fashion women

The rug care guide

We love a good rug here at La Redoute… we even have a whole Insta feed dedicated to our most famous style! The perfect rug can really pull a room together, so it makes sense that we should look after our rugs the same way we would a sofa or coffee table. 

With so many different style rugs available, care instructions can vary massively, but we’ve put together a basic guide for keeping your rugs in tip-top condition, along with some specific advice for rugs that need a little more TLC. 

Vacuum regularly

Most large rugs can be vacuumed the same way you’d do your carpet. For delicate designs like oriental rugs, putting a piece of nylon mesh over your vacuum cleaner will protect the rug while you clean it. Smaller rugs and those with a long pile like sheepskin or faux fur are much harder to vacuum, so take them outside once a week and either shake them out or hang them on a washing line or over a chair and beat with a broom to remove dust and dirt.
 

Wash with care

If you need to wash your rug, check the label first (told you it’s important to keep it!). If your rug seems pretty hardy but is marked as dry clean only it might not be colour fast, so always follow the label instructions. For rugs that can be washed, popping them in a laundry bag or pillowcase can help protect them while in the machine. 

Dry naturally 

We’d always recommend drying a rug naturally over tumble drying, even if the label says your rug can be tumbled dried. Hanging a rug on the washing line might distort its shape, so lay it flat over a clothes rack or outside on a slatted table if you can.
 

Protect from pets

Keeping your pets off the rug is easier said than done! If your furry friend loves to curl up on your favourite rug, just make sure you remove any hair regularly. The best way to do this is with a stiff brush – brush with the pile of the rug (not against it) to remove a build up of hair. You can also spray with a fabric freshener (check the care label first!) to remove any smells.
 

Extra TLC

Some rugs can be very delicate and need a little extra care to keep them looking great. For stains on oriental rugs, use baking soda to soak up liquids. Faux fur and sheepskin rugs can be freshened up with a sprinkling of talcum powder. Natural fibre rugs can be cleaned with a soft brush dipped in warm, soapy water and rinsed until clear. And all rugs should be rotated regularly so they fade and wear evenly. 
 
Author Name
La Redoute,
08/12/2018