Area rugs are a beautiful addition to any room. They can add color, texture, and warmth. Area rugs are also wonderful because they're easy to clean and maintain. However, if you don't take care of your rug properly—or worse yet, if someone else damages it—then it will start to lose its beauty quickly over time.
The wrong cleaning products can cause irreparable damage to your rug. Using the wrong type of vacuum or a beater bar will scratch your floor. Don't place your area rug on top of direct sunlight for long periods of time. This can fade the colors and pile (the fibers of the rug).
Rotting is the most common reason for area rug damage. It's usually caused by moisture, which can come from a spill or condensation on the underside of your rug. The best way to prevent rot is by keeping your rugs dry and clean, but if you notice that yours are getting damaged anyway, there are ways you can repair them.
Sunlight can fade the colors of a rug, and over time it can also cause the rug to dry out and become brittle. If you have an area rug that is exposed to sunlight, rotate it every few months so that the UV rays do not fade its color or warp its fibers.
You can protect your rug from insect damage in many ways. You can place mothballs or cedar chips in the storage container, which will deter insects from becoming interested in the rug. You can also spray the outside of your storage container with an insecticide like Raid or bug killer (found at any hardware store). While this will kill most bugs, it's important to note that it won't prevent them from getting inside and ruining your rug!
Mold and mildew are fungi that can grow on the surface of area rugs. They're also found in damp places like bathrooms, kitchens, basements and poorly ventilated rooms. Mold is usually black or gray; mildew is white or greenish-gray.
Mold and mildew thrive on a high-humidity environment of 70 to 80 percent relative humidity (RH), which means they need moisture in the air to grow. If your home gets above 75 percent RH for more than 48 hours without drying out completely, mold may start to form on your rugs—or other surfaces as well—even if they’re stored away from any leaks or moisture sources like sinks or toilets.
The best way to prevent this damage is by keeping your house's humidity levels below 50 percent RH most days of the year by using dehumidifiers when necessary; cleaning up spills promptly; installing good ventilation systems so heat can escape through windows without bringing humidity indoors; removing wet clothing immediately after washing instead of hanging it up around the house; not storing items in plastic bags that can trap moisture inside when sealed tightly together; wiping up spills immediately with a towel rather than letting them sit overnight before mopping every morning before work so excess moisture does not build up behind walls where carpets absorb it instead!
Water damage is one of the most common culprits for ruining your area rug. Water can cause mold, mildew and bacteria to grow on the fibers of your rug. If you have a pet, there is a good chance that they will urinate on your area rug at some point in time. This can cause a yellow stain which can be difficult to remove and might require professional help from a carpet cleaner or other professional. In order for this not to happen again, it's important that you keep your pets off of rugs unless they're supervised by someone who knows how to train them not urinate on rugs!
• Vacuum your area rug regularly. This will help to keep the pile fluffy, and it removes dirt that can cause damage to the fibers.
• Spot clean with a solution of water and mild detergent. If you notice any stains or spills on your rug, try blotting them with a soft cloth first, then follow up with a solution of one part mild detergent to three parts water and let it soak in for 15 minutes before wiping away any excess liquid with dry paper towels or an old rag. Never use hot water—warm is best!
• Spray with water and vinegar solution. To get rid of odors like cigarette smoke or pet smells in your rugs, mist them down using half white vinegar mixed with half tap water; just make sure not to oversaturate them! Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes before vacuuming up all excess moisture from inside their fibers (you'll need those fumes!).
• Dry area rug in sun exposure if possible since this will help kill off bacteria which could cause further harm by releasing harmful gases like formaldehyde into its surrounding environment if left unchecked over long periods of time due to lack of proper care/maintenance procedures being employed during routine upkeep cycles such as cleaning processes occurring on regular basis so why not get started today!
Steam cleaning is the most effective way to clean an area rug, and it's better than dry cleaning or washing with a hose. Steam cleaning is also more cost-effective than spot cleaning and vacuuming.
You may be tempted to buy a cheap rug that you can replace again and again. However, it will cost you more in the long run because of frequent replacement costs. Instead of spending money on an inferior carpet that won't last, invest in one with good quality workmanship and regular maintenance. A high-quality rug will last longer than one made cheaply out of synthetic materials like polyester or nylon. Natural fibers are better able to withstand repeated wear and tear while also looking great for years. The materials used also determine how well your rug will withstand spills such as wine stains or pet accidents like urine mishaps!