Welcome to our Q&A with Rugs USA column, where we answer your burning questions about rugs and all things interiors! This week, we’re talking all things spring cleaning for rugs!
Have a question you want answered? Follow Rugs USA on Instagram and drop us a comment or DM any time—then watch this space for the next round of Q&As!
Q: We just got a new jute rug! Any cleaning or maintenance tips?
A: Yay for a new rug! We absolutely love jutes—they add such beautiful natural texture to a space. Here’s what you need to know to keep them looking their best!
- Keep jute rugs out of moist areas like the bathroom, which can lead to mildew growing within the fibers.
- Vacuum and shake out your rug regularly. This will help prevent it from shedding—which may look like dirt, but is actually just jute’s natural fibers!
- Add a rug pad underneath to protect your floors and the integrity of the rug.
- Spot clean your jute by blotting with a clean cloth and—this is important!—only using a carpet cleaner formulated specifically for natural fiber rugs.
Q: What’s the best way to clean a rug?
A: Great question! Every rug owner should know the proper way to clean their rugs. Here’s what you should know:
For general maintenance: Vacuum! This might seem like a no-brainer, but a regular vacuum will help keep your rug in tip-top shape. We recommend using the lowest setting to make sure the suction isn’t too rough on your rug’s fibers.
For spills and spots: First of all, stay calm! Then grab a towel and your rug cleaner of choice and head to the scene of the crime. Gently blot up the liquid to get as much of it out of the rug as possible. And do not rub! Rubbing will make it more difficult to get the stain out. Apply your cleaning solution, let it sit according to the instructions on the back, and then let the spot dry for 15-30 minutes. If you’re still seeing a spot, try treating it with the solution again.
Read more about caring for your rug in our guide here.
Q: What should I do if my rug is shedding?
A: Depending on the type and material your rug is made of, some shedding is to be expected. Rugs made of wool or jute, and also shag styles, tend to be the highest shedders. If your rug is new and you’re within the first few months of having it in your space, the shedding is totally normal and should ramp down as it acclimates.
If you’re still having persistent shedding issues, here are a few things you can try:
- Vacuum frequently and on the lowest setting to keep shedding at bay.
- Use a rug pad underneath to help absorb shock and reduce damage to the rug pile.
- Consider moving it to a low-traffic area, like a bedroom, where it will get less foot action and therefore shed less.
Q: How do you store out-of-season rugs properly?
A: Whether you’re bringing an outdoor rug inside for the season, or simply swapping out indoor rugs for a fresh look, it’s important to store your rugs properly to keep them clean and mildew-free.
First, you’ll want to have the rug professionally cleaned before rolling it up to ensure lingering dirt and other contaminants are properly removed. Once it’s cleaned, tightly roll up the rug with the pile facing inward. Wrap the rug in paper or place in a rug storage bag, which can be found at most home improvement stores. Then place on a shelf or in another spot that’s not directly on the floor. Make sure you’re not putting any heavy objects on top of the rug—this could cause permanent creasing.
We generally recommend against storing rugs in unfinished basements and attics, since those areas tend to be moist and can promote mildew growth within the rug fibers.
Q: What are the best allergy-friendly rugs?
A: Generally speaking, having rugs in your home should help reduce allergies. And we’re not just saying that! Because of a little thing called gravity, any allergens in your home will end up on the floor and in your rug—which you can then vacuum up!
Getting more specific, the best rugs for those that suffer from allergies are made from synthetic materials, like polypropylene and nylon. Flatweave styles are great, since they don’t trap particles like plush shags can. And we’d also recommend our washable rugs, since they can simply be thrown in the wash to get rid of any allergens.
