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Rug Care & Cleaning 

The following are general care and cleaning instructions that apply to any type of rug.

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VACUUMING

  • Canister vacuums without beater bars are the optimal type of vacuum to use on rugs.

  • Brooms and manual sweepers are also a gentle and effective way to clean rugs.

  • If you must use an upright vacuum, use the handheld attachment whenever possible.

  • If you are unable to use the handheld attachment on your upright vacuum, turn off the vacuum’s beater bar.

  • If the beater bar cannot be turned off, set it on the highest position possible before vacuuming.

  • Refrain from running the vacuum over the edges of the rug or the rugs. Instead, use the handheld attachment or carefully place the vacuum on the rug.

  • If a rug is reversible remember to vacuum both sides

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CLEANING SPILLS

  • Clean spills immediately. Once a stain is set it becomes much more difficult to clean.

  • Scrape off any food or debris with a dull instrument.

  • Blot the spill with a dry cotton cloth or a clean paper towel.

  • Work from the outer edges of the spill towards the center to prevent spreading.

  • Never rub a spill as this forces the spill deeper into the rug.

  • To remove any residual staining, dampen a cotton cloth or clean paper towel with clean, cold/lukewarm water. Gently blot with the damp cloth and quickly absorb the moisture on the rug.

  • Please note that Viscose and Tencel rugs should never be cleaned with any water or liquid.

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PROFESSIONAL CLEANING

  • Handmade rugs require a different cleaning process than wall-to-wall carpet, so be sure to choose a professional rug cleaning expert.

  • Inspect the rug with the cleaning expert prior to cleaning.

  • Get a signed receipt and guarantee of work before the work is performed.

  • Any damage resulting from the professional cleaning process is the responsibility of the cleaner.

 

The following are additional considerations based on specific rug construction types or materials.

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OUTDOOR RUG CARE

  • Outdoor Safe products require regular care and cleaning, and should be stored in when they are not in use.

  • Leaving an outdoor rug in direct or indirect sunlight outdoors will cause rapid fading.

  • Store the rug in the shade when not in use. If you choose to leave your rug outdoors, shade it with an awning or umbrella.

  • Leaving an outdoor rug in rain or humid weather will cause rapid deterioration and/or mold. Store the rug in a dry space when not in use. If a rug is left in the rain by accident, hang the rug over a railing in sunlight until it has completely dried.

  • Outdoor Safe products that are damaged or aged prematurely due to negligence are not considered defective.

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SPECIAL CARE BASED ON CONSTRUCTION

  • Hand Knotted Rugs - Use extra caution and care when cleaning because of the high value of these rugs.

  • Hand Woven (Flat Weave) - Regularly vacuum both sides of the rug to remove any grit that may cause premature wear.

  • Hand Woven (Shag/Texture) - Use extra caution and care when vacuuming; alternatively, you can take the rug outside to shake it out.

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SPECIAL CARE BASED ON MATERIAL

  • Wool/NZ Wool - Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water to help remove stains; regular vacuuming will help to curtail shedding sooner.

  • Polypropylene/Olefin/Polyolefin - Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water to help remove stains.

  • Polyester/Acrylic/Poly Acrylic/Nylon - Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water to help remove stains.

  • Jute/Seagrass/Sisal - Regular vacuuming will help to curtail shedding sooner.

  • Viscose/Tencel - Never clean these rugs with water or any other liquid.

Looking for more information?

Download Surya's complete Rug Guide 

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