Rug Care Guide

General Tips

• Rotate your rug regularly every 3-6 months to ensure that the rug wears and fades evenly
• Use a rug pad to extend the life of your rug, prevent sliding and to protect your floors 
• Have your rugs professionally cleaned every six months to two years, depending on the level of use
• Avoid placing your rug in direct sunlight as this may cause your new rug to fade or become brittle
• Always refer to the manufacturers care label before cleaning your rug

Vacuuming

• Vacuum your rug once a week on the lightest setting. Do not use a brush head or beater bar as this may damage the rugs fibres
• Avoid powerful vacuums that may pull fibres loose from the base of the rug
• To reduce shedding vacuum in the direction of the pile
• Vacuum the base of your rug occasionally, as dirt can accumulate there as well

Spill and Stains

The first rule for any spill is to take action immediately! 

• Blot spills with a paper towel or colourless cloth, and do not wipe or scrub
• When spills may cause a stain, you can immediately apply a small amount of mild soap and warm water to some rug types
• Blot excess liquid with paper towel or colourless cloth, removing as much soap as possible as residue can act as a magnet for dirt
• Make sure you choose a very mild soap free from any bleach or hydrogen peroxide
• In most cases, warm water and a small amount of soap will take care of spills if attended to quickly
• For further cleaning tips, please contact your rug cleaning professional

Dry Cleaning 

This is best left to professional cleaners because of the knowledge and skill required. They have the necessary equipment and solutions that ensure your rug retains a new look because of the ability to restore it to pristine condition.

Easy Care Options

• Non-shed (less vacuuming): microfibre, polypropylene

• Low shed (less vacuuming): short pile acrylic, vintage wool 

• Spill and stain resistant (less cleaning): polypropylene, acrylic

• Dirt resistant (easy to clean): sisal

Storage

When storing your floor rug, ensure that the pile should be facing inwards unless the floor rug is constructed from Silk. Always roll your rug when storing, as folding may cause cracking over time and loss of shape.

Choosing the correct wrapping for the rug whilst in storage is extremely important. Do not use plastic wrapping, as plastic does not allow the rug to breathe - this may lead to a build up of moisture which can result in mildew, mould and a musty smell. Brown paper that is acid free, or a clean fabric such as cotton is a fantastic alternative to plastic wrap.

While in storage, the rug should be kept off the ground to avoid the risk of the item becoming damp. And make sure there are no heavy items placed on top of your rug during its time in storage.

By following these simple steps, your floor rug will remain full of life and provide you with many years of enjoyment.

RUG MATERIALS GUIDE

Cotton Rugs

Cotton is a renewable, environmentally friendly fibre derived from the cotton plant. It is a popular and affordable rug choice that is lightweight, low maintenance and easy to clean.

A soft and strong fibre, cotton holds dye well for bright colouration and is often best suited to low traffic areas. We recommend using a non-slip mat to help keep your rug in place.

Remove dirt and debris by shaking out your rug and follow with a light vacuum. Clean spills immediately by blotting with a cloth, being careful not to rub as this can push the stain further into the fibres and potentially cause permanent damage.

Some cotton rugs are machine washable. Refer to the manufacturers care label before cleaning your cotton rug.

Wool Rugs

Wool is a popular choice for being naturally flame retardant, durable; warm in winter and cool in summer. Wool rugs hold colour well, while maintaining their natural look.

New wool rugs will shed lightly in the first three to six months depending on level of use. All wool rugs will shed to some degree regardless of their age this is a basic characteristic of wool and does not indicate that the product is of low quality or poorly made. Shedding renews the fibre and keeps your wool rug looking fresh and new for many years. 

Pop ups (or sprouting) is a normal characteristic of handmade rugs. Pop ups occur when the end strands of wool become visible in the weave. This is part of the nature of a handmade rug, and can be trimmed or pushed through without affecting the integrity of the weave.

Jute Rugs

Jute rugs are a great choice for your home and for the environment - made from sustainable plant fibres, jute rugs are naturally derived, biodegradable and cost effective. 

Hand braided by skilled artisans, these rugs can be used to create an organic look that is easy to style. Jute rugs are moderately soft, and as a result are generally less durable than other materials such as wool or heat-set polypropylene.

As natural jute fibres are highly absorbent they are best suited to dry, well ventilated environments. Moisture can be damaging to the rugs fibres and potentially cause discolouration.

Remove dirt and debris by shaking out your rug and follow with a light vacuum. Clean spills immediately by blotting with a cloth, being careful not to rub as this can push the stain further into the fibres and potentially cause permanent damage.

Pop ups (or sprouting) is a normal characteristic of handmade rugs. Pop ups occur when the end strands become visible in the weave. This is part of the nature of a handmade rug, and can be trimmed or pushed through without affecting the integrity of the weave.

As a natural fibre, jute rugs will shed over time. Remember to rotate your rug regularly to promote even wear and always follow the manufacturers care instructions.

Sisal Rugs

Sisal is a popular choice for entrances and hallways as it is durable, rugged and easy to keep clean. Sisal rugs resist dirt particles and contains natural tannins (also found in tea and red wine) that control the growth of bacteria, fungi and dust mites. Sisal is the most coarse of the rug fibres, so may not be ideal for bedroom or lounge room settings. 

Hemp Rugs

Hemp is a versatile fibre that is very ecofriendly, durable and stylish. Hemp fibre can be coarse or soft depending on the treatment the material receives, but all hemp will soften over time. 

Acrylic Rugs

Acrylic is a super soft fibre that holds dye extremely well, allowing for a wide variety of colours from the softest pastel to the boldest brights. It is an excellent choice for kids rooms, lounge rooms and bedrooms. As with wool rugs, the pile will shed slightly in the first three to six months and reduce after this time - choose a low pile acrylic rug if you want the benefits of acrylic with less shedding. This makes acrylic best suited to low traffic areas.

Polypropylene Rugs

Polyester rugs are soft and shiny, usually found in shag rugs and is a low shed material.