Basics: How to Care for Rugs

Let's start with basic rug care, which can be divided into two categories:
The basic and deep cleaning of rugs.

Basic & deep cleaning

  • Vacuum regularly
    Regular vacuuming is essential for maintaining the condition of rugs. For rugs placed in high-traffic areas, such as hallways, dining rooms, or living spaces, it is advisable to vacuum daily. In bedrooms, weekly vacuuming is typically sufficient. It's important to also clean the back of the rug. In case of spills or stains, more frequent vacuuming may be necessary.

  • Knocking, dusting & airing out
    To remove deeper dirt, rugs should ideally be beaten out annually using a rug beater, followed by airing them out in fresh air to eliminate unpleasant odors. Note that viscose rugs should not be beaten, as this may damage their fibers.

  • Cleaned by a professional
    For professional maintenance, it is recommended to have rugs cleaned every three to five years. If a rug is machine-washable according to the manufacturer, it can be cleaned at home. If washing is not an option, a cleaner can effectively restore the rug's condition.

Cleaning high pile rugs

Due to their long fibers and airy structure, dirt and dust accumulate more quickly in high-pile rugs than in flat-woven designs. Regular cleaning and care are important.

To protect shaggy rugs, they should not be placed in high-traffic areas such as dining rooms or kitchens. Vacuuming should be done thoroughly at least once a week to maintain fluffiness, using a gentle vacuum without a rotating brush.

If heavy furniture is placed on the rug, the pile may flatten over time. Regularly rotating the rug can help prevent this. If the pile becomes less fluffy, it can be restored with a natural brush by brushing against the grain. A steam cleaner may also be effective; however, for optimal care, professional cleaning is recommended.

How to Remove Stains:

Rug Cleaner & Home Remedies

To effectively remove stains from rugs, it is advisable to keep a rug cleaner on hand. The cleaners are specially formulated for use on rugs,
ensuring they are gentle on colors and fabrics while providing powerful stain removal.

With the appropriate applicators and brushes, rug cleaners effectively target stains without damaging the rug.
Whether addressing coffee stains, grease, or red wine spills, a rug cleaner is essential for maintenance.

It is important to ensure that the rug cleaner is suitable for the specific rug material before use. Rugs made from viscose, silk, velvet, or corduroy are particularly sensitive
and should ideally be taken to a textile rug cleaner for professional care.

Cleaning rugs with home remedies

In the absence of a rug cleaner, home remedies are often considered for stain removal. However, their effectiveness varies based on the rug's material and the type of stain, so they may not always yield the desired results. It is recommended to treat stains with a dedicated rug cleaner or to seek professional cleaning services.

A useful tip for treating many stains is to use a small amount of mineral water. Pour a little water onto the stain and gently dab it with a cloth. If the stain persists, a rug cleaner should be applied. Caution is advised with water-sensitive materials such as viscose or lyocell; mineral water should not be used on these designs.

Cleaning Rugs with Home Remedies: Key Tips

  • Handle quickly: Removing fresh stains is significantly easier than tackling old ones.
  • Dab instead of rubbing: To prevent the stain from embedding deeper in the fabric, dab gently rather than rubbing. Always work from the outside of the stain towards the center.
  • Colorfast Cloth: This helps avoid discoloration on the rug. Always test the cloth and any home remedy on an inconspicuous area first to ensure compatibility.

Rug Materials:

How to Clean Your Rug

Each rug requires different care, making it essential to understand the material it is made of.
This information can easily be found by checking the label on the back of the rug.

Cleaning Wool Rugs

Wool has been used for making rugs for thousands of years due to its unique properties, making it an ideal natural fiber.

To maintain the appearance of a wool rug:

  1. Wool rugs may shed fibers when new and during use; this is a natural characteristic of the material, not a defect.
  2. Regular vacuuming is recommended to prevent fluffing, avoiding the use of a rotating brush to minimize fiber loss.
  3. Treat stains immediately with a professional rug cleaner.
  4. After cleaning, allow the rug to dry flat according to product guidelines to prevent deformation, avoid direct heat or dryers.
  5. Rough mechanical cleaning is not suitable for wool rugs; therefore, it is advisable to have the rug professionally cleaned every one to three years to keep it fresh.

Cleaning Jute Rugs

Rugs made from jute and sisal are particularly robust and create a cozy ambiance with their timeless look. To maintain their quality over time, consider the following tips:

  1. Regular vacuuming, beating out, and airing the rug help to remove coarse dirt and neutralize odors.
  2. Jute and sisal rugs do not tolerate moisture well, so it is advisable to use little or no water for cleaning.
  3. Stains should be gently blotted with a cloth, and a professional rug cleaner should be used for effective stain removal.
  4. Professional cleaning every one to three years is recommended to ensure longevity.

Cleaning Cotton Rugs

Many of our cotton designs can bemachine washed. Washable rugs are especially practical for children's rooms.
To find out if your cotton rug is hand or machine washable, check the cleaning instructionson the rug label.
If there is any uncertainty, professional rug cleaning is recommended.

How to Clean Cotton Rugs

  1. Regular vacuuming is essential to remove coarse dirt.
  2. A rotating brush vacuum should not be used on high-pile cotton carpets.
  3. Cotton rugs are less sensitive to water compared to jute, sisal, or viscose designs; liquids should be absorbed quickly with a cloth.
  4. The wet area should be allowed to dry thoroughly.
  5. Stains should be treated with a professional rug cleaner.
  6. Professional cleaning is recommended every one to three years to maintain the rug's condition.

Cleaning Washable Cotton Rugs

  1. Clean rugs according to the manufacturer's care instructions every one to five years, depending on the level of soiling.
  2. Strictly adhere to the specified temperature, wash cycle, and detergent.
  3. Dry rugs properly after washing: lay flat and allow enough time for complete drying.
  4. For very large rugs, it is recommended not to clean them oneself to avoid damage to the washing machine and the rug. Consider taking them to a professional rug cleaner instead.

Cleaning Rugs made of Viscose & Lyocell

Rugs made of viscose and lyocell are very sensitive and should be treated gently. It is highly recommended to have these rugs professionally cleaned as a priority.

  1. Viscose rugs lose fibers both when new and during use; therefore, they should be vacuumed at least once a week. Linting is not a defect but a natural property of the fiber.Avoid using a rotating brush vacuum cleaner and vacuum always in the direction of the pile. The direction can be determined by stroking the rug with a hand to ensure the pile feels soft.
  2. Viscose and lyocell rugs are highly sensitive to water. When removing superficial dirt or stains, it is advisable to use little or no water to prevent unattractive deformation or water stains.Use a special rug cleaner suitable for viscose and lyocell. When addressing stains, a soft brush with natural bristles is recommended to avoid damaging the fibers.
  3. It is advisable to have rugs cleaned by a professional every one to three years. In case of stains on lyocell or viscose rugs, prompt professional cleaning is essential to prevent long-term damage.

Cleaning Rugs made of Synthetic Fibres

Synthetic fibre rugs are hard-wearing and easy to clean. The fibres of these rugs are manageable and typically do not require special treatment.

  1. Vacuum the rug regularly, beat it out and let it air out to remove odours, bacteria & co.
  2. Synthetic fibre rugs do not respond well to direct heat sources such as irons, heaters, dryers, or hair dryers.
  3. These rugs have a moisture-repellent structure; however, care should be taken to avoid excessive water during cleaning. Machine washing is only recommended if the manufacturer explicitly allows it.
  4. Liquids should be gently blotted with a cloth, and stains can be treated with a special rug cleaner.
  5. It is recommended to have rugs cleaned by a professional every one to three years.

Cleaning Mixed Fabrics

For rugs made of mixed fibres (e.g., wool and polyester), it is advisable to adhere to the specific cleaning instructions provided. If there is any uncertainty regarding the cleaning process, it is recommended to take the rug to a professional cleaner.

Conclusion:

These tips will keep the rug fresh

When cleaning a rug independently, it is essential to carefully study its material. Adhering to the fundamentals of rug cleaning and maintenance, such as
regular vacuuming, beating, and appropriate washing, is important. For stain removal, it is recommended to always use a professional rug cleaner.
Additionally, to maintain its appearance, having the rug cleaned regularly by a professional is advisable.
Following these steps ensures a vibrant and well-maintained rug.