Caring for Your Handmade Rug: Part 2

Handmade Rugs 101 Series Caring for Your Handmade Rug: Part 2

We talked about several things you can do to keep your rug looking its best in Caring for Your Handmade Rug: Part 1. What else can you do to be sure your investment lasts a lifetime?

Keep Moths and Other Pests Away

Moths are pesky creatures. They love nothing more than to dine on the most costly fabric investment in a home. Fortunately, periodic sweeping or vacuuming of your rug can easily keep them at bay. Moths hate to be disturbed and will generally infest a rug that is in storage or areas of your rug that are under furniture. Just as rotating helps ensure consistent wear and tear, it also sends a clear message to pests: keep out!

Protect Against Mildew

Mildew is a concern for any homeowner, especially those living in a humid climate like we do here at our home base in the Southeast. Mildew flourishes in areas that are damp and/or warm, as well as in areas where air is poorly circulated. Therefore, unfortunately, it can grow and survive on your rug—both when in storage and in use. If you want or need to store your rug, be sure to do so in a well-vented and dry space. Unless you have an air-conditioned garage that is raised off the ground or are purchasing a conditioned storage unit, rug storage is not recommended for long periods of time. In your home, keep air conditioned and circulating as well. If you don’t have an air conditioner, try utilizing fans and opening windows to get rid of moisture-laden air. As we mentioned in Caring for Your Handmade Rug: Part 1, rug pads can also help prevent moisture from collecting under your rug by allowing air to move more freely. In the event of a small liquid spill, they can buy you time to blot the spill with a clean cloth and then keep air circulating so the spot dries without mildewing.    If you have any other problems or concerns, keep in mind that Rug & Home is only a phone call or e-mail away! We can recommend local cleaners in the Asheville, Charlotte, and Gaffney areas, as well as give you advice on what to do in specific situations.