The Ultimate Rug Guide: How to Care for the Rug You Love — and Choose the Right One the First Time

When it comes to elevating a space, few elements have as much impact as the perfect rug. Whether you're walking barefoot across a soft wool weave or admiring the elegance of a silk runner in your hallway, rugs are not just design choices — they're investments in comfort, personality, and atmosphere. But many homeowners unknowingly shorten their rug’s lifespan or regret a purchase because they simply didn’t have the right information.

In this guide, we're diving deep into two things every design-savvy homeowner should know: how to care for the rug they already have — and how to confidently choose the right one when it’s time for something new.

PART 1: How to Care for the Rug You Already Own

Whether your rug is wool, silk, synthetic, or vintage, it deserves a little extra attention to stay beautiful, safe, and functional. Here's how to protect your investment without overcomplicating your routine.

🧽 Start with the Basics: Vacuum Smart

Vacuuming regularly is key, but not all vacuuming is good vacuuming.

• Avoid the beater bar for delicate materials like silk or vintage rugs — it can damage fibres.

• Use suction only for flatweaves and delicate rugs.

• Vacuum both sides of your rug periodically to remove trapped dirt and debris, especially in high-traffic areas.

Even for thicker rugs, gentle vacuuming (with a brushless head) is better than aggressive deep-clean passes.

🧼 Spot-Clean Spills Immediately — But Never Rub

Accidents happen — coffee, wine, or muddy paws. When they do:

1. Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently press into the spill and lift it out.

2. Dilute with clean water (not soap!) if needed. Most rugs don’t tolerate detergents well.

3. Work from the outside in to avoid spreading the stain.

4. Air dry thoroughly before placing furniture back on top.

🪄 Use a Rug Pad — Always

Rug pads do so much more than prevent slipping. They:

• Reduce wear and tear

• Prevent fibres from crushing

• Allow airflow underneath (important in humid climates)

• Add cushioning and extend the rug’s life

For expensive or delicate rugs, investing in a high-quality felt-and-rubber pad is well worth it.

💨 Rotate Your Rug Every Few Months

This simple act prevents uneven fading and wear, especially in sun-exposed rooms or high-traffic zones. Aim for every 3–6 months.

🐾 Pet Owners: Read This

Pet stains are among the most challenging. When an accident occurs:

• Blot immediately

• Use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically made for pet stains

• Don’t mask the scent — neutralize it (or your pet may return to the same spot)

If the damage is serious or the rug is antique, consult a professional.

💡 What About Loose Threads?

Snip them — don’t pull. Use scissors to carefully trim stray threads. Pulling may unravel the weave.

☀️ Prevent Fading

Sunlight is a rug’s silent enemy. To prevent colour fading:

• Use window treatments to filter UV light

• Rotate regularly

• Avoid placing half a rug in the sun and half in shade — this creates uneven wear

🧴 What Cleaning Products Are Safe?

When in doubt, water is safest. Otherwise, test a gentle solution on a small area and avoid any cleaner with bleach, ammonia, or heavy perfumes.

🧼 How Often Should I Professionally Clean My Rug?

• Low-traffic areas: Every 18–24 months

• High-traffic rooms / homes with pets or kids: Every 12 months

• Always check your rug’s care label or consult a professional rug cleaner.

PART 2: How to Choose the Right Area Rug — and Avoid the Most Common Mistakes

Buying a rug can feel surprisingly overwhelming. Size, material, pile height, budget, purpose, style — the options are endless. And it’s easy to make a costly mistake by choosing based on looks alone. Let’s break down what actually matters when choosing a rug that works for your space and your lifestyle.

📏 Rule #1: Size Matters — Always Go Bigger Than You Think

One of the most common mistakes? Choosing a rug that’s too small. A good rule of thumb:

• Living room: The front legs of all furniture should be on the rug — or better yet, all legs.

• Dining room: The rug should extend at least 24–30 inches beyond the edge of the table on all sides, so chairs remain on the rug when pulled out.

• Bedroom: The rug should extend at least 18–24 inches beyond each side of the bed.

If you're ever in doubt between two sizes — go larger. A rug that's too small will always look disconnected.

🪑 “Legs On or Off” — What’s the Rule?

Designers differ on this, but here's a simple approach:

• Living room: Front legs on the rug is the sweet spot. It grounds the space without covering your floors too much.

• Dining room: All legs on, always.

• Bedroom: All legs or 2/3 of the bed on the rug, with room to step out onto softness.

🧶 Choosing the Right Material

Each fibre has a personality — and purpose.

• Wool: Durable, soft, and naturally stain-resistant. Great for most spaces.

• Silk: Luxurious and beautiful — but delicate. Best for low-traffic, adult spaces.

• Cotton: Light and casual, but stains easily and may not last as long.

• Synthetic (polypropylene, polyester): Affordable and stain-resistant. Excellent for homes with kids, pets, or high use.

• Jute/Sisal: Natural and textured, but rougher underfoot. Great in casual or coastal designs.

• Machine washable options: Ideal for kitchens, mudrooms, or homes with pets.

🚫 Watch for These Common Mistakes:

• Rug floating in the middle of the room — not touching any furniture

• Ignoring the purpose of the room (e.g., delicate rug in a playroom)

• Choosing style over function (you can have both!)

• Forgetting to measure clearances for doors and furniture movement

• Overlooking rug pile height — especially under doors or dining chairs

✨ When in Doubt, Go Neutral — Then Layer with Texture

If you're not sure about colour or pattern, opt for a timeless neutral base. You can layer with throws, pillows, and accessories — or even layer a smaller, bold rug on top for a designer look.

Final Thought: Rugs Are Functional Art

They protect, soften, define, and inspire. Whether you’re keeping a beloved heirloom rug vibrant for years to come or finally choosing the one that pulls your whole room together, the more you understand about what rugs do — and need — the better choices you’ll make.

Need help choosing the right rug for your home? We offer personalized consultations to guide you through size, style, material, and placement — with no pressure to buy.

📍 Explore our curated rug collection here:
https://shopdeborahlkerbel.ca/collections/area-rugs-carpets

🛒 Special Offer: Use code RUGLOVE for 20% off all rugs through August 5th at midnight.

Disclaimer: These care and buying suggestions are intended for general guidance only. For valuable, vintage, or complex cleaning situations, always consult a professional rug expert.