In many homes and apartments a rug is the centerpiece of a room and due to its location will see a lot of foot traffic.

Understanding how to clean your rug, you will also be able to preserve your investment and ensure that it looks great for years to come.

Hoover your rug on a regular basis once a week, flip it upside down and vacuum the back of the rug. Flip it right side up and vacuum the remaining dirt.

Do not vacuum fringe or tassels. They are delicate material, and easily tangled in the vacuum’s beater bar or ripped by the suction. Fluffing them by hand is all they need.

A neat trick is to use white vinegar to restore carpet color and shine.

Dilute the vinegar, 1 part to 3 parts water, and blot slowly and in the direction of the carpet pile with a sponge. Do not soak the carpet, merely damp it and allow it to air dry.

Clean spots or stains as soon as they appear. Always test your rug with a damp white cotton towel to make sure the colors will not run or bleed.

• Avoid carpet shampoo on wool rugs. Carpet shampoos are usually made for synthetic wall to wall carpet and not wool area rugs. Always check the label before using any spot cleaners or rug shampoos.

Treat the rug according to the spill. Mud and mild stains can be treated simply by blotting dry and vacuuming. If the rug is soaked, dry it as best as possible and take it to a cleaner’s.

Water damage cannot be reversed or treated at home without significant expertise, care, and hardware.

If the spillage is perishable, care must be taken to rinse the area thoroughly with mild detergent and water to prevent souring of the residue. Using liquid dish soap diluted 2:1 with water will help remove and disinfect the spillage.

Ensure your rub gently in the direction of the pile to prevent any damage to the fibers.

Updated 4, May, 2021