When it comes to caring for your rugs, a little bit of maintenance can go a long way. And with spring cleaning season upon us, there’s no better time than right now to give your rugs a little TLC! By following just a few simple steps, you can keep your home looking great while prolonging the life of your rugs at the same time. So if you’re ready to cross this off your spring cleaning to-do list, here’s how to get started:
1) Shake off dirt and dust Start by bringing your rugs outside to shake off any dirt and dust. Boutique rugs that see a lot of foot traffic—like living room rugs and entryway rugs— will probably have a bit more debris than those in quieter places of the house, so spend some extra time shaking those out. Fresh air will also help loosen up deep-seated dirt and diminish unpleasant scents.
2) Vacuum After the first layer of dust has been removed, it’s time for a thorough vacuuming. This will help reach a deeper layer of dirt that has built up over time. If your rug is reversible, be sure to vacuum both sides to ensure the whole thing gets really clean.
3) Address any stains If your rugs have any stubborn stains that you’ve been meaning to remove, spring is the perfect time to tackle them—but it’s crucial to use the proper techniques for each rug’s material. Here are a few key reminders when it comes to cleaning your Fab Habitat rugs:
For PET rugs: Simply hose off stains with a mild detergent and then let the rug air dry.
For jute rugs: Spot clean with a dry cloth (not wet). Try using a microfiber cloth that’s easy on the natural fibers. For deeper stains, we recommend getting your jute rug professionally cleaned.
For wool rugs: For wool rugs, we also recommend spot cleaning them with a dry cloth. If necessary, you could also use baking soda and a vinegar solution to help release the stain. But for best results, get them professionally cleaned.
For cotton rugs: Machine wash on cold and tumble dry on low heat.
For ReaLife rugs: Machine wash on cold and dry them on the air-only setting with no heat.
4) Check your rug pads While you’re cleaning your rugs, it’s a good time to check on your rug pads, too. After all, rug grippers are what make your rugs extra comfy (and they protect your floors, too) so it’s nice to give them a little love every once in a while! Start by shaking off any dirt or dust, and then vacuum both sides. Before placing your rug pad back in the correct spot, vacuum and mop your floors to ensure you’ve gotten rid of any built-up dirt beneath it.
5) Rotate your rugs or furniture Every so often, we recommend rotating your rugs or furniture to ensure even wear over time—and spring is a great season to do that. By rotating a rug in your room or switching up where your furniture legs are placed, it can make indentations and fading less severe—and increase the longevity of your rug overall.
These are five super simple ways to keep your rugs feeling and looking their best this spring and beyond! In just a few hours, your home will be feeling totally refreshed for the rest of the season. To explore spring must-haves and more, check out all of Fab Habitat’s decor here.