Rugs are a much loved addition to many homes, offering a stylish way to bring comfort and warmth into a house. However, although our rugs are a much loved interior addition, most homeowners are not sure how to properly care for their rug with a stain or spill.

Store cupboard essentials

• Soft brush
• Solution of white wine vinegar and water (50/50)
• Towel
• Corn starch

Things to avoid

Depending what your rug is made from, it may require a little bit more TLC.

• Don’t wrap a wool rug in plastic as this will lead to mildew building up and may create a musty odor.
• Never steam-clean natural fiber rugs (i.e. wool/cotton/silk).
• Don’t use chlorine bleach on natural fiber rugs.

General care tips

A rug which is used a lot should ideally only need to be washed once a year and rugs which are in less used areas can get away with being washed once every two years.  Vacuum once a week if possible.

Spills and stains

Spills and stains are a by-product of busy lives, whether it is an accidental wine spillage or a muddy foot print, these do not need to ruin your favorite rug. Following a few simple steps will save your rug from any lasting damage.

To tackle spillages, first pick up any solids and make the area damp using cool water (sudsy water if oily). You should then lightly blot the area with a towel but be sure not to rub, this could make the stain worse. Once you have successfully got the stain out you should sandwich the wet area with towels to get out any excess water. Sandwich the area with towels and apply pressure to get out any excess water

Pet Problems

Follow general stain steps however, substitute a water and white wine solution instead of cool water. Once you have removed most of the excess water cover the area in corn starch. Leave the corn starch overnight; this will get rid of any urine left behind. When it is dry and hard, break up the corn starch with a spoon and brush away. To get rid of unwanted smells, spray a mist of enzyme spray over both sides of the rug.