. Where the manufacturer permits damp spot cleaning, test an inconspicuous area first, blot gently and promptly absorb excess moisture. Do not wet-clean viscose or Tencel rugs; consult a professional rug cleaner. If a stain persists or the instructions are unclear, stop and seek specialist advice.
Rugs are an important staple of interior decoration, adding texture, colour and pattern to a space. They should be well cared for to maintain the longevity of your rugs. Through this guide, we have highlighted the various materials and techniques for caring for them. Thus, your rug care can be stress-free.
