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• Area Rug Care

Area Rug Care

How to Clean Your Rug At Home

Your area rug is an investment in your home that can last your for years...but only with the proper maintenance, care, and cleaning! Cleaning rugs is easy, and DOCK86 wants your rug to look as beautiful and stunning in years to come as it does the day you bought it, which is why we have suggestions for proper area rug maintenance and care.

Purchase a Rug Pad with Your Area Rug

To qualify for a warranty through DOCK86, you must purchase a rug pad. Our warranty covers manufacturer defects for one year. This warranty does not cover burns, tears and cuts or damage due to improper use or to the application of improper cleaning agents or vacuuming and/or maintenance methods.

Rug pads protect your floors and your rugs. The less movement and friction the back of the rug has, the longer the rug lasts. They keep your rugs from shifting, rippling, curling, and help reduce slippage. Even if your rug will be anchored by furniture a pad will reduce buckling in front of pressure points as well as extend the life of the rug.

DOCK86 carries four kinds of rug pads of varying thickness and comfort. There are different rug pads for all situations; our Area Rug Specialists can help you make the right selection. Rugs pads may not be returned when opened.

Vacuuming a Rug is the Best Way to Remove Everyday Dirt & Dust

Warning: Beware of vacuum cleaners with powerful suction and/or beater bar.

A vacuum cleaner is the best way to clean your rug and remove common, everyday dirt and dust. Dirt and dust will break down fibers of rugs that are not vacuumed regularly. Your common household vacuum is more than adequate, but be careful with vacuum cleaners that have extremely high powerful suction and/or beater bars. Rugs are unique to other forms of flooring, and there are a few things you should know:

• If you own a hand tufted wool rug, We recommend for the first year vacuuming two or three times a week to remove the excess fibers that accumulate on the rug surface. This shedding or fuzzing is normal and in no way shortens the life of the rug. It is merely the result of loose fibers created during the weaving process.
• Long ends of yarn or fiber may work to the surface after average use or vacuuming. This is called “sprouting”. This occurrence is more common with hand knotted, hand tufted or hand hooked rugs but can happen to any rug. This sprouting of fibers is normal and not a defect.
• Vacuuming around the fringe of your rug should be done with special care, as vacuuming with a beater bar can catch and pull the fringe, causing damage.
• Rugs made of synthetic fibers, such as polypropylene, nylon, or viscose, can be cared for just as you would broadloom or wall-to-wall carpet.
• Never attempt to pull yarn out - yarn should be clipped off even to the rug surface.

For best wear and rug longevity, use the hose (suction) attachment or wood floor setting of your vacuum cleaner. Avoid using the beater bar. If unavoidable, raise the beater bar to the highest setting so it does not come in contact with the rug.

Cleaning a Spill Out of Your Rug

Clean spots or spills immediately using Capture®, available at DOCK86. We recommend this product due to its highly effective formula created specifically for removing spots and spills from area rugs.

Liquids should be blotted with a clean sponge or cloth. Flush with cold water or club soda. Repeat as necessary until spot is removed.

For pet accidents, using an enzyme cleaner like Capture® is very effective and should not harm fibers. Always read label directions before use.

Cover cleaned area with a clean, dry, absorbent white towel to pick-up any remaining stain and to protect from foot traffic until spot is dry. Always blot; never rub any area you are cleaning. Only use wool safe cleaners on wool area rugs. Using general carpet cleaners can damage your area rug.

All Fabrics - Including Wool - Fade More Quickly in Direct Sunlight

Natural fabrics tend to fade more quickly then man-made fabrics. This is natural and adds to the soft look of woven rugs. Don’t be afraid to open the windows on a sunny day.

Rotate Your Rug Twice a Year to Prevent Uneven Wear

Just as it’s important to rotate or flip your mattress every once in a while, so also should area rugs be rotated. This prevents even wearing from foot traffic. Remember to shake out your rug pad to clean out any loose dirt or pebbles that may have accumulated between your rug and the rug pad.