Rugs deserve to be looked after. Once you own a rug, you want to keep it in the best possible condition. To do so, there are a few simple and basic maintenance rules that should be applied.

Depending on the environmental conditions and the amount of traffic, rugs should be regularly vacuumed, varying from once a day to once a week. Rugs in commercial buildings will obviously need vacuuming more regularly than those in a private home.

Vacuuming will remove loose particles from rugs and is particularly effective as a deep cleaner if the nozzle is adjusted to the height and thickness of the pile.

Rugs should be protected from direct sunlight if possible, because even the fastest dyes fade if subjected to the direct rays of the sun. If you have a number of rugs in a room it is preferable to reverse their position every six to twelve months, distributing their subjection to continual wear.

Common sense is a major factor in preserving the life, colour and texture of your rug. If your rug becomes dull or is exceptionally dirty you may wish to consult a professional cleaner.

If you prefer to clean the rugs yourself you should choose a well-known brand of cleaner and strictly follow the enclosed instructions. All cleaning solutions should be tested in the most inconspicuous area of the rug to determine if they are safe on the fibres and dyes. If the test is successful you should continue, but use the minimal amount of solution to avoid wetting the back of the rug.

There are a number of excellent stain and spot removers on the market. Familiarise yourself with their instructions before use, or if in doubt, contact an established professional carpet and rug cleaner.

When rugs show any sign of wear or fraying at the edges you should have them repaired immediately, as repairs at this stage are usually inexpensive. Ongoing but easy maintenance keeps your rug in good condition.