Cleaning Handmade Rugs: The Dos, Don’ts for Long-Lasting Care
These handmade rugs are not just pieces for the show, they are an investment in giving warmth and character to your living space while carrying a little bit of sophistication. Every detail with a handmade rug reveals craftsmanship and tradition, from intricate patterns to the finest quality materials. Given quality care, these rugs can last for generations as part of the family treasures. Such is the attention to detail and efforts that Rugs Creation, the iconic rugs manufacturer in India would be well aware of how much one values taking care of his handmade rugs, especially as cleaning is a part of maintaining handloom beauty and vibrancy.
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty the dos and don’ts of handmade rugs and carpet cleaning so that your rugs continue to radiate their charm and longevity.
Understanding Handmade Rugs
Handcrafted rugs come with skillful craftsmanship by experienced artisans, mostly in techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation. Unlike the mass-produced renditions, such a rug finds quality and detail combined. Handmade or vintage-inspired, or even some texture premiums in modern-styled rugs, can always bring warmth and uniqueness to any home.
Not only beautiful but also nature-friendly, handmade carpets of wool, cotton, or natural dyes finish the abodes. So, by opting for handmade carpets, you are contributing to sustainable art and preserving handcrafted art forms. Yet, as these materials are sensitive, handmade rugs require specific care to preserve their beauty.
The Do’s of Cleaning Handmade Rugs
To keep your handmade rugs looking fresh, clean, and vibrant, here are some simple do’s to remember:
Regular Vacuuming
Handmade carpets may have a lot of dense piles, and much of the dirt or sand in them may also be deep down inside. Regular vacuuming on a low-power setting helps the rug stay clean by removing any loose dirt, dog hair, and fine dust.
Immediate Spill Response
Spills happen, but immediate action can prevent permanent staining. For liquid spills, blot the area with a clean, dry cloth rather than rubbing it, which can spread the stain. Always work from the outer edges of the spill towards the center to avoid spreading. For tougher stains, like wine or coffee, use a gentle soap solution on a soft cloth and blot until the stain is lifted. By promptly addressing spills, you protect the integrity of your premium rugs and keep them looking their best.
Professional Cleaning
While one needs to maintain rugs regularly, professional cleaning is part of every maintenance program. Handmade rugs, exposed and amassed to so much foot traffic, are perhaps professionally cleaned once or twice every year. Professional rug cleaners have the right equipment and knowledge that leave your rugs clean without causing them damage. Then, we always advise customers to bring handwoven and other sensitive handmade carpets for professional cleaning services. In this way, it can be kept in its condition.
Rotate Your Rugs
Rugs placed in high-traffic areas tend to wear unevenly. To promote even wear, rotate your rugs every six months. This simple step helps maintain your rug’s appearance and ensures that every part of the rug ages evenly. Whether it’s a modern rug or a vintage piece, rotating prevents premature fading and wear on one side.
The Don’ts of Cleaning Handmade Rugs
Proper care for handmade rugs includes knowing what not to do. Avoid these common pitfalls to keep your rugs in top shape:
Don’t Use Harsh Chemicals
One of the worst things you can do with a handmade rugs is treat it with chemicals. You’ll find most household cleansers contain bleach or various chemicals that damage the material and cause color fading to the fibers. For handmade rugs, use natural, very mild solutions or delicate material-care products. If unsure, plain mild soap and water are almost always safe.
Do Not Drench the Rug
Do not make it soaked in water while hand washing a rug. Too much water weakens the fibers of the rug that would let mold and mildew grow to eventually damage the rug. Hence, when spot cleaning, use the least amount of water possible and dry the rug completely. For spills, take it outside in a well-ventilated space or dry up faster with a fan.
Do Not Rub Stains
Rubbing stains only pushes the stain further into the fibers and makes the stain worse. When you spill something on your handmade carpet, blot gently instead of rubbing it. Use a clean absorbent cloth and dab gently onto the affected area.
This way, the fibers are preserved, the stain spread is avoided, and your handmade carpets remain new for you.
Skip DIY Methods Without Research
Thus, it is oftentimes attractive to people looking for handy cleaning solutions but if not well-researched may prove to be more dangerous. Some of the DIY cleaning solutions contain abrasive or acidic ingredients, which can cause gentle deterioration in your rug’s natural fibers.
Check on the safety of a certain cleaning method for materials present in your rug, or seek professional advice before using a DIY cleaning solution.
Additional Care Tips for Longevity
Caring for your handmade rugs goes beyond cleaning. Here are some additional tips to protect them from daily wear and tear:
Protect from Sunlight
Sunlight fades colors over time. If your rugs are placed in an open sunlit room, use these blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight during the peak hours.
Alternatively, rotate the rug regularly to ensure even exposure and fading. For premium rugs with rich colors, protecting them from sunlight is essential to maintain their vibrant hues.
Use Furniture Coasters
Heavy furniture, even if it’s made of wood or other less flexible materials, can leave an imprint on your rug, which may ultimately ruin its appearance and even shape. This is easily prevented by adding furniture coasters or pads where the legs of tables, sofas, and other heavy furniture meet your rug. This will help distribute any weight and hence reduce any chances of permanent denting of fibers.
Store Properly When Not in Use
If you have to store your rug for a very long time, it is advisable to roll it rather than fold it so that it doesn’t develop creases. You can then cover it with breathable cloth such as cotton or muslin and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid using plastic wraps as they retain moisture and even harbor mold. With proper storage, your rug will be in perfect condition to add some texture to your home when you take it out.
Care Tips According to Weather, Season, or Color
You can also alter your care for your handmade rugs based on season or due to weather changes.
- When it is Humid: Once it was humid, the moisture will accumulate, so you will have mildew growing. Your air has to be made dry by installing a dehumidifier in the room where you place your rug, and roll up the rug in case you are going to leave it somewhere for a period at a humid time.
- Dry Seasons: The air can get dry, but dry rug fibers can also easily penetrate it. Adding a bit more humidity with a humidifier in your space ensures softness.
- Light vs. Dark Colors: Lighter shag rugs show dirt and stains easily, so keep them vacuumed regularly. Dark-colored modern rugs are easier to clean, but keep them from the sun because darker colors fade faster.
These simple changes according to climate and color will help extend the life of your handmade carpets.
Conclusion
Proper care is required to maintain the beauty and longevity of your handmade rugs, but the benefits prove to be worthwhile. As a leading rug manufacturer at Rugs Creation, we are committed to making sure that our users can enjoy their superior quality rugs for generations to come. The simple do’s and don’ts below will keep your rugs fresh and inviting.
Whether you have a love for modern rugs, or vintage classics, or find yourself somewhere in between, a great maintained handmade rug is the real deal; it will keep adding beauty and style to your space year after year. With care and attention to your rug, beyond becoming a pretty face in your home, it will become something of a treasure in your family.
