You might not think of rugs as an investment piece, but they can really set the tone in any room. From a supersize round Persian or hand-woven Berber carpet to a hardwood parquet floor, rugs are the perfect way to tie the whole space together. And let’s face it: a room with mismatched furniture and mismatched rugs is not going to be on anyone’s “most livable” list. 

 

A good rug can play the role of a centerpiece without taking up visual space. The right rug can pull a room together and make it feel as though you’ve spent exponentially more than you actually did. The wrong one, however, can be an eyesore that never quite works in space — even if you spend a fortune on it.

 

Because rugs are usually such large pieces, they’re often not treated like furniture and are therefore less likely to get daily use. For that reason, they risk falling into disrepair. It’s important, then, to get realistic about what kind of wear and tear you can expect out of your treasured rug and how best to care for it.

 

THE BASICS

Rugs are made of fibers (wool, cotton, jute), sisal or coir (the fibers from the leaf core of the coconut), silk and a variety of blends. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors—and the combinations are almost limitless.

 

In contrast to flooring that comes in a flat sheet form and then has its texture imprinted, rugs are made using a loom. This is when the rugmaker weaves the fabric by hand on a harness over and under with short, heavy warps. 

 

Warps are made from natural materials that have been dyed and processed to create the desired color (a process called lyo-dying) or from synthetic materials that have had their color determined by some other method (a process called dye-fixing).

 

The good news is that once you’ve chosen the color, style and size of your rug, it’s relatively easy to care for (see below).

WHAT TO LOOK FOR

First, ensure that the backing is adequate—the bottom piece of the rug that holds the filling in place. If you can see or feel any bare or rough spots on the backing, they should be replaced immediately. 

On some cheaper rugs made from synthetic materials, these bare spots are visible under low-light conditions. You’ll also want to check the repair areas on your carpet and make sure those are secure; sometimes a piece of fabric will be used to fill a small tear or crack in the weave. You’ll likely notice these if you look closely at the back of the rug while it’s being installed.

 

If a bare spot occurs in a rug with wool, jute or sisal fibers, you can use an adhesive-backed material called Fix on it, which will make it less noticeable (see Image 2). The rug should be re-stuffed with a filler such as Poly-Guar or Talalay (see below) and allowed to dry.

 

All rugs come with a core of nylon, coir or something similar, depending on the weaving technique used. Do not use an adhesive type product in this area (see Image 3).

 

For maintenance and care, it’s best to get an expert to come out and tailor the care instructions to your specific rug. For these instructions there are books available with suggested care practices.

ILLUSTRATION 1: THE BASICS

It is essential for the life of your rug that you follow a few basic rules. The carpet must be left under furniture, not in direct sunlight and not near a heating vent or air outlet, for instance. The backing can be clipped away where the rug meets the wall, but it is important that there is no bare floorboard.

 

The carpet should also be protected from direct sunlight, because it will age faster. Do not place a rug in an area that receives direct sun exposure; move possible sources of heat away from the rug (see Image 1). Your carpet should not be placed near an air-conditioner or heating vent because of the dust and allergens in those vents. Carpet also should not be washed or vacuumed in a machine with a beater bar; this can cause a small tear in the back of the rug. 

 

For detailed care instructions, see these books:

 

• The Complete Guide to Modern Rugs for Interior Designers by Sonja Auerbach and Julie Sievers (John Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2010).

 

• Care & Use of All Types of Handmade Rugs by Joan Apple (Anchor Books, 1982).

ILLUSTRATION 2: CIRCULATING HEAT

To circulate the heat in your home and make sure your house stays at the ideal temperature, use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning and install an inexpensive small fan in the room where you will be sleeping (see Image 2). The airflow from the ceiling fan can keep your room cooler than a fan that blows directly onto you.

 

Another important tip: Use your carpet under furniture, not in direct sunlight or near a heating vent or air conditioning vent. These areas can cause your rug or the fibers in it to age faster.

 

If you do have a carpet that has been exposed to too much sun, use an adhesive-backed product called Fix on it. The Fix works in the same way as a hair repair product and will actually help your rug look newer longer (see Image 3). 

 

The Fix can be used on all types of fibers, even silk. It will help to hide any damage and reduce the appearance of white lines in the rug. For more information on Fix, visit www.fixrugs.com.

ILLUSTRATION 3: FIX RUGS

Applied to Backing (Photo courtesy of Fix)

 

THE CARE OF WOOL CARPETS & RUGS

 

As a 100%-natural fiber, wool is fireproof, mothproof and mold-resistant. Its structure makes it a good thermostat for rooms, as the wool allows air to pass through, letting the room breathe. Wool is also resilient and bounces back into shape after being walked on. Unlike cotton or linen, fiber from sheep’s wool requires little in the way of maintenance to keep it looking great.

 

There are two types of wool: natural and synthetic. Natural wool is usually soft, silky, thick and shiny (see Image 1). Synthetic wool is more durable and water-resistant, but it can sometimes be more difficult to clean.

 

Wool Rugs & Carpets

 

• Natural and synthetic wool can be cleaned with a dry cleaning product called Woolite. When using Woolite, follow the shampoo-and-water method; this will help reduce lint in your rug and get rid of any spills (see Image 2). Soak the rug for extended periods of time to remove grease and heavy dirt before shampooing.

 

• Natural wool requires light vacuuming, which can be done daily. Synthetic wool is less resilient and will not like to be vacuumed; it’s best to keep this type of rug clean with a feather duster or soft cloth (see Image 3).

 

• The proper care of your wool rug is just as important as that of your silk. To help prevent shedding, treat it regularly with a shampooing shampoo and water. Never use wool shampoos or conditioners; these will break down the fiber (see Image 4).

 

• Synthetic wool for rugs and carpets can be cleaned with a dry cleaning product. Never use a dry cleaning product on wool carpets, as it can cause dry spots on your rug. Instead, add two cups of vinegar to one gallon of water and use this mixture to clean your rug twice a year.