Rug Care & Cleaning
The following are general care and cleaning instructions that apply to any type of rug.
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VACUUMING
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Canister vacuums without beater bars are the optimal type of vacuum to use on rugs.
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Brooms and manual sweepers are also a gentle and effective way to clean rugs.
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If you must use an upright vacuum, use the handheld attachment whenever possible.
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If you are unable to use the handheld attachment on your upright vacuum, turn off the vacuum’s beater bar.
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If the beater bar cannot be turned off, set it on the highest position possible before vacuuming.
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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.
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If a rug is reversible remember to vacuum both sides
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CLEANING SPILLS
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Clean spills immediately. Once a stain is set it becomes much more difficult to clean.
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Scrape off any food or debris with a dull instrument.
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Blot the spill with a dry cotton cloth or a clean paper towel.
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Work from the outer edges of the spill towards the center to prevent spreading.
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Never rub a spill as this forces the spill deeper into the rug.
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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.
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Please note that Viscose and Tencel rugs should never be cleaned with any water or liquid.
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PROFESSIONAL CLEANING
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Handmade rugs require a different cleaning process than wall-to-wall carpet, so be sure to choose a professional rug cleaning expert.
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Inspect the rug with the cleaning expert prior to cleaning.
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Get a signed receipt and guarantee of work before the work is performed.
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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
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Outdoor Safe products require regular care and cleaning, and should be stored in when they are not in use.
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Leaving an outdoor rug in direct or indirect sunlight outdoors will cause rapid fading.
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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.
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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.
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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
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Hand Knotted Rugs - Use extra caution and care when cleaning because of the high value of these rugs.
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Hand Woven (Flat Weave) - Regularly vacuum both sides of the rug to remove any grit that may cause premature wear.
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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
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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.
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Polypropylene/Olefin/Polyolefin - Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water to help remove stains.
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Polyester/Acrylic/Poly Acrylic/Nylon - Mix a small amount of dish soap with cold water to help remove stains.
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Jute/Seagrass/Sisal - Regular vacuuming will help to curtail shedding sooner.
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Viscose/Tencel - Never clean these rugs with water or any other liquid.