How to care for area rugs

How to care for area rugs and 6 tips that can help the appearance and longevity of your rug so it lasts

Everybody loves a beautiful floor, but for me, it’s the rug that can make a difference in the space. If you are anything like me, we want to keep our rugs looking as clean and fresh as we can. Sometimes an active household with kids and dogs may make that difficult, but I have some tips that can help maintain the appearance and longevity of your rugs.

dining room with stacked stone fireplace

Loloi Rug in antique moss

Find forgiving patterns

You will not find a solid light-colored rug in my house anywhere…..I know what my household is capable of. Instead, I opt for forgiving patterns on my rugs that work better for any spill or stains that can happen. Even though most carpets are stain-resistant these days, no carpet is stain-proof. For the stains that can’t come out, forgiving patterns help them to conceal and hide, while still enjoying your rug’s appearance. The rug in my kitchen eating area is perfect for under the table. The color and pattern allow me to relax when something is spilled off the table.

Living Room

Regularly vacuum your carpet

Regular vacuuming is the most critical step you can take in keeping your rugs clean. Cleaning frequently helps to reduce any dust and dirt trapped in your carpet as well as having cleaner surfaces to walk on and sit on. If your pets regularly make themselves at home on your rugs like mine do vacuum a couple of times a week to remove any of the dander and dirt that will reside on your carpet. This will help your rugs last longer.

nuLoom Blue vintage rug

Use Outdoor rugs…indoors

I have used outdoor rugs in several places throughout my home, particularly in my kitchen and enclosed porch. Outdoor rugs are perfect because they are super durable, stain resistant, and easy to clean. Thankfully, many of our spills in these areas are easy to clean with a damp cloth but some indoor /outdoor rugs you can take outside, and hose down and clean with mild soap.

gray and white rug

Rotate your rugs

Once or a year I will rotate my rugs within each space. I also like switching up rugs and rotating them to different rooms in the house. I do this a lot. Talk about a quick and easy way to change up your space. Rotating a rug not only helps with wear a tear from foot traffic but also can help balance out any fading that may have occurred with bright light coming through your windows. Depending on your rug type, consider flipping it over if your rug does show signs of fading or wear and tear. It will look like a brand new rug.

Use washable rugs

Although I don’t have any ruggables (true washable rugs) I have not had a problem washing some of the rugs, mainly runners or small 2×3 rugs that I have. Once I washed the runner in the mudroom and it came out just fine, I went ahead and got the same runner for the kitchen. Check the label on your rug to see if your rugs are washable and throw them in when they need to get cleaned.

tips on how to care for area rugs including blue runner in the kitchen

Loloi Layla in Taupe/Stone

Remove shoes

We are a no-shoe house…when it makes sense for my guests. Living on a farm most people will ask “should I remove my shoes” when they come into my home. No shoes on a rug eliminate any build-up of dirt and whatever else is on the bottom of shoes from getting into the fibers of the carpet.

Loloi Teagan Oriental Denim/Mist

Rugs are a great way to decorate and tie a room together but not if they are looking dirty, faded, and not fresh. Use these tips to help maintain the appearance and longevity of your rugs. Got any other rug tips to share?