AREA RUG CARE
Wondering How to Care for Area Rugs?
If you have area rugs, you probably got them because you like the way they look. You want them to stay clean and looking great for as long as possible then!
Rugs deserve the same care as wall-to-wall carpet and, in some cases, require special attention. If you are wondering how to best care for your area rugs, here are some of our best tips. Remember that you can always ask our area rug cleaning experts any questions you have about caring for area rugs at your next appointment as well!
The better care you take of your rugs, the longer they will last and the better they will look! Just follow these easy tips for cleaner, healthier rugs:

- Washing rugs: If your rug is small and the label says “machine washable”, shake the rug outside first to remove most of the dirt and then put it in the washing machine at the recommended temperature. Use warm water (90 to 105 degrees) and a mild detergent. Tumble your rug dry at the lowest heat setting. Do not wash rugs that do not say machine washable.
- Beating larger rugs: If your larger rug is easy to pick up, shake it outside first; then put it over a clothesline and beat it. Next, take the rug inside and vacuum it. If the label says dry clean only, then roll it up and take it to a professional rug cleaner. Save time and aggravation by calling first to see if the cleaner does rug cleaning, many do not. Trust your rugs of all types with John’s Chem-Dry of Whatcom County technicians who have been trained as an Area Rug Expert for off-site cleaning.
- Vacuuming area rugs: Area rugs with fringe require a special technique. Use gentle suction and start from the center of the carpet, vacuuming toward the fringe and being careful not to catch the strands in the beater bar. Lift the carpet edge to vacuum beneath the fringe.
- Caring for Oriental, Turkish or Persian rugs: Clean imported rugs according to your carpet manufacturer’s specifications or bring in a professional cleaning service. Be gentle with fringe. For heirloom-type rugs, you need professionals. Call John’s Chem-Dry of Whatcom County to learn more about our Expert Area Rug cleaning services.