How to Protect and Extend the Life of Your Rugs

Rugs come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, but have one thing in common- they all need a good rug protection and regular cleaning in order to maintain their integrity over the years. From dirt and stains to pet odors, all rugs are subjected to an array of physical and chemical factors that cause the rug fibers to deteriorate over time. This is why it is important to take steps to protect and clean your rugs, to ensure they stay intact and vibrant.

Seal Your Rug

A rug sealant protects the rug fibers from being penetrated and damaged by dirt, stains and pet odors. Although there may be rug sealants available over the counter, there are benefits from having a rug expert seal your rug. The rug will be protected by a higher quality product, that is ultimately stronger and protects your rug longer. Alexander’s Rug Care offers two sealant options:

3M Scotchgard Formula- The Scotchgard Formula coats rug with Teflon, which protects the rug fibers from being damaged or stained for up to 2 years.

MicroSeal Permanent Carpet Protectant- MicroSeal uses a nanotechnology, to penetrate and seal the individual rug fibers from the inside out, providing permanent protection against food and beverage stains and resists sun damage. This option works on both natural and synthetic fibers and is biodegradable, non-toxic and hypoallergenic, offering safe, long-term results.

Vacuum Your Rugs Regularly for Rug Protection

Rugs in high traffic areas should be vacuumed once a week. This will help decrease potential damage from dust, dirt, pet dander and whatever else might physically break down the fibers of the rug. Although they are tiny, dirt and dust particles get ground into the rug fibers and their ragged edges saw away at the rug fibers, creating additional wear and tear.

Rotate Rugs Under Furniture

Many rugs, especially large area rugs don’t get moved very often. This is particularly true for those that sit under heavy furniture, like couches and beds. Not only is it important to move the furniture in order to properly vacuum the rug, this can prevent a potential pest problem. Moths and other pests particularly like to feast on rugs that are in dark, stagnant environments. In order to assure a proper rug protection and prevent pest damage, you should rotate your rugs at least once a year.

Schedule Professional Rug Cleaning

Although the steps above will help keep your rugs clean and preserve their quality over time, nothing compares to a professional deep clean for your rug. Rug care professionals advise getting your rugs professionally cleaned every 18-24 months. Of course, if you have a stubborn stain or are combating pet odor, scheduling a professional rug cleaning appointment is advised immediately. Rug cleaning experts will assess your rug prior to the cleaning, to provide any feedback or recommendations on rug maintenance or repair. During this assessment, they will identify if the rug requires any special handling during cleaning to avoid color bleeding or any potential damage.

If you opted for a shorter-term sealant option, the professional rug cleaning appointment is a great time to get your rug resealed.