How to Clean a Sisal Rug

Sisal rugs, derived from Agave Sisalana plant fibers in Central America, get stained, soiled and stepped on just like any other rug. Cleaning a sisal rug is easier than it looks—or sounds! (Sisal is pronounced see-szal or sai-szal.) Just bear in mind the following tips, and you too can have a sparkling clean yet ruggedly natural sisal rug.

Sisal is harvested and stripped for their durable fibers, thus making an extremely flexible, strong rug. But while your rug may be hearty, it can still be affected by external forces. When it comes to cleaning, clean your rug with care to avoid surface damage and uneven coloring. Don’t clean your rug with an excess amount of liquid; sisal rugs tend to shrink when this happens. Keep your rug away from moisture or areas high in humidity. The wetness can distort your area rug, warping it into a shadow of its former self. Instead, keep your rug in its current shape by lying it down in a dry place, preferably an area where spills are less likely to occur. If you spill on your area rug, clean it as quickly as possible by blotting it with a dry cloth and without rubbing the liquid into the fiber. Say you spill something that could stain—clean your sisal rug with a mild soap and water solution. Alternatively, you could a half vinegar half water solution, or try spot cleaning with a cleaning product recommended by your rug’s manufacturer. Dip the cloth in the soapy substance and blot the rug, but keep in mind to blot it dry afterwards. And remember to use a small amount at a time so your rug doesn’t absorb the liquid. Repeat on the underside of the rug if you need to.

Clean off dry materials like dirt by scraping them off with a blunt edge, like a wooden knife. Special cleaning powders for sisal rugs are useful as well. Remember to vacuum your rug regularly so you pick up accrued dirt and such right away. Vacuuming frequently also prolongs the life of the rug because dirt embedded into the rug can destroy the rug fibers. Even all the durability of a sisal rug can’t save itself from poor maintenance. If you’re truly concerned that your rug is looking less than perfect, many manufacturers suggest dry cleaning. Check with the manufacturer first, and be sure not to wet-shampoo or steam clean your rug! Again, all that excess wetness will pucker your rug into something unrecognizable. Sisal rug are tough, robust, and versatile—but only if you let them be. Spot clean when necessary and keep your sisal rug dry, and you’ll be enjoying it for years to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/how-to-clean-a-sisal-rug-227465.html

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

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

Care And Use Of Traditional Rugs

One should make use of traditional rugs as they reduce noise pollution and loss of heat through the floor. Traditional rugs also provide comfort for sitting and lying compared to a hard wooden floor. However rugs needs to be cleaned regularly and they are hard to maintain compared to a hard floor. On a hard floor all you may need to do is clean up the surface with a mop. This is not possible on a floor with a traditional rug. Further the biggest hurdle lies in the maintenance of the rug. Stain can be caused very easily on traditional rugs by spilled drinks. Traditional rugs also tend to absorb fur from your pets. Traditional rugs are to be cleaned regularly by a vacuum cleaner to prevent dust from accumulating on the surface and below the surface. If your traditional rug happens to be a dark color or a single uniform color without any designs, then the dust particles are likely to show up against the background. Dust collected on these rugs is a cause for allergy to asthmatic patients.

When making use of traditional rugs, it is advisable to make use of traditional rug cushions, especially when using the rug on the floor. This not only increases the life of your traditional rug but also gives it a classic look.

Plastic foams are best cushions for traditional rugs because they do not stain your traditional rugs as well as floor. Plastic cushions also provide good wear protection. Jute, waffle and rubber pad should not be used as traditional rugs cushions.

Be sure to flip your traditional rug regularly. This distributes the wear and fading both sides on the traditional rugs. Your traditional rugs should be inspected regularly for insects. Insects like beetle can damage your traditional rugs. Inspect your rug regularly for damage by insects and treat your rug for moths. As mentioned earlier, vacuuming your traditional rugs is necessary periodically. When making use of your vacuum cleaner, be sure to use it without the beater bar.

If you’re traditional rugs get dirty due to accidental spills, clean the spill immediately. Immediate cleaning will prevent permanent staining taking place on your traditional rugs. Train your pets to let up outside the house only. Pet wetting causes stains that are not easily removable. Don’t let your pets chew up part of the rug, this damages the rug and treasured weaving of your traditional rugs get damaged due to the chewing. If you’re traditional rugs happens to get wet, and then dry it as fast as possible, possibly with a blow dryer. Do not put the heater on. Wetting the traditional rug is likely to cause irreparable damage to your rug. You should try to keep your traditional rug from getting wet. For this follow a few golden rules:-

Rule 1: Do let your pets wet the rug.

Rule 2: Do not keep any flower pots on the rug. (The prolonged moisture from the plant and mildew is likely to drain into the rug thereby damaging it)

Rule 3: If you find that your rug is dirty try to clean it only by specified methods. Do not wet clean the rug.

Rule 4: Do not stem clean your rug or clean it by any automated means.

If you happen to notice any damage to the rug that is caused by fraying or normal wear and tear, get the area repaired. Leaving a fray or wear unattended will reduce the value of the rug and will give the rug a bad look. A little care and cautiousness preserves the value of your traditional rugs and prevent major damage to your traditional rugs. Your traditional rug will serve you well if you give it a little care and attention.

Published At: www.Isnare.com
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A Consumer's Guide to Oriental Rug Care

Area rugs have gained significant market share over the past decade. As more consumers remove carpeting in favor of hard surfaces such as wood, ceramic tile, laminates, and stone, rug ownership in the US has skyrocketed. Ken Snow, President of The Original Hagopian, a flooring and rug retailer and cleaning company in Michigan says: "We sell and maintain carpet, wood, laminate flooring, and Area rugs. We've noticed a proportional increase in rug sales and a general decline in wall-to-wall carpet sales over the past decade." Snow continues: "Consumers love the beauty and resilience of hard floors, but still want aesthetic contrast in color and texture as well as a bit of warmth and softness under their feet. Because of these needs, area rugs are the perfect companion to hard flooring surfaces."

Considerations

With more rugs in homes and businesses, cleaning and maintaining them has become a growing concern amongst consumers. Before delving into proper care, it's important to identify the basic construction of the rug. There are two main categories of rugs: Synthetic and Natural. There are also rugs which are created with both synthetic and natural materials and these are referred to as "Blends". Cleaning and caring for synthetic rugs is very similar to Cleaning and caring for installed carpet, so for purposes of this Consumer's Guide to Oriental rug care we'll stick with Oriental-style rugs constructed of natural materials.

When discussing synthetic and natural rugs, it's important to understand that the face fibers (the "up" side of the rug) or foundation/backing may be synthetic, natural, or both. For example, a "Wool rug" usually describes the face fibers; however the backing may be synthetic or natural. Both the backing and face fibers are of equal concern to the Oriental rug cleaner. It's safer to clean any rug with the Cleaning solution and method designed for the most sensitive part of the rug. Generally speaking, synthetic materials aren't as sensitive as natural materials. Therefore in the "Wool rug" example above, even if the rug has a synthetic backing, it's safer to treat the entire rug as a Wool rug. More about Cleaning solutions and methods below.

rug Construction

Wool is the most popular naturally-constructed material found in the face fibers of Oriental style rugs. Other natural rug face fiber materials consist of cotton, silk, grass (sisal, jute), animal skins, and even obscure materials including leather and paper. If you are the owner of an animal skin, silk, grass, leather, or paper rug, I highly suggest you send your rug to a qualified Oriental rug cleaning company for proper Cleaning. These rugs are extremely difficult to clean by consumers and permanent damage will occur if cleaned improperly.

Dry Soil Removal

A high quality Oriental rug should last a lifetime and the best way to help it last a lifetime is by vacuuming often. How often depends on usage. Generally speaking once a week is often enough, however if pets walk on the rug or the rug receives a high amount of foot traffic, vacuuming once or twice a day may be required. Dense Oriental rugs have a tendency to hide micro-soiling and sand that builds up in the foundation. Over time these fine dry soils will prematurely wear the rug.

Lesser quality rugs, especially some hand-tufted inexpensive rugs, (usually made in China, Pakistan and India) may shed face fibers quite a bit during vacuuming. This is normal for this type of rug. Unfortunately these inexpensive Oriental rugs will probably not last a lifetime unless not walked on.

Fringe care

If your rug has fringe, please do NOT use a vacuum with a beater bar attached to it. Instead either gently brush the fringe with a brush designed for fringe, or use an attachment on your vacuum without a beater bar to remove dry soil from fringe. As the owner of a rug cleaning company with well over 10,000 rug cleanings successfully completed, the number one complaint we see from consumers is premature fringe wear caused by the consumer vacuuming the fringe with a beater bar.

Spot and Spill Cleanup

Inevitably there will come a time that you spill something on your Oriental rug or notice a spot from something that was tracked in on it. It's best to immediately blot or scoop up the excess spot or spill, if possible. I recommend using a dry WHITE cotton terry towel or white paper towels to remove the majority of the spot or spill. If you choose a towel that is not white, there is a strong possibility the color of the towel will transfer to the rug.

Before using ANY spot cleaner on a rug (including merely water), it's best to test in a small and inconspicuous Area. Unfortunately there may not be an inconspicuous Area to test, especially on a smaller rug. If this is the case test it near the edge of the rug since it's usually less noticeable than the center if the test reveals color loss or texture change. If you notice a color change, bleeding, or texture change, STOP and call a professional qualified rug Cleaning company for assistance.

After blotting and testing according to the instructions above, first attempt to remove any remaining spot with tap water. Do not soak the rug. Simply dampen a white terry towel or paper towel with water and blot, never rub. If you don't notice any improvement, the safest solution to use as a general spot cleaner is to mix 32 oz of tap water and 1 teaspoon of liquid Dawn or Ivory hand dishwashing soap. Do NOT use automatic dishwasher soap or laundry detergents as many of these products contain optical brighteners or harsh chemicals that may ruin the rug.

Cleaning

Dry soil and spot removal are important maintenance steps to take between thorough cleanings, but Oriental rugs do need to be thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis. Generally speaking cleaning the entire rug once a year is sufficient, but if the rug has a lot of foot traffic, is susceptible to spills and spots, or pets and kids use the rug often, the rug may need to be thoroughly cleaned every 3 to 6 months. There are several ways to clean a rug and it's well beyond the scope of this Consumer's Guide to determine the best method in every case. Having said this, the most thorough cleaning is accomplished by the Immersion Method. Immersion is accomplished by scrubbing the rug under water and safely wringing out the excess water and soil with a roller system, speed drying the rug, and addressing the fringe. I do not suggest consumers attempt to Immerse their Oriental rugs due to the many complications that can arise including bleeding, foundation shrinkage, degradation from being wet too long, and many other concerns. Please check online at IICRC Locate-a-Pro Website to locate a qualified professional rug cleaner.

Rug Padding

High quality Oriental rugs are built extremely strong and can endure many years of use. To help rugs last even longer, help make them softer on the feet, and to provide in-place stability, the use of a high quality rug pad is highly recommended. There are several types of rug pads to consider and the selection of the right pad is dependent on the surface the rug will cover and thickness of the rug.

Conclusion

When properly maintained, high quality Oriental rugs provide a lifetime of beauty and use. By following the steps above your Oriental rug should last forever. If you have any questions about proper Oriental rug care, please contact me via email at the address below.

Tag : rugs,oriental rugs,rug care,consumer,area rugs

Rug Pads - A Worthwhile Investment For Your Oriental Rug, Or a Waste of Money?

This may seem like a silly question, but if you have just spent a load of money on a very expensive hand-knotted Oriental Rug, the last thing you want to do is drop a few hundred more on a rug pad that no-one will ever see! But, ask yourself this, if you purchased a new car, would you skip the oil changes? Of course not, as everyone knows, changing your oil prolongs the life of your engine and helps you get the most out of your car. A rug pad can serve the same purpose for your rug.

Believe it or not, a rug usually wears out faster on the bottom of your rug than on the top. This is because the bottom of your rug is crushed against the hard floor. A rug pad cushions your rug and acts as a buffer, keeping it from being constantly smashed.

Another reason your rug can wear out faster on the bottom is because hand-knotted rugs have an open weave. Even if you have a hand knotted rug with a high number of knots per square inch and have difficultly seeing the holes, they are there. Over time, dirt drops down between the holes to lie underneath your rug. If you don't have anything underneath your rug, this dirt will just sit there and grind away at the bottom of your rug as it is walked on. A rug pad helps significantly - if you have an open cell pad, it will trap the dirt and hold it away from the rug. If you have a closed cell pad, the dirt is held and cushioned - it's not constantly ground against the hard floor.

Speaking of dirt, a rug pad can also help keep your rug clean. When vacuuming your rug, having your rug held off the floor will bring air underneath your rug, helping your vacuum be more efficient and your rug looking great.

What about safety? Have you ever walked on a rug - especially on a runner - and have it slip underneath you? Have you ever tripped on a curled up edge of a rug walking into a room? In these days of ready law-suits, the last thing you want is a hazard waiting to happen - most importantly to keep you and your family safe, but also to prevent unfortunate accidents for guests. A rug pad helps your rug "stick" to the floor, keeping it in place, and making it safer for everyone.

While safety and protecting your rug are the most important reasons to invest in a good quality rug pad, there are a number of other reasons:

o Protects your floor from being scratched by the bottom of your rug - often, rugs are built on a backing of unfinished cotton or wool. Over time, friction can rub through the finish of your floor.

o Protects your floor from any potential staining. Depending on what kind of dye was used in the making of your oriental rug, if you spill something on it, dye may be transferred to your floor.

o Comfort! Ever stand on a hard floor all day? A thick rug pad will make you feel like you are walking on air.

I hope you are now convinced that a rug pad is a good idea. Your oriental rug should last for generations - make sure you get the most out of it!

So, now you have decided to purchase a rug pad - what kind should you get? Well, your pad should be selected for your floor, not for your rug. There are different rug pads for hard surfaces such as ceramic or hardwood, for various types of carpets, and for indoor or outdoor use. There are even special types of open cell rug pads for use over floors that have radiant heating to allow heat to freely flow up through the pad and rug.

Once you've selected the type most suitable for your floor, you have to measure your rug carefully. You don't want the rug pad to show, so it should be cut to be at least 1/2" smaller all the way around. And one final tip, when laying your rug pad down, make sure you read the instructions to ensure you are putting the right side down - some pads have different textures on the bottom to help it grip better to the floor!

Tag : rugs,rug pads,oriental rug,area rugs,outdoor rugs

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

Fixing a Damaged Rug – How it Works

Oriental rugs require special care and professionals who understand the types of patterns and dyes that went into making your unique imported rug. If your rugs become damaged or torn, you need a professional who can repair your rug and recreate the beauty of the original style. But what goes into professional Austin rug weaving and what do they do with your heirloom rugs?

Most professional Austin rug weavers are experts at both cleaning and repairing your treasured possessions and have the experience necessary to take great care of your rug. Keep in mind, though, that cleaning and repairing are two very different processes. Although both require intricate knowledge of the history of your unique rug, professional rug weaving and repair requires weavers who understand the intricacies of the patterns. A quality professional rug weaver can match the weave and texture of your rug without any color or pattern variations.

When a professional Austin rug weaver takes your rug, they usually clean it first, removing all loose dirt and debris from the fibers. Cleaning a rug prior to repair can help decrease the amount of damage done to the wool or silk fibers and help the professionals find any other damage or repair that you may have missed. After removing loose dirt, professional teams usually hand clean the carpet and inspect it, making notes for the individual or team of individuals who will mostly likely conduct the repairs.

You'll need to make sure that the professional Austin rug weaving and repair teams employ individuals who have experience in the type of work and weaves that your rug requires. No two rugs are alike and most professional rug weaving and repair services use master weavers who have experience in matching the weave and patterns of various different rugs. You'll also want to make sure that these Austin rug repair companies are confident in matching not only patterns and knots, but also the fibers and dyes of your unique rug.

Some Austin rug weaving repair team employs a master weaver, like the ones at Kiwi Austin rug weaving. These individuals have been specially trained to match the weave, texture, pattern, and dyes of thousands of different regions around the world. They hand match each component of your rug to ensure seamless repairs and restore the luster and color of your treasured rugs.

Every rug is unique and different. Each one combines dyes, patterns, and colors that define the region of origin and the time period in which it was produced. In order to keep your rug looking great, you need to trust only the professionals who have employed Master Weavers, like the ones with the Kiwi Austin rug weaving team. If you need professional rug cleaning or rug weaving, trust your treasures to the professionals and those who understand the importance and heritage of your unique rug. As questions and research the team prior to signing a contract and make sure they employ individuals who can recreate the beauty of your rug without compromising the integrity of the fibers or dye.

Only perfectly matched Master Weavers and rug restoration professionals, like those at Kiwi Services, can produce the seamless results you want. Research the Austin rug weaving, rug repairOriental rug Weavers services in your area and ask appropriate questions to make sure their teams and services match the needs and requirements of your rug. and

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/fixing-a-damaged-rug-how-it-works-431179.html

Rug Pads - A Worthwhile Investment For Your Oriental Rug, Or a Waste of Money?

This may seem like a silly question, but if you have just spent a load of money on a very expensive hand-knotted Oriental Rug, the last thing you want to do is drop a few hundred more on a rug pad that no-one will ever see! But, ask yourself this, if you purchased a new car, would you skip the oil changes? Of course not, as everyone knows, changing your oil prolongs the life of your engine and helps you get the most out of your car. A rug pad can serve the same purpose for your rug.

Believe it or not, a rug usually wears out faster on the bottom of your rug than on the top. This is because the bottom of your rug is crushed against the hard floor. A rug pad cushions your rug and acts as a buffer, keeping it from being constantly smashed.

Another reason your rug can wear out faster on the bottom is because hand-knotted rugs have an open weave. Even if you have a hand knotted rug with a high number of knots per square inch and have difficultly seeing the holes, they are there. Over time, dirt drops down between the holes to lie underneath your rug. If you don't have anything underneath your rug, this dirt will just sit there and grind away at the bottom of your rug as it is walked on. A rug pad helps significantly - if you have an open cell pad, it will trap the dirt and hold it away from the rug. If you have a closed cell pad, the dirt is held and cushioned - it's not constantly ground against the hard floor.

Speaking of dirt, a rug pad can also help keep your rug clean. When vacuuming your rug, having your rug held off the floor will bring air underneath your rug, helping your vacuum be more efficient and your rug looking great.

What about safety? Have you ever walked on a rug - especially on a runner - and have it slip underneath you? Have you ever tripped on a curled up edge of a rug walking into a room? In these days of ready law-suits, the last thing you want is a hazard waiting to happen - most importantly to keep you and your family safe, but also to prevent unfortunate accidents for guests. A rug pad helps your rug "stick" to the floor, keeping it in place, and making it safer for everyone.

While safety and protecting your rug are the most important reasons to invest in a good quality rug pad, there are a number of other reasons:

• Protects your floor from being scratched by the bottom of your rug - often, rugs are built on a backing of unfinished cotton or wool. Over time, friction can rub through the finish of your floor.
• Protects your floor from any potential staining. Depending on what kind of dye was used in the making of your oriental rug, if you spill something on it, dye may be transferred to your floor.
• Comfort! Ever stand on a hard floor all day? A thick rug pad will make you feel like you are walking on air.

I hope you are now convinced that a rug pad is a good idea. Your oriental rug should last for generations - make sure you get the most out of it!

So, now you have decided to purchase a rug pad - what kind should you get? Well, your pad should be selected for your floor, not for your rug. There are different rug pads for hard surfaces such as ceramic or hardwood, for various types of carpets, and for indoor or outdoor use. There are even special types of open cell rug pads for use over floors that have radiant heating to allow heat to freely flow up through the pad and rug.

Once you've selected the type most suitable for your floor, you have to measure your rug carefully. You don't want the rug pad to show, so it should be cut to be at least 1/2" smaller all the way around. And one final tip, when laying your rug pad down, make sure you read the instructions to ensure you are putting the right side down - some pads have different textures on the bottom to help it grip better to the floor!

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

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

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.

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Maintaining And Cleaning Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs are definitely must haves for homeowners who wish to have a more exotic setting in their dwellings. Their designs are very pretty to look at; it makes many wonder how this artwork can be placed on a rug. They are sure to be eye candy for many generations to come – if they last that long.

The life of your oriental rug depends on how much you devote to maintaining it, and extending it in the process. Here are some things that you may want to consider to prolong the life of your oriental rug for more and more people to see and appreciate.

Like other rugs and carpets, it is not only comfortable for you to place padding underneath your rug. It’s also practical in the sense that it cushions your rug and prevents it from changing its form. You should place some padding underneath your oriental rug especially if you plan on placing furniture on it, or if you plan on having people walk on it. Padding also makes the rug stable, keeping people from accidentally slipping on it after taking a wrong step. This also means that there are lesser chances that the rug would get creases.

Speaking of placing furniture on your oriental rug, you will want to use glides or other forms of protection between the actual article and the rug. Using such protection will keep the fibers of the rug from getting crushed in the areas where the furniture rests. If you plan on changing the position of furniture on your rug, make sure that it is lifted instead of pushed to where you think it should be. This usually means that you will need the help of a few other people in carrying the item.

A spill on your rug may not be avoided. The best thing to do is to attend to the stain as soon as it is noticed. If a dry substance is spilled on the Oriental rug, try to lift out the mess instead of pushing it in more by scrubbing. Finish off the cleaning job by using a vacuum.

In case of any liquid spill, make sure that you soak up any excess liquid or excess moisture with paper towels. Do not scrub the area; instead, wet it with some clean water and soak it all up with more paper towels. The idea there is to make the stain rise up from the Oriental rug’s fibers with the water. Keep repeating this step until the stain disappears, or is no longer obvious.

If it’s a whole dinner plate that unfortunately made its way to the floor, then take away any visible solid particles right away. Be careful and make sure that you aren’t rubbing any particles deeper into the Oriental rug. Then take a clean knife and try scraping the smaller scraps of food residue from the area. Treat the remaining spot as you would a liquid spill, with clean water and paper towels.

Keep your oriental rug vacuumed. Many people prefer to vacuum the rug on a weekly basis, and they would clean it more depending on how often people step on it. When you plan on vacuuming your rug, do not forget to vacuum around and under any furniture on it too. Maintenance of an oriental rug can be a bit tedious, however it still beats paying a big amount of money to a professional cleaner.

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Taking Care Of Your Area Rug

Considering the wide range of designs to choose from, area rugs can be nice decorative additions to a home. For those people who constantly move to a new place in search for their ideal home, investing in area rugs can be of really great bargain. Area rugs can also be an affordable asset since (unlike wall-to-wall carpets) area rugs do not require permanent installation. Thus, can be shifted for redecorating, kept for future use, or brought along when you move to a new home. With the proper care and maintenance, an area rug can last and be in good condition for many years.

To ensure that your area rug will keep hold of its original condition, proper and appropriate care is essential. Most often than not, some people would just send their rugs to a cleaning company rather than doing it themselves. But for those that choose not to send their area rugs to the cleaners for money saving purposes, it is very important to have the basic knowledge on how to properly clean and maintain your area rugs.

Vacuum. Most area rugs are probably bought to be placed on receiving areas particularly the living room and the dining room. If you're a person that likes to entertain people or have guests for dinner and the like, it is not unlikely that your rug gets abused due to heavy foot traffic. Thus, it is most probable to accumulate dirt, dust, and perhaps even spills. Using a high-quality vacuum cleaner would help stop dry soil from building up on area rugs. Doing so would surely protect and sustain the beauty of your rug. Most vacuums can only do surface cleaning and leave imbedded dirt on the rugs that will probably cause damage in the long run. Try brushing the rug to loosen up the soil and dirt. This will help the vacuuming process easier.

Steam Cleaning. Most rugs are sent to professional rug cleaners for steam cleaning. Nonetheless, there are many equipments or machines, that can either be rented or purchased, that offer the same technique in the comforts of your own home. But there are also some risks in performing this method concerning what cleaning agent to use or how much you're going to use. Hence, it is best to seek advice from a professional before doing so.

Spot Removal. Have you ever heard the saying "Accidents happen"? If you have kids at home or even pets, it is in all probability that your rug would have spills or pet stains. If you can, clean the spill immediately. By doing so, stains caused by house pets and liquid spills can be prevented by a large percent. Using a liquid cleaning agent can be very tricky. Some agents can cause the dye from the rug to bleed or can cause improper discoloration. First, test the liquid solution. Apply a few drops on a small-not-so-noticeable part of the rug to see if it is right for your rug. Use a paper towel or any of the like to absorb the liquid. To do so, hold the absorbent material against the treated area. Do not use rubbing or brushing technique to spot clean the rug as doing so would cause the stain to spread.

Cleaning and Maintenance of an area rug can be very complicated. In order for the area rugs to sustain its original state, one must be very meticulous. Considering the material of the rug is vital as it would have different effects towards different cleaning agents. Remember to consult a professional.

Vacuuming, Steam Cleaning, and Spot Removal are just some ways to take care of your area rugs. And though you can use these methods to clean your rugs during your everyday life, it wouldn't hurt to send your area rugs to a professional cleaning company every once in a while. After all, with all the beatings your rug gets from all those foot traffic, it deserves the best cleaning treatment; and nobody does it better than the professionals.

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Area Rugs – the Choice is Vast and Yours

Choosing an area rug is quite a challenge considering the vast sizes, shapes, colors, fabrics, and designs. You must consider the purpose the rug will serve whether it will provide a splash of color/design for a small room or a great deal of color/design for a large space. If you’re fortunate enough to be able to start with a blank palette, then you can choose a rug that pleases you and build the room around its colors and designs. But if you already have furniture that you want to compliment, then choosing the right rug is an important addition to draw your eye and yet make a subtle statement while uniting the elements of a room. Take into account your style and what types of rugs you admire in others’ homes and in stores that sell rugs. The color, style, and texture of your rugs will show your guests what feel you want to convey. Lighter rugs make the room seem cooler and larger while darker shades warm the room and form a cozy more intimate space.

Now that you’ve decided what look you want, you must decide on the fabric that suits the use of the room. Wool rugs are hugely attractive but can be difficult to clean if used in extremely high traffic areas. They are long-wearing, lush, and command respect and admiration so should be chosen for those areas where people sit and relax and in dining areas that are of a more formal nature. Spills on wool rugs are not a problem if they are blotted up quickly; wool rugs repel dirt and liquids not allowing them to absorb quickly into the fibers. The scales of the fibers make wool fibers resilient, soft to the touch, and tough. Wool rugs also dye easier and richer making them a striking focal point. Another natural fiber is cotton that makes a longwearing rug much like wool but of a lighter weight.

Man-made fiber rugs are good choices for brilliant colors and great service in high traffic areas, areas of sun exposure, and areas of heavy use. They are strong and durable and easy to clean. The look of synthetic rugs is not as rich as wool rugs but is substantially more attractive today than they were in the past. There are many ways synthetic rugs are set and woven and many imitate wool’s overall look and feel. Many modern rugs combine synthetic fibers with natural fibers so read the descriptions carefully.

Much of the look and feel rests with the construction of the rug. Some of the modes of construction include hand-knotted, hand-hooked, hand-tufted, machine-made, and flat-weaved. There are others so you can see that this is not a simple choice. Any rug that has "hand" in its prefix will be high quality and a bit more expensive in most cases. But you get what you pay for, as you know.

About size, a great way to determine what size rug is best for your room, spread a bed sheet or butcher paper in the area and try different sizes. In dining areas, you’ll want a rug at least 4 feet longer and wider than your table, which would allow diners to push their chairs away from the table without slipping off the rug. In areas where the rugs will serve as a place for feet to rest while sitting in conversation areas, choose rugs that are at least as large as the open area in front of sofas and chairs. You can leave up to a foot right in front of the furniture because most people don’t place their feet right up against the front of the couch or chair. You can let the size of the rug determine the size and intimacy of that area or you can place your conversation area/s as you wish and then order a rug to fit that space. A large room can have a cozy feeling by dividing it visually into sections you choose with an area rug or two. Keep these rugs from extending into high traffic areas to avoid tripping.

Of course, many rugs will be chosen to stop dirt from entering the main parts of the house. The foyer, back door, garage entry, and side porch doors are some of the examples of these entry points. Rugs for these areas should be fairly flat, absorbent, and easy to clean. Rug pads that are a non-skid type are a necessity for these areas for obvious reasons.

Rug pads can keep rugs from moving, avoid turning up at the corners, help them wear longer, and make them feel cushy under your feet. Shop carefully for the right pad for the rug you’ve chosen. The pad is no place to skimp on quality since the pad will influence so much about your new rug. Be sure the pad provides a firm, non-slip backing and a cushion that reflects your style. Decide if your rug will be on carpeting or bare floors and choose the pad that is correct for each by reading the descriptions carefully. Rug pads prolong the life of your rugs since rugs wear from the bottom up; the pads cushion the rug from the hard floor below.

So, you want to find the rugs that will reflect your personality and style while providing room definition, comfort, design elements to unite the room’s elements, and the designer’s touch every room can have. Choosing the right rug for each area can be daunting and use more time than you have. Unless, of course, you shop on line like I do. The "running’ from store to store is a thing of the past. There is no way I could have perused the vast amount of rugs in stores that I was able to examine from my family room sofa with my laptop. As you search this site, you’ll get new ideas and begin to form images of the way your home will look with the addition of their beautiful, versatile rugs! Have fun looking for rugs for all the special areas of your home!

This Article is Originally Published here: Area Rugs

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Area Rugs Will Add That Special Look And Feel To Your Home

Decorating with area rugs is one of the easiest ways to update, revitalize and beautify your home. Rugs can add dramatic color and design to every room; create a focal point or define areas; add warmth to the look and feel of tiles, stone, or concrete; protect hardwood floors or wall-to-wall carpeting; and tie elements of a room together. You can change rugs when the seasons change and take them with you if you move. It is not surprising that area rugs are of great interest to the do-it-yourself decorator.

Some Things to Think About

Color is probably the most important element in decorating and should top the list of your requirements when selecting area rugs. If a room has a lot of bright colors and looks very busy, choose a neutral color and a subtle design for the rug. If the colors of the room are soft and neutral, you can add a splash of color and interest with a bright rug and a dramatic design. If you want to enhance the color scheme that exists in a room, select a rug that repeats the dominant or accent colors; if the color scheme hasn’t been chosen, buy the rug of your dreams and decorate the room around it.

The pattern on the rug must not clash with patterns on the wallpaper, window coverings, cushions, and other fabrics in the room. Dark colors add warmth, and light colors will make the room appear more spacious. The amount of traffic is also a consideration. If there are children or pets, or the rug will get steady use, dark colors and intricate patterns will not show dirt as much or as quickly as light colors.

If you buy a rug for the bathroom, make sure the colors are compatible with the color of the bathmat. (Or buy a new bathmat.) It is also important that a rug in the bathroom not be adversely affected by moisture especially if it will be underfoot when you step out of the shower or bath. Maintenance is an important consideration when choosing rugs not only for the bathroom, but also the kitchen, the hall, or the room of a child. Select designs and colors that don’t show the dirt, and are stain resistant and easy to clean.

It is a good idea to add padding under a rug because it will not only keep the rug from moving, it will also extend its life, absorb sound, and make vacuuming easier. If you are placing a rug over wall-to-wall carpeting, choose a thin under-pad coated with an adhesive.

Check the Size You Need

If you want an area rug to cover most of the floor in a room, the same amount of bare floor should be exposed on all sides of the rug, even if the room is an irregular shape or there is a closet or fireplace extending into it. If you are not able to arrange that, try and have the same amount of floor showing on two parallel sides.

When defining an area – a conversational grouping, for instance – there should be no more than two feet of empty rug extending out from behind the furniture. A rug used in this fashion will unify the items placed around it if the rug is large enough to accommodate at least the front legs of each piece of furniture.

If you are going to place a large rug in the bedroom, it need not be centered but the same amount of floor should be visible on two or three sides of it. In the dining room, the rug should extend eighteen inches to twenty-four inches beyond the table. An eight- by ten-foot rug will work in most living rooms and dining rooms. A six- by four-foot or a six- by nine-foot rug will be fine if it is for a small area, such as under a coffee table, in which case, the entire coffee table should be on it and all other furniture set back from it at an equal distance.

If you have trouble visualizing what a rug will look like in a room and can’t decide what size would be best, use masking tape to define the space. If that doesn’t help, cut pieces from a paper roll or lay out bed sheets to cover the area before you decide what size to buy. You don’t want any surprises.

Create Special Effects

If a rug is to be the focal point of a room, consider purchasing one with a central medallion, which is a popular design for an oriental rug. If the medallion will be hidden for the most part by a piece of furniture – the dining room table or a bed, for example – forget the medallion and select a rug that has an allover design, or one with detail on its borders.

Oriental rugs – a term which refers, in decorating lingo, to rugs from any Asian country – are popular in modern as well as traditional homes. Expect to pay more for an imported Persian rug, considered by many to be superior to all other oriental rugs. Tibetan rugs are also a beautiful and popular choice and not as expensive, or you can choose a rug from Afghanistan, Egypt, Pakistan, China, or from many other Asian countries.

If the room has an early American theme, a round braided rug, popular since the early settlement of North America, will probably be very suitable. Using a Navajo rug, with its geometric designs and flat weave, can reinforce a southern or desert theme. If your tastes run more to the comfort and appeal of animal fur or wool, forget the tiger skin and look for a flokati rug – a hand-woven Greek woolen rug with a thick, shaggy pile – it may create just the look you want.

Contemporary rugs come in every variety of color, design, texture, size, and price. Don’t overlook them when you are searching for the perfect area rugs, even if your house is decorated in a traditional style. Just as a traditional rug can look great in a modern home, a contemporary rug can add to the appeal and charm of a traditional home. Let your creative spirit soar – and make sure the rug can be returned or exchanged in case you discover your creative spirit soared in the wrong direction.

Cost is a Consideration

The cost of a home rug is closely related to the fiber from which it is made. The most expensive natural fiber will be found in a wool rug; other less expensive natural fibers are cotton, jute, silk and sisal (hemp). Popular synthetics favored for quality rugs are acrylic, polypropylene (olefin), and nylon.

If you are on a tight budget, look for discount and bargain outlets, but be sure the dealer is reputable, there is a wide selection, and check the warranty and the return policy before you buy.

Area rugs are available in a wide variety of styles, and there are sizes to fit every room and prices to fit every budget. Shop until you find exactly what you want.

About the Author:
Scott Gray is currently a freelance writer and enjoys providing tips to consumers who are in the market for all types of cheap area rugs, contemporary rugs, and persian rugs.

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

Facts And Tips To Keep Your Rugs Clean

Need the facts on rug cleaning? Whether you have an expensive heirloom or modern oriental rug cleaning needs these fast facts and a few tips will keep your investment looking its best.

Fact: Vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris. Over time dust and debris works its way into the fibers of the rug leaving it looking dull and flat.

Tip: Use a vacuum attachment in the same direction as the nap of the fibers to reduce friction while removing dirt, dust and debris.

Fact: Beating your rug is destructive. It can tear delicate fibers and reduce the lifespan of the item. In the past it was traditional to “beat” many rugs but that tradition has given way to more gentle and appropriate methods of care especially for fine oriental rugs.

Tip: Shake smaller rugs instead of beating them. Larger rugs should be professionally handled.

Fact: Insects like moths and carpet beetles can damage fine rugs. Many insects prefer dark areas with limited air circulation – making your fine rug the perfect insect habitat.

Tip: Turn the rug over to inspect it for damage, insects or larvae. Larvae will often look like small bits of white lint. Immediately have your rug professionally cleaned and repaired should you notice insect damage.

Fact: Delicate natural dyes can bleed or be absorbed into cleaning cloths or paper towels.

Tip: If attempting to clean a spill or care for the rug and you notice color stains or saturation on the cleaning cloth then immediately stop! Continuing to clean or rub the rug can result in further damage. Instead, contact a professional rug cleaning provider who is able to remove the stain and color correct before more damage takes place.

Fact: Paper Towels are rough. Not only do paper towels have a tendency to leave lint and fibers behind but they are actually abrasive to fine silks, wools and other natural fibers.

Tip: Use a plain cotton towel instead. Cotton is more gentle and less likely to harm fibers than other materials. Remember to always blot instead of rub.

Fact: Vinegar is not always a good cleaning solution. Contrary to popular belief, vinegar is actually quite harsh and can harm delicate fibers and dyes. It also leaves a strong odor if not properly vented and rinsed.

Tip: Avoid vinegar. If you must use something more than water then try club soda; the oxygen often helps lift stains before they set. Follow-up with a professional Dallas rug cleaning and oriental rug cleaning company like Kiwi Services that understands how to work with fine rugs.

By: Eliz b

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