There’s nothing quite like the feeling of walking on a new rug. It’s soft underfoot and helps ground the space by adding texture and character. Rugs are great in all kinds of spaces – from entryways, bedrooms, living rooms, or even kitchens. They can add warmth and visual interest to any area you put them in. But how can you make sure your rug stays looking good for years to come? Here are some helpful tips on taking care of your new rug so it lasts a long time.
Rotate and vacuum regularly
You’ll want to rotate your rug periodically to extend its life. A rug that wears unevenly is at risk of having the corners start to curl up, which will make it look shabby much faster. To ensure your rug is wearing properly, rotate it every six months. You can also vacuum your rug a couple times a week (more often if you have pets), to keep it looking fresh and clean.
Spot clean when needed
It’s inevitable that at some point, something will get spilled on your rug. Whether it be a glass of red wine, a pot of spaghetti sauce, or even a ketchup spill from the kids’ meal, it’s best to clean up the spill as soon as possible. While you can’t completely get rid of stains if they sit for too long, you can still reduce the stain’s appearance by cleaning and blotting the area as soon as you notice it.
For liquids, start by blotting the area with a paper towel or cloth. Then, mix up a cleaning solution using warm water and mild soap, like dish soap or liquid laundry detergent. Blot the mixture onto the liquid spot and let it sit for a few minutes. Next, blot the area again with a clean cloth or paper towel and let it air dry.
For larger stains, like ketchup or orange juice, you can make a paste out of baking soda or salt and water. Sprinkle the baking soda or salt in a thin layer over the stain and mix in water to make a paste. Let the paste sit on the stain for 10 minutes before blotting it away.
Be careful with spills
There are a few things you can do to prevent spills from turning into stains. First, if you have kids, put mats by the high traffic areas where they are likely to spill, like the kitchen and around the dinner table. Next, make sure to place your rug in a location where it’s not going to get spilled on regularly.
For example, if you’re putting a rug in your kitchen, put it in a corner or off to the side, where it’s not in the path of foot traffic. If you do have a spill, act quickly. Use a paper towel or a cloth to blot up as much as you can right away. Then, put a bowl filled with clean water and a little bit of mild soap (like dish soap or liquid laundry detergent) next to the spill so you can finish cleaning it up later.
Final Words
It takes just a little bit of maintenance and care to keep your rug looking its best. Rotating it and vacuuming it a couple times a week will help extend its life, as well as make it easier to clean (no one likes a dirty rug!). Also, make sure to place it in a location where it’s not likely to get spilled on and handle spills as soon as they happen. With these simple steps, you can keep your rug looking brand new for years to come.