How to keep your rugs happy
Daily Maintenance
To prevent the build up of damaging dust and grit brush your rugs regularly or vacuum with a machine that sucks, but doesn't beat. To even out any areas that get a lot of wear you can turn you rugs frequently.
If you can't avoid placing heavy furniture on your rugs use furniture cups under small or sharp pointed feet.
Dealing with Accidents
Speed is of the essence when dealing with spills or accidents involving liquids. Immediately blot with plain paper kitchen towels, soaking up the liquid until dry.
If it's solids like food scrape them up with a plastic spatula or knife and then blot the damp residue with kitchen towels.
If any residue is left, a solution of carpet shampoo and warm water with a teaspoonful of white vinegar can work. Carefully blot with a cloth soaked in the solution and well squeezed out. Allow the rug to dry, then vacuum. Carefully comb the pile in its natural direction to remove any matting.
Do not be tempted to throw anything like salt, soap powder or white wine on red on the wound. This will only exacerbate the problem, as most of these so-called quick fixes are worse than useless.
Moth and other Pests
Damage from moth larvae and other household rug-eating pests can be avoided as long as the rug is cleaned regularly (brushing or vacuuming) and is exposed to light and not hidden under never-moved furniture.
If moth grubs are discovered, immediately vacuum and, if possible, place the rug in a deep freezer! Not as daft as it sounds! It is guaranteed to destroy the little blighters! Send the rug to a professional cleaner to be completely sure that all moth grubs are removed.
Damp, Heat and Sunlight
Damp is the enemy of hand-made rugs as they are always made from natural materials like wool, cotton and silk, and they are susceptible to rot when damp.
Intense heat, e.g. in front of an open fire, is generally bad for rugs as it dries out the natural oils in the wool making it weak and brittle.
Direct sunlight can cause fading over a number of years. Whilst some fading is often desirable, too much ruins the look of the rug. One simple solution to prevent fading is to draw the curtains when the room is not in use.
Cats and Dogs
Potentially a big problem! If left unattended, untrained pets can use a rug as a scratching or a chewing spot, or worse still as their toilet. Whilst most physical damage can be repaired, pet urine, if left uncleaned, can cause severe damage in the shape of rot and discolouration. Unless your pet is completely trained and trustworthy don't let it near your rug!
