Cleaning Tips for Tufted Rugs

• 10 July 2021
• 6 Min Read
• By Jaipur Rugs

Getting a hand-tufted rug for your home is easy but maintaining it as well as it was bought is an art. If you really want your rug to be passed on from one generation to another then you will have to know how to care for your rug.

Getting a hand-tufted rug for your home is easy, but maintaining it as nicely as it was bought is an art. If you really want your rug to be passed on from one generation to another, maintaining it's legacy, then you will have to know how to care for your rug.
Follow these carpet cleaning methods and see the change they bring to your handmade rug.

Vacuuming isn't optional:

Vacuuming forms an essential part of the cleaning routine for your tufted rug. With people coming over from outside, it is extremely common to have sand and dust particles collected on your area carpet. There is no need to worry if you pay slight attention to it as a part of your routine. In order to maintain the fibers in a nice condition, it is always recommended to use a vacuum cleaner without a beater brush. This will not only remove the dirt but won't harm the carpet at the same time.

Spills and stains need attention:

If you have kids at home, then it won't be surprising to see if there are spills or stains on the carpet. However, if you wish your rug to look presentable even after years of purchase, then you need to pay immediate attention to the stains and spills on the rug. In case of spills, the quick reaction should be to blot the spot. You can use a light soap solution to spray on the spot and clean it with a light-colored clean towel. Do not use excessive water or hard soaps else it will affect the natural colors of the rug. Further, it is advised not to rub the stain with a towel, or it will harm the rug.

For all pet lovers out there

Keeping your pet away from the rug is extremely difficult, but one can try. Your pet might have a habit of sitting or roam around a particular rug corner. This might leave some odors or even lead to some stains. In such cases, you can use rug shampoo to clean the spot thoroughly but with gentle hands. Once the spot is cleaned, you can leave it to dry. The only thing to remember is that the rug shampoo is soft in nature so that it does not harm the rug. If you are unsure about doing it on your own, then you can call a professional to help. They can do the work for you, making it much easier to save time. So, we can say that all rugs is pet friendly; just keep cleaning the carpet occasionally.

Get professional help when needed:

If you have tried cleaning the hand-tufted rug in all ways possible and still it does not show adequate results as expected, then you can go ahead and call a professional. It is not necessary to have a professional clean your area rug every time, but it is good to get it done a few times a year, depending on the requirement of your rug. It totally depends on you to call up a professional every quarter or even twice a year.

Slide a rug pad beneath:

A rug pad is a savior. To add life to the years of your hand-tufted rug, it is suggested to add a rug pad beneath it. The rug tends to last longer with a rug pad. It also helps to keep the rug in the right place and not slide away with slight swiftness. A rug pad has a dual responsibility to play. It protects the flooring and from the grooves and marks that can spoil its beauty. Purchasing a thicker rug pad is always a better choice for you to make.

Move the rug every few months:

It is suggested that you should not leave the rug as it is for a long period of time. For instance, if there is a piece of furniture placed on the rug and it is smashing it at one edge, then it will spoil the rug. Therefore, moving the rug into its place every few months would be nice. You can even change the rug's location from a high-traffic area like a living room to a low-traffic area like a study room or bedroom rug to save it from being worn out.

Say no to steam cleaning:

Steam cleaning is not suggested for hand-tufted rugs. There are two reasons for it. The major reason is that if you steam clean the rug, then it will affect the dyes used in the rug and also change its natural color. Another possibility is that the color may bleed in such cases. (In another instance, even if you are able to do it carefully but somehow it is not dried completely, then it may act as a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens. This will further harm the health of the people living in the space.

If you love being the host

Are you one of those who love organizing parties for family and friends on every occasion? Then it is important for you to understand what you can do to keep your area rug safe when you have some guests over for the evening. The ideal thing would be to move the rug elsewhere. However, if you want your rug to cast a bold impression on your guests, then you will have to be a little cautious. You can arrange for supper and drinks a little away from the rug. In the menu for the evening, you can avoid keeping sauces, dips, red wines, and gravies for your guests. Instead, you can serve fries, fish nuggets, and transparent drinks like Sprite would also be a good option. Also, once everyone returns to their home, the first thing that you can do is vacuum the rug and not leave it for the next day.
These are some of the tips and tricks that can help you maintain your rug as good as new for a longer time. This way, you can keep your treasured carpet with you for years to come. 

FAQs

Can you steam clean a tufted rug?

No, it is not recommended to steam clean a tufted rug. Tufted rugs are made by punching piles of yarn through a fabric backing, which can cause the rug to unravel if exposed to heat and water. Steam cleaning generates heat and moisture that can damage the rug and cause it to shrink, stretch, or become misshapen. Additionally, steam cleaning can cause the rug's colors to bleed or fade, and can also leave behind mold and mildew. For these reasons, it is best to avoid steam cleaning tufted rugs and instead opt for dry cleaning methods or vacuum cleaning.

How do you take care of a tufted rug?

To take care of a tufted rug, follow these steps:

1. Vacuum regularly to remove dirt and debris

2. Rotate the rug periodically to ensure even wear

3. Avoid exposing the rug to direct sunlight, which can cause fading

4. Spot clean spills immediately with a damp cloth and mild detergent

5. Have the rug professionally cleaned every 1-2 years

6. Store the rug in a cool, dry place when not in use.

By following these steps, you can help extend the life of your tufted rug and keep it looking its best.

How long will a tufted wool rug last?

A tufted wool rug typically lasts 5-7 years with proper care and maintenance. The lifespan of a tufted wool rug can be influenced by factors such as foot traffic, exposure to sunlight, and the frequency of cleaning. Regular vacuuming and rotating the rug can help extend its life, as can avoiding exposure to direct sunlight and spot cleaning spills as soon as they occur. Additionally, having the rug professionally cleaned every 1-2 years can help remove dirt and debris that can wear down the fibers over time. With proper care, a tufted wool rug can provide many years of comfort and beauty in your home.