How to Remove Dog Pee Out of Rugs

After a long tiring day at work you come home only to have your nose bombarded with a horrid smell. You start your investigation to find the source of the foul odour and to your horror it is your favorite area rug carpet. Your beloved dog has peed on it while you were away. Upon further investigation you also find that this wasn't the only time your rug was used as an indoor bathroom. Now what do you do? First don't panic, I know easy to say not always easy to do. Grab some COTTON Towels, do not grab any cleaners or spot removers, just cotton towels.

Depending on if your rug is wool, synthetic, or another fiber type and if your rug is hand-knotted, hand tufted, or machine-made will decide how easily urine will be removed from your rug. These tips are at your own risk since I do not know your exact type of rug. Getting a professional WoolSafe area rug cleaner to deal with urine is always best.

The thing about pet urine is the older it is the harder it is to get out of area rugs. When you get a new puppy it almost guaranteed they will pee on your rugs, A LOT. Do not wait until your puppy is fully trained to get the rug taken care of. When you first notice that your rug is used as a bathroom get it professionally cleaned and afterward if you don't need to use the rug keep it stored away until your puppy is fully trained.

Another fact about your dog peeing on your rug is when you catch them doing it, it probably isn't the first time they have done it. Depending on the type of construction your rug has it may be hard to see where your dog has peed. The only real way to tell is to get to down and start smelling your rug. Dogs tend to like to pee in the corners, the middle of the rug if it isn't covered by furniture, near furniture legs and by entrance doors. A round or oval urine stain is from a female, and of course a splatter is from male.

When you do find that your rug is being used as an indoor bathroom this is what you can do:

• If the urine is fresh place cotton towel on the floor under where the urine is and take a folded white cotton towel and blot the spot by stepping on the towel all around the urine. When the towel has become too wet, use another clean, cotton towel and continue to step all over the spot until you are getting no more wetness on the towel. Check the towel underneath your rug to see if it is getting too wet. Change the towel as needed to protect your floor from the urine.
• Now dampen a towel with water and blot the top of the rug where the urine was. DO NOT RUB your rug in a circular motion. This causes pile distortion which is permanent. Keep the urine spot moist until you can get your rug to a professional wool safe area rug cleaner the next day.
• Do not wait days or weeks to get your rug taken care of. The longer the urine is in your rug the harder it is to remove. If you are unable to personally take the rug in see about getting the cleaners to pick it up.

When you have not seen your dog peeing on you rug, but find out from the odour, or you were moving the rug and noticed your floor has evidence of urine spots, there isn't much you can do to fix the rug yourself. When the urine is absorbed by your rug and is now dry and any efforts you make by applying miracle cleaners from bottles will completely ruin your valuable rugs.

The best and safest thing to do is get it to your WoolSafe area rug cleaners as soon as possible. Anything you may try can ruin your rug. Here at Luv-a-Rug Cleaners in Victoria BC, Canada we see rugs all the time that have been permanently damaged by DIY (Do-It-Yourself) cleaning. It isn't worth the hassle or expense to try to clean your rug yourself when it comes to urine removal or for that fact most spills.

Whenever you are in doubt call your professional area rug cleaners.

Since there are more than enough articles written about DIY rug and carpet cleaning here are some things to avoid using on area rugs:

• Baking Soda, it can discolour wool area rugs, plus it is not made for used on rugs
• Oxi-sprays, not made for any type of area rugs period! (read the fine print on the bottle, the risk is all yours)
• Hosing your rug with a power washer, can cause the pile to change texture, your rug to warp or worse your rug to start coming apart
• Any cleaners or spot removers that are not WoolSafe, if they don't say anything about being safe for wool they can cause permanent damage to your rugs
• Ammonia, it is not made to be used on area rugs
• Bleach and any cleaners with bleach, not made for use on rugs

Things that are safe to use on most rugs for spills:

• Water to dampen the area, not wet the area. getting some area rugs wet causes damage
• Salt to absorb red wine spills and most wet spills, make sure it is regular white salt, not a flavoured salt
• Oatmeal/ Quick Oats absorbs wet spills
• Vinegar mixed with water in a 2 parts water to 1 part vinegar for urine on wool rugs or if your rug bleeds dye easily
• A dry cleaning product called Host Sponges. Call around to carpet and rug cleaners to buy this moist cleaner that absorbs dirt. Made from corn husks and citrus. It is designed to clean your wall to wall carpet and is Wool safe

To help prevent your dog from starting to use your rugs as indoor bathrooms:

• Sprinkle your rugs with Pepper when you first put them down, either as a new rug or after it was cleaned. As long as the pepper doesn't get wet it won't stain your rugs and you can vacum it up after a couple of days. This is good to do when you get a puppy or a new dog in your house, and after you move to a new place.
• When you go away for vacation and have someone house-sitting roll up your rugs and put them in an unused room. Pets don't like their routines messed with and when you are not there they can act out of character and pee on your rugs.

Check the floor where your rug covers and the backs of your rugs if you suspect they may have been peed on. Whenever your dog stops following their regular bathroom routine it may because they found a more convenient place to go, your rugs.

There is no magic solution for urine removal at home. There are products made that promise you great results, but most cover up the odour and are not made for every fiber type used to make area rugs. The best thing to do is to get your rugs professionally cleaned as soon as you know they have been peed on. Pets will always seek out your rugs for their business because they are absorbent just like outdoors, even if you only own one rug they will target it.

Tag : rugs,bath rugs,area rugs,floor rugs Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_J_Morris

Classroom Rugs - Capture the Hearts and Minds of Children

Children today have so much vying for their attention that they are easily distracted when it comes to learning. It's just the times in which we live. Teaching children is tough and teachers and childcare professionals need all the help they can get when it comes to educating children. A classroom rug is one such teaching aid that is invaluable in the classroom. These bright and fun carpets come in many shapes, sizes, and themes. All geared to help the classroom teacher or daycare professional educate and inspire children of all ages.

Who uses Classroom Rugs?

Many classroom rugs on the market today have been designed with the preschool or elementary school teacher in mind. Also, faith-based rugs have made a big impact in private schools & churches. Educators that teach pre-k to elementary age children use alphabet rugs and number rugs to teach the early learning concepts. Plus, there are childrens rugs available to teach color and geometric shape recognition. Librarians and media specialist use library rugs and seating rugs at story time to organize the children for optimum quietness and order. There are even map rugs, bilingual rugs, and music rugs to teach kids geography, foreign languages, and music notes. Lastly, we know kids are full of energy and need playtime for good health and social interaction and to meet this need there are many play rugs on the market.

Classroom Carpets that Teach and Organize

Above we discussed who uses classroom rugs and briefly touched on how they are used, but let's take a deeper dive. Below is list of some of the common themes of classroom rugs currently available.

Alphabet Rugs - These are available with uppercase letters, lowercase letters, combination of both, and with images and letters. An alphabet rug will aid in letter recognition and phonics. Children's rugs with letters and images aid in letter association with a word --- for example, the letter "A" and a picture of an apple. Teachers can use an alphabet carpet to teach preschool and elementary school students the alphabet and reading. Learning this way is more fun and exciting than learning from sentence strips!

Number Rugs - With a number rug children will learn to recognize the numbers and learn to count. Some children's rugs come with both the alphabet and numbers. Teach children by having them walk to and stand on the number that is called out. Some carpets even come with simple math equations so that a teacher can start introducing children to math.

Seating Rugs - Seating classroom carpets usually come with colored squares or circles arranged in a grid or pattern and are designed to seat a certain number of children. Depending on your classroom size you can expect to seat up to 20 to 30 kids on one classroom carpet. The larger the carpet the more children you can seat. Seating rugs are great for circle time sharing or story time reading. A seating rug organizes the children in the classroom which translates into a calmer more peaceful atmosphere. Both teachers and librarians will love these rugs!

Shape and Color Rugs - Teach geometric shapes and color recognition. Elements of this theme of rugs is often found in some of the other classroom carpet types, but if you need to teach color and what a square, circle, triangle, oval, hexagon, etc. look like then pick one of these kids rugs.

Faith Based Rugs - A faith based rug usually includes elements of the above carpets, but also includes a religious teaching. If you teach in a Catholic school, Christian school, Jewish school, or church you will find a large selection of religious rugs to choose.

Bilingual Rugs - Today more than ever teaching another language is so important as different cultures come together. A bilingual rug in Spanish and English or French and English are available to teach either ESL kids English or English speaking children Spanish or French. Look for bilingual rugs that teach numbers, letters, colors, shapes, and word association. Some bilingual rugs teach several of these on the same carpet. What a fun way to learn another language & teach cultural diversity!

Map Rugs - Whether you are teaching geography or social studies a map rug is a great teacher's aid. Look for carpets that include all 50 U.S. States or a world rug that includes all the continents and their names. With a map rug children will learn U.S and world geography in a snap!

Play Rugs - When rainy days occur or kids need to be inside look to a play rug as a fun alternative. Although some play rugs can even be used outsides. Hopscotch rugs are a fun activity that most all kids will love. Also, road rugs that have city streets can be used for playing with toy cars and such. These carpets help kids learn fine motor skills, coordination, and balance.

Carpet Squares - Carpet squares and rounds can be found to be used with many of the rugs mentioned above. These usually are made in 12 inch squares or rounds with letters, numbers, shapes, animals, bilingual, phonics, etc. --- great for matching and playing games!

As teachers look for new, exciting, and fun ways to grab the attention of children and inspire them to learn, one option is to include classroom rugs as a teaching aide. There are many shapes, sizes, colors, and themes on the market that early childhood and elementary teachers, daycare centers, and churches can find that will fit their needs.

Tag : rugs,cheap rugs,clasroom rugs,outdoor rugs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeff_Cabaniss

An Easy Guide to Good Rug Care

When you choose an area rug for any room in your house, one of the things that you have to take into consideration is how to keep it clean. This does not only mean how to train the residents of your home not to spill things on it or to how to avoid damaging it, but how well it washes and how to keep it looking good for as long as possible.

Let's look at the various kinds of rugs and a selection of ways to look after them:

- No matter what your rug is made from, keep it away from direct sunlight. Rugs tend to fade very easily, especially if they are under a large window. If this is not always possible, then at least rotate it fairly often so that it is not left with unsightly, faded patches. Similarly, rotate the carpet every so often that it will also be trodden down on all sides, rather than in one direction, which could make it end up looking quite weird after a while.

- Vacuum your carpet or rug often to remove grit, which is anathema to any carpet, but don't overdo it as you could end up stretching the fibers, which is not a good idea. In most places, once a week is sufficient.

- Occasionally, you may feel a need to wash your rugs, though this should not be done too often. Obviously, the first thing that you need to do is read the washing instructions and then follow them absolutely religiously. Don't try to be too clever - you could end up messing up your rugs if you do.

- If you have a natural flokati rug, you are best off brushing it. However, if you wish to wash it, you are probably best off hand-washing it. The best way to do this is to put it in the bath and clean it with cool water and a very gentle wool detergent. Remember: hot water may cause shrinkage, so do not use it. Soak in the water, agitate by hand, and then rinse again with cool water. Hang the rug to dry in a place that is free of sunlight as this could cause damage.

- If you want to clean a bamboo rug, this may prove more difficult because excessive moisture could easily cause mold. But do not think it is impossible. Use some household detergent on a cloth, and wipe clean any marks or mildew. Otherwise, stick to dusting, sweeping, and shaking it out.

- Make sure that it is totally dry before placing it back down, especially if you have wood flooring as the moisture can damage both the floor and the rug.

- Whatever happens, and no matter what your rug is made from, it is always extremely important to clean away stains as soon as possible, before they set in and cause permanent damage to your rug.

Caring for your rug, therefore involves a lot of common sense more than anything else. Remember reading the manufacturer's instructions, as we mentioned above, so that the rug will not get ruined when you tried to clean it. Do your best to keep it clean, and put a lot of effort into it, and you will soon see some very positive results.

Tag : rugs,rug care,area rugs,cheap rugs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sacha_Megan_Miller

Use Traditional Rugs For A Classic Style

With more and more homes seeming to be kitted out with all the latest mod cons and having new-look contemporary decor installed in them, the need for more traditional rugs is obviously less apparent in these cases. However, these types of rug can be perfect if you want to steer away from the modern styles of chrome detailing and fresh, funky patterns. Choosing to go for a more classic style of rug can really help to create a defined look for any room in your home. Putting a bit of time and effort into your search is certainly worthwhile as you can create a great centrepiece for your room by finding the right product.

When you are looking for a less contemporary style of rug, using the internet can be a great way of cutting down on the time taken in your search. You will generally find that most online retailers will have a wide range of products available and you will be able to look through numerous colours, textures and materials. Clearly the choice that you end up making is going to ultimately depend on your own personal preference and the rest of the colour scheme and style of the room you are purchasing it for but whatever your preference you will have plenty of options.

By going online to look through the ranges you can easily compare a lot of different styles and get a good idea of exactly what is available. You will find that the majority of rugs that are on sale can be bought in a number of different sizes, this means that if you find something you like then you can get it in a size that is best suited for the room it is intended for.

A classic style within your home can be so much more elegant than the same old modern decor and furniture that can be found in so many houses. Getting the mix right can give your home a stylish look that can be hard to beat. Looking for traditional rugs to go in a particular room can help to bring the whole room together. A rug can either be used as the focal point of a room, it can be used to break up a bit of empty floor space or maybe to add a bit of extra style or comfort. Whatever your reason for buying a rug, finding the right one for your home is worth spending the time and effort.

Tag : rugs,area rugs,bathroom rugs,kitchen rugs,cheap rugs

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Roche

5 Steps to Area Rug Bliss - No More Wrinkles, Buckles and Bunching Ever Again

To ensure that your Area Rug experience is one of absolute joy and bliss, consider these 5 tips.

1. Buy a Decent Area Rug

Area Rugs are often bought as an impulse item. When you need a rug to accent your décor or to cover an ugly spot, don't give in to the temptation of buying a chain store special, based on color and price only. An area rug should be a well thought décor item, not a cheap after-thought. You don't have to break the bank. Most good quality wool fiber rugs are available in style and qualities that will fit most any budget. Fine quality wool fiber area rugs can be purchased Online and shipped right to your front door for about the same price as those chain store pretenders.

2. Buy a New Zealand Wool Fiber Area Rug

Wool Fiber that has been shorn from New Zealand sheep is the best fiber for an area rug. Why a New Zealand sheep? Because they have been bred to produce "carpet quality" wool fiber. An area rug of New Zealand wool fiber will be soft on the feet and extremely durable. Most stains are not a problem; simply blot gently with clear warm water for best results.

3. Make sure it is at least 12mm to 14mm pile density

An area rugs density will play an important role in its life and performance. A flimsy cotton or olefin (polypropylene) rug or a runner without a secondary backing is nothing but trouble. A rug without sufficient density will wrinkle, warp, buckle and bunch. Not to mention the battle for possession that takes place when you try to vacuum it. The vacuum almost always wins this battle as you try using your feet to keep it under submission and out of the suction tube. I don't know anyone who enjoys constantly adjusting and straightening their rugs. If you buy a rug with sufficient pile density (or weight) it will remain where you place it and behave when you vacuum. I prefer rugs of at least 12mm. Especially if they are to be placed over wall-to-wall carpet. Buy a dense rug and let gravity keep it in position and under control.

4. Cotton or Jute Backing is preferred

Although cotton or jute backing is preferred, many rugs are manufactured with a secondary backing. I prefer rugs that are woven without the secondary backing. Because you can tell if it's a good quality rug when you can detect the pattern of the rug while looking at it from the back. Whether a rug is machine-made or hand-knotted it has to be woven into something. Cotton or jute is preferred, but polypropylene mesh is fine when used in the backing of a rug (but never the face fiber). However; some rugs need that secondary backing to add density and weight. Also consider how the are rug is bonded. Single backed area rugs only need a small amount of latex to keep them bonded while secondary backing rugs need more latex to secure the backing material. If the rug maker uses synthetic latex for bonding, your nose will be happy. It will only have a new rug smell for a short period of time. If your rug maker uses a lot of real latex to secure a secondary backing, it will most likely stink of burnt rubber for years to come. Especially when the weather gets hot. Most noses and eyes are sensitive to real latex in larger doses. If you have chemical sensitivities, stick to single backed area rugs that don't use heavy applications of synthetic latex.

5. Don't place Heavy Furniture on your Area Rugs

Area rugs are often intended to define and delineate space. If your rug is too big for the area you are decorating you will be tempted to tuck the edges of the rug under your heavier pieces of furniture. When heavy furnishings are placed on an area rug they can often cause bunching and wrinkling where the furniture legs are indenting their selves into your rug. This can cause the most beautiful and expensive rugs to look cheesy and warped. Indents, wrinkles and warping of rugs from heavy furnishings can also become more permanent. To avoid costly rug repairs down the road, keep four to six inches of distance from heavy furniture. (Coffee tables are fine; sofas, hutches and entertainment systems are a definite no-no). Although not often. Some rug applications may result in the need for a dense and firm rug pad (or cushion). I always suggest the use of all-felt or synthetic all-felt rug pads.

Avoiding the hassles of wrinkles, buckles and bunching in your area rug is as easy as pie when you consider applying these 5 tips. Your new area rug can be a joy or a nightmare. Always buy good quality (not museum quality) New Zealand wool fiber area rugs with a single woven and bonded cotton or jute backing, and never place it under any heavy furniture. Follow these rules and your new area rug will be a joy for many years to come. Visit our web site for more about area rugs, home decor items and information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Beason

Buy Rug Runners And Feel Like Royalty

There are lots of concepts that you can use for your home design themes. However, if you really cannot let go of your childhood fantasies and you still want them to be fulfilled up to now, go ahead and choose a royalty like home design themes. There are lots of ways for you to achieve this. First of all, you have to make use of the best lighting effects. This is where you can really make your house stand out above others. If you choose the best lights that will transform your house, your guests will never believe that it is just the usual house they've seen before.

You also have to carefully choose your furniture and even your kitchenware. They will also be very crucial in making your house look like a real palace. Of course, don't forget to paint your house with elegant colors and place great wall paintings that are classic and historical.

To top it all, buy rug runners and place them on your stairs. Long rug runners are usually placed on stairs so that you will really feel like a king or queen moving up and down of your house from time to time. There also round rug runners placed in the middle of a living room. This becomes the focal point of your house. It will definitely be the center of everybody's attraction. When choosing for rug runners, make sure that you limit your choices only to elegant and classy designs. Don't choose the more contemporary ones since they might forfeit your goal. Don't worry since most designs available are really very regal and classic. These runners can be cheap or expensive depending on what you have chosen. Well, in any way, they are the best choice if you want a palace looking home. You can also buy area rugs that are of classic designs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_Dewsberry

A Rug in the Dining Room?

It's easy to assume that any area where food is consumed should have utilitarian, easy-to-clean flooring. However, an area rug in a dining room is one of the best ways to improve the look of an eating area. Whether the flooring is hardwood or wall to wall carpet, topping the existing floor with an area rug creates a warm and inviting space, in which eating is a pleasure.

Speaking practically, if a dining room has hardwood floors, a rug under the seating area will help protect the wood from the constant movement of dining chairs. Even with felt pads on the chair legs, the finish will become scuffed and eventually break down from the wear. If a dining room has wall to wall carpet, an area rug can help protect that investment from stains and wear as well; it's a great deal easier to replace a rug than to re-finish a hardwood floor or rip up wall-to-wall carpeting.

From an aesthetic view, an area rug is a wonderful way to anchor the seating area. If the dining room furniture is the centerpiece of the room, an area rug can act as a frame that pulls the eye in towards those pieces. Choosing a neutral rug with a border will help feature the dining furniture to best advantage. On the other hand, while a bold pattern can distract from the furnishings themselves, oftentimes, an eye-catching pattern can help give a sense of vitality to the room overall and become an excellent foundation for stunning decorating options.

Regardless of the style and features of the rug, it is essential to measure carefully - this is particularly true in the dining room. It is very important that the rug is large enough to allow each chair to be pulled fully from the table. If a dining area is meant to be a comfortable and welcoming place to gather and eat, the last thing a host or hostess wants is for guests to worry about snagging their chair on the rug! In most cases, a rug should extend at least 18 inches on all sides of the table; so, add three feet to the length and width of a dining room table to find the minimum dimensions of a dining room rug. If the dining table is round, add at least three feet to the diameter of the table.

After determining the minimum area rug size, home decorators may want to consider the maximum preferable size for their space. If a room is blessed with hardwood floors, choosing a smaller rug will allow more of the wood floor to shine. However, if the dining area has wall to wall carpeting, an area rug can be extended almost to the walls, depending on personal preference and the condition of the carpeting. Due to these particular considerations, custom-sized area rugs can be a convenient option when decorating a dining room. It is important that home decorators get what they want in the size they want!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tia_Crawford

Oriental Rug Cleaning - Choosing the Right Professional Area Rug Cleaning Company

You want to have your fine Oriental area rug looking great for many years to come, to enjoy its beauty and intricate design. The key to your area rug looking its best is to properly care for it, insuring your enjoyment and pleasure for generations. Oriental area rug experts uniformly agree that the best and most appropriate method of cleaning an Oriental area rug is to hand wash it in water and without harsh chemicals. This simple, yet effective method of cleaning has been used for centuries. Although time consuming, it certainly is well worth the effort.

Professionally washing your treasured Oriental area rug is your best assurance for its protection and longevity. Over time, soil, dirt, dust and sand accumulate in your rug, hasten wear and damage the fibers. Eventually, such a rug environment becomes very attractive to mold and moth larvae.

Although regular vacuuming is important to the health of your Oriental rug, it does not take the place of professional cleaning. A true professional Oriental area rug cleaner will not take chances with your valuable and valued rug. He will not expose your lovely rug to harsh chemicals or machine washing. Such delicate work must be done by hand by an experienced, well trained and professional rug cleaner that knows the differences in rug fibers, dyes and methods of production.

To choose the proper professional Oriental rug cleaners, there are certain questions you should ask. Listen carefully to the answers given, to make sure your rug will get the best and most appropriate care.

Questions to Ask an Area Rug Cleaner:

How long have you been in business, cleaning oriental, Persian and other fine rugs?

It is best to choose companies that have been in business for over 10 years and are focused on cleaning oriental, Persian and other fine rugs. Cleaning and repairing Oriental rugs is a combination of art and science and it takes time to acquire such fine expertise. There are quite a few carpet cleaning companies, dry cleaners, and other non professional businesses who claim to clean oriental rugs, but in any metropolitan area, there is only a limited number of companies that are truly specialized and qualified to do this type of work.

How much experience do the area rug cleaning professionals on your staff have?

Professional area rug cleaning businesses must have people experienced in cleaning as well as repair for over 3 to 5 years.

What specific training and certifications do your area rug cleaning professionals have? Do you have Certified Rug Cleaning Specialists certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)?

Certified Rug Cleaning Specialists must complete rigorous training and practice. They are trained in specific techniques that are applicable for each specific type of rug based on material (Wool, Silk, Sisal), design (Oriental, Modern, Transitional) or country of origin (such as Persia, India, China), and whether it is a machine made or handmade rug. Acquiring this certification is costly and shows that the company is serious about their business.

Are you a member, in good standing, of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?

Any reputable service company would register with the Better Business Bureau.

Is your company insured and bonded?

Area rugs may have high sentimental and monetary value. You want to make sure that while your rug is in the possession of the rug cleaning company, you are protected against the rug being stolen or damaged.

What steps are included in the cost of your service?

Typical steps should include inspection, dusting, cleaning, grooming and drying. Some companies have additional services they offer, such as moth repellent, fabric protector, custom rug pad installation, area rug repair and restoration.

What type of equipment do you use to clean area rugs?

While methods of cleaning depend on your particular rug, professional companies invest heavily in professional equipment. They typically have specialized dusting equipment, specialized drying facilities, as well as specialized washing equipment. Stay away from regular carpet cleaning companies who will just hose down your rug on the concrete floor and apply harsh chemicals. Even if it will not damage your rug, it certainly will not clean it.

Do you move furniture as part of the service cost? If so, are any pieces of furniture not typically moved?

Rugs can be damaged if heavy furniture is moved incorrectly.

Do you offer pick up and delivery? If so, does that service cover my zip code? How much does it cost?

Oriental rugs may be pretty heavy and not easy to transport. Typically, rug cleaning companies arrange the pickup and delivery. Some companies pick up and deliver free of charge.

Do you provide a guarantee for your service?

You want to make sure you rug will not be damaged. Make sure that company stands behind its promises.

Do you provide an in home quote prior to cleaning area rugs? Will that estimate be in writing? What issues might cause that estimate to increase or decrease?

Professional rug cleaners must provide an approximate quote before they pick up your rug. While the price may increase or decrease based on a further careful evaluation at the rug cleaning plant, you must be notified about it as soon as possible.

What method of area rug cleaning do you recommend for my rug?

Give the professional rug cleaner as much information as you can about our area rug: the fiber it is made of (Wool, Silk, Sisal, Nylon.. ), country of origin, whether it is handmade or machine made. The more information you provide the rug cleaning company, the more specific and comprehensive the cleaning plan for your rug will be.

Can your process and equipment remove urine, dust, stains from my area rugs?

Specify what kind of contamination you have on your rug. Don't worry about saying words like dog urine, spills, dirt, dust or anything else that may be on your rug. Professional rug cleaners are trained experts and they would be able to tell you what they can and cannot clean. Professional area rug cleaning might be able to remove dust, dirt, odors, urine and stains. A professional rug cleaner must be up front with you about what he can and cannot do.

Do you offer rug repairs?

Professional rug cleaners are very likely to offer rug repairs as part of their services. Stay away from companies that don't provide this service. This may signal that they are not specialized Oriental rug cleaning experts. Professional rug repairs might include fringe repair, edge serging, edge binding, rug patching and rug reweaving.

When you have complete and satisfactory answers to the above questions, chances are you have found a quality Oriental area rug cleaning professional. Once you schedule an area rug cleaning and find it satisfactory, schedule a regular cleaning session once every year or so, depending on foot traffic and general abuse your Oriental area rug is subjected to.

Oriental area rugs are sturdier than you may think. They do need periodic washing, vacuuming and rotating to prevent uneven wear and sunlight damage. However, as you care for and maintain your Oriental rug, you will enjoy the results for a lifetime.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shane_Hobbs

Area Rugs 4x6: Choosing the Right Size of Area Rugs

There are plenty of areas in your home where you can place area rugs in order to provide a whole new and attractive look. Area rugs are excellent in making your home look warm and cozy but this does not mean that you can just pick any types and sizes of area rugs in order to change the look of a particular area in your home. Among all aspects related to area rugs, choosing the right size is as important as choosing the right pattern and color. For you to be able to get the area rug that will best fit its proposed location, you need to be able to know the perfect size of the area rug you need to purchase. Area rugs can come in a variety of size starting from area rugs 4x6 up to 9x12.

The reason why it is very important to have the right size of area rugs because choosing the wrong one can drastically change the appearance of the room, for example, if you will be using area rugs 4x6 on a big living room, the small size of the area rug will be highlighted. Using a bigger area rug on a smaller room will also make it look crowded and vice versa. If your purpose of purchasing area rugs is to place it either in the kitchen or in your bathroom, area rugs 4x6, 3x5, and 2x3 will be sufficient enough to meet your requirements. These sizes are the standard dimension for these areas in your home and for the much larger rooms like the living and dining rooms, rugs with dimensions of nine by twelve, eight by ten, and five by eight is enough. For your bedrooms, a four by six area rug is suitable.

Before you start shopping for area rugs, it is recommended that you first get the exact measurements of the area where you will be placing your rugs. You can mark the important areas and evaluate the volume of space in the particular room. You also need to know where you need to place the area rug you will be purchasing and evaluate whether it is feasible to place an area rug in that particular area. If not, find another space where are rugs can be best placed.

You need to know that a larger space might prove it difficult to find an area rug with the appropriate size. Today’ market makes it more available for smaller rugs due to its affordability and people seldom look for or buy large area rugs for their homes. If you are really intent on purchasing a large area rug, you can look for rug suppliers and dealers and inquire if they accept custom made area rugs to meet your exact specification. You can browse online for area rug dealers and before deciding on one, give it some time to compare prices from various dealers you can find. This can help you to find a dealer that can provide you with an affordable area rug with the exact size that you want.

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Oriental Rug Cleaning - Choosing the Right Professional Area Rug Cleaning Company

You want to have your fine Oriental area rug looking great for many years to come, to enjoy its beauty and intricate design. The key to your area rug looking its best is to properly care for it, insuring your enjoyment and pleasure for generations. Oriental area rug experts uniformly agree that the best and most appropriate method of cleaning an Oriental area rug is to hand wash it in water and without harsh chemicals. This simple, yet effective method of cleaning has been used for centuries. Although time consuming, it certainly is well worth the effort.

Professionally washing your treasured Oriental area rug is your best assurance for its protection and longevity. Over time, soil, dirt, dust and sand accumulate in your rug, hasten wear and damage the fibers. Eventually, such a rug environment becomes very attractive to mold and moth larvae.

Although regular vacuuming is important to the health of your Oriental rug, it does not take the place of professional cleaning. A true professional Oriental area rug cleaner will not take chances with your valuable and valued rug. He will not expose your lovely rug to harsh chemicals or machine washing. Such delicate work must be done by hand by an experienced, well trained and professional rug cleaner that knows the differences in rug fibers, dyes and methods of production.

To choose the proper professional Oriental rug cleaners, there are certain questions you should ask. Listen carefully to the answers given, to make sure your rug will get the best and most appropriate care.

Questions to Ask an Area Rug Cleaner:

How long have you been in business, cleaning oriental, Persian and other fine rugs?

It is best to choose companies that have been in business for over 10 years and are focused on cleaning oriental, Persian and other fine rugs. Cleaning and repairing Oriental rugs is a combination of art and science and it takes time to acquire such fine expertise. There are quite a few carpet cleaning companies, dry cleaners, and other non professional businesses who claim to clean oriental rugs, but in any metropolitan area, there is only a limited number of companies that are truly specialized and qualified to do this type of work.

How much experience do the area rug cleaning professionals on your staff have?

Professional area rug cleaning businesses must have people experienced in cleaning as well as repair for over 3 to 5 years.

What specific training and certifications do your area rug cleaning professionals have? Do you have Certified Rug Cleaning Specialists certified by the IICRC (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)?

Certified Rug Cleaning Specialists must complete rigorous training and practice. They are trained in specific techniques that are applicable for each specific type of rug based on material (Wool, Silk, Sisal), design (Oriental, Modern, Transitional) or country of origin (such as Persia, India, China), and whether it is a machine made or handmade rug. Acquiring this certification is costly and shows that the company is serious about their business.

Are you a member, in good standing, of the BBB (Better Business Bureau)?

Any reputable service company would register with the Better Business Bureau.

Is your company insured and bonded?

Area rugs may have high sentimental and monetary value. You want to make sure that while your rug is in the possession of the rug cleaning company, you are protected against the rug being stolen or damaged.

What steps are included in the cost of your service?

Typical steps should include inspection, dusting, cleaning, grooming and drying. Some companies have additional services they offer, such as moth repellent, fabric protector, custom rug pad installation, area rug repair and restoration.

What type of equipment do you use to clean area rugs?

While methods of cleaning depend on your particular rug, professional companies invest heavily in professional equipment. They typically have specialized dusting equipment, specialized drying facilities, as well as specialized washing equipment. Stay away from regular carpet cleaning companies who will just hose down your rug on the concrete floor and apply harsh chemicals. Even if it will not damage your rug, it certainly will not clean it.

Do you move furniture as part of the service cost? If so, are any pieces of furniture not typically moved?

Rugs can be damaged if heavy furniture is moved incorrectly.

Do you offer pick up and delivery? If so, does that service cover my zip code? How much does it cost?

Oriental rugs may be pretty heavy and not easy to transport. Typically, rug cleaning companies arrange the pickup and delivery. Some companies pick up and deliver free of charge.

Do you provide a guarantee for your service?

You want to make sure you rug will not be damaged. Make sure that company stands behind its promises.

Do you provide an in home quote prior to cleaning area rugs? Will that estimate be in writing? What issues might cause that estimate to increase or decrease?

Professional rug cleaners must provide an approximate quote before they pick up your rug. While the price may increase or decrease based on a further careful evaluation at the rug cleaning plant, you must be notified about it as soon as possible.

What method of area rug cleaning do you recommend for my rug?

Give the professional rug cleaner as much information as you can about our area rug: the fiber it is made of (Wool, Silk, Sisal, Nylon.. ), country of origin, whether it is handmade or machine made. The more information you provide the rug cleaning company, the more specific and comprehensive the cleaning plan for your rug will be.

Can your process and equipment remove urine, dust, stains from my area rugs?

Specify what kind of contamination you have on your rug. Don't worry about saying words like dog urine, spills, dirt, dust or anything else that may be on your rug. Professional rug cleaners are trained experts and they would be able to tell you what they can and cannot clean. Professional area rug cleaning might be able to remove dust, dirt, odors, urine and stains. A professional rug cleaner must be up front with you about what he can and cannot do.

Do you offer rug repairs?

Professional rug cleaners are very likely to offer rug repairs as part of their services. Stay away from companies that don't provide this service. This may signal that they are not specialized Oriental rug cleaning experts. Professional rug repairs might include fringe repair, edge serging, edge binding, rug patching and rug reweaving.

When you have complete and satisfactory answers to the above questions, chances are you have found a quality Oriental area rug cleaning professional. Once you schedule an area rug cleaning and find it satisfactory, schedule a regular cleaning session once every year or so, depending on foot traffic and general abuse your Oriental area rug is subjected to.

Oriental area rugs are sturdier than you may think. They do need periodic washing, vacuuming and rotating to prevent uneven wear and sunlight damage. However, as you care for and maintain your Oriental rug, you will enjoy the results for a lifetime.

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Area Rug Buyers Guide

When you begin decorating your home there are some important factors to consider. Your floors will usually be the foundation for your design. An authentic hand made area rug can visually integrate or harmonize diverse elements in any decor or can reenergize a room.

Below are various factors to consider for purchasing & decorating with an oriental rug:

1. Size of the Rug - Area to be covered

Size up the room and the area you want to cover.

The most common area rug sizes are 4-by-6 and 6-by-9 feet. They work well under a coffee table.

An 8-by-10-foot area rug or larger can cover an entire room.

Smaller area and scatter rugs can be ideal for adorning smaller spaces--a hearth! , a bedside, the area in front of a kitchen sink--with a splash of colo r and warmth.

2. In the Home

Living Room

In a living room the area rug would most likely be placed in front of the sofa and under the coffee table

To place a room-sized area rug on a hardwood floor, choose an area rug which allows eight inches (twenty centimeters) of wood to be exposed around the rug's perimeter.

Measure the open space up to the sofa and chairs making sure that the individual seated will have both feet on the area rug.

More than one area rug is acceptable.

Dining Room

There should be room to pull the chairs out from the table with the back legs of the chairs remaining on the area rug.

Stairs

Look for Busy & Dark patterns

Dark wool rugs are great for this

Hallways & Entrances

Dense Patterns

Wool pile (Most durable) with cotton foundation (strong and does not loose shape) is ideal.

Very light colors are not suggested

Bedroom

Do not recommend a room size Persian/Oriental area rug for the bedroom. Most of the pattern will be hidden under the bed in the dark making the rug prone to moth damage.

Instead, use multiple area rugs. A rug at the foot of the bed and two on each side Or use several scatter rugs to fill areas around the bed as needed. It will actually cost less and compliment your furnishings better.

3. FURNISHINGS

Begin with the end in mind. Visualize the finished look of the room. Do you prefer the sparse, uncluttered look or you have a room rich with colors and textures?

Remember that a rug is th! e largest splash of color in any room. Select your rug first, and then the upholstery to blend with the rug. Furniture should enhance the rug design or colors found in the rug

Next comes window treatment and walls; neutral shades are recommended.

Elements of a rug design can be further incorporated into the overall design scheme. For example, if the rug is floral, add framed prints or flowers in similar colors.

Conversely, should your focal point be furniture, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patterns. Patterns can be mixed if they are coordinated by color.

Don't get discouraged if you are having problems finding an area rug to blend in with your decor. We suggest you surf NatureRugs.com for the vast variety of Rugs that will suit your situation. For some reason, Jaipur & Agra Rug designs and colors tend to work with many fabrics.

4. Using Multiple Area Rugs

Should you use one rug or two?

• One rug is the general rule as it coordinates the room together and helps select fabrics for furniture, curtains, etc.
• In a very large room, more than one rug can be used to separate the room. The designs of the rugs should be different enough to create spatial separation, but similar in color and quality to maintain the integrity of the room space.

Two or more rugs should complement each other

• One needs to be dominant in size
• They should be similar in at least design/color/size
• Smaller rugs should not look like clones

5. Color

If redecorating an already furnished room, choose a rug to pick up the colors used in your furnishing patterns

Paint or paper the walls in colors found in the rug when color coordinating.

Look for a rug that is commonality with the existing color of the walls.

A rug with a bold, overall design can be the focal point of a room with a chair and sofa in solid or subdued patterns.

Light colored rugs make a room look more spacious, and deeper colors lend coziness to a room.

6. Durability

For floor rugs wool is usually a preferred choice as it resists daily wear better than synthetics. Wool has many wonderful qualities- deep, rich color tones, high durability and relative ease of care. For more information you can read article Advantages of Wool over Synthetic Fibers.

Silk rugs are better used for walls, throws etc. Living rooms are ideal to showcase silk rugs.

Chromium dyes are strong and deliver consistency and durability of color.

Vegetable dyes give the rug a patina of color, a casual look that is very attractive.

7. Shape

Let your decorating style determine your rug shape.

Don't be limited to the idea of getting a rectangular rug.

A circular or octagonal-shaped floor covering can add flair and elegance.

8. What is the dealer return policy?

You should at least have one week risk free trial period to experience the rug. You can test the wool texture, dye quality (take a moistened paper towel and run it along the edges & center, the dye should not bleed out) & see if it fits into your home décor.

Other considerations:

Medallion design area rugs should be centered in the room & directly under the chandelier

Don't select a busy area rug if the room's color scheme and patterns are busy as well.

Keep your family safe by making su! re that rug corners do not extend into high traffic areas.

Watch out for the fringe. If the rug you like has fringe, make sure it's sewn on well, and very carefully use the vacuum cleaner.

Look at the back of a rug, as this will usually tell if it is machine or handmade. If the fibers are stiff and run straight up and down, it's a machine rug.

When buying oriental rugs, avoid going-out-of-business sales and auctions where sellers aren't likely to be around later if your rug has a problem

In all rooms try to avoid having the corner of the rug end up in the middle of the doors or archway openings.

For smaller rooms, a small pattern is more appropriate. It gives the appearance of a larger room.

If you're looking for absolute perfection, don't buy a handmade area rug. Expensive hand-made rugs are not squared off as properly as imitation machine-made reproductions. Also read Article Hand Knotted vs! . Machine Made Rugs.

Don't underestimate the value of an underlay. Not only will it absorb the impact of feet and noise, it will reduce wear and tear on the rug and make vacuuming easier.

It is recommended to rotate rugs end for end on a yearly basis to equalize wear.

Oriental rugs fade, as does upholstery. Avoid direct sunlight.

Another recommendation is to have rugs cleaned professionally periodically by a reputable cleaner

To meet Federal Trade Commission requirements Persian/ Oriental rug dealers label each rug with its country of origin and the distributor's business name. Labels having the words Indo-, Sino- or Pak-, for instance, would indicate that a rug came from India, China or Pakistan respectively.

Rugs are called 'tribal" if they are woven by nomadic groups.

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