Articles and News

Caring for Area Rugs

Your first concern should be to make sure you purchase rugs that are suitable for the job they are expected to do so that you are not licked from the start in trying to preserve their beauty and function.

Don't:

• Don't buy jute carpets for the bathrooms and watch in horror as the moisture destroys them.
• Don't place genuine antique Persian rugs in high traffic areas and expect them to stand up to daily wear and tear.
• Don't put shag in the baby's room and have to clean up the slobber and baby-barf from the long fibers every week.
• Check to see if the braided rugs you love can have their lives extended by reversing them - not all are finished on both sides.
• Don't expect pastel colors not to show the dirt - keep them out of the playroom and the back door entrance or you will go mad trying to keep them clean.

Do:

• Do read all the literature and recommendations provided by retailers, which usually mentions important points like whether or not the rug repels water, or is stain resistant.
• Use rug pads to keep rugs from sliding and wrinkling, to protect the floors underneath and to help protect the fibers of the rugs so that they don't wear out as quickly. Pads also absorb noise and reduce the likelihood of tripping over the rugs.
• Buy from reputable dealers who have a return policy and stand behind their products (i.e., purchases should include all the necessary warrantees as well as satisfaction guarantees).