The Rug Guide: Composition & Care
Adding a rug to a room is a quick and easy way to tie a space together. However, when choosing a rug, there are some things to consider besides how it will look (although that’s the fun part!). Functionality and durability rank high on most of our client’s list when it comes to rug purchases, so we thought we would address our most frequently asked questions on rug composition and care.
One of the most common questions we hear is this: should I buy natural or synthetic? Our answer to this is usually ‘it depends’. Here’s the lowdown:
WOOL
While wool has been the most widely used natural fiber, it can carry a heavier cost (especially for very large sizes as pricing is typically calculated per square foot). However, for longevity, the investment can make it well worth it. If you absolutely love the rug and want to keep it around for decades to come, wool might be your best bet. And yes, we said decades (with the proper care, of course). If they are non-directional, turning them once or twice a year can help to lessen any mild fading that occurs over time. Vacuuming gently with the bare floor attachment to your vacuum is suitable for removing any dirt and debris. We have found that vacuuming under the rug helps to keep the dirt to a minimum as well. Dirt and sand can accumulate quickly and contribute to the wear of the rug, so getting to it sooner rather than later is a good thing.
One of the greatest things about this material is the natural repellent nature of wool’s lanolin, which helps to repel dust, dirt and stains. The trick is to spot clean as soon as you can, soaking a spot much larger than the stain to avoid making it worse.
COTTON
Other natural fibers that are available include cotton and jute. Cotton rugs are not considered to be a long term item, and can easily stain. However, the price points make them desirable for low-use areas such as guest rooms. Cotton rugs are usually large yard weaves, in a natural colour, with a printed pattern. They are washable, but it's important to note that they are apt to staining (considering the easily dyeable nature of cotton). Make sure to place cotton rugs in shaded areas of your home to avoid any unwanted fading.
JUTE
Are you hoping to achieve the warm modern look? Adding a jute rug is a great way to create that trendy boho feel in your space. They come in so many different shades, sizes and textures, and are great for layering. Prices can range from low to high depending on the style, making them a popular choice.
When it comes to maintenance and care of your jute rug, here are some things to keep in mind: while they are easy to vacuum and maintain, you should always keep an eye on their humidity and peek under the rug from time to time. Being made of natural fibers, jute rugs are quite absorbent. This can lead to mold and mildew, so they are not great options for outdoor or high humidity areas such as bathrooms.
Spills should be treated with blotting, not rubbing (which is consistent with most rugs). Should the mark be large enough to warrant a significant amount of water to clean, be wary of making sure the rug dries completely. Lift up the portion that is wet, and keep it propped up and off the floor until the rug is completely dry. This can take a day or two. If the room doesn’t have great air circulation, a fan can help to speed up this process.
SYNTHETIC
Last but certainly not least, let's talk about how to care for our best-selling synthetic rugs. Considering the advances in technology, synthetic fibers are no longer the plastic looking polyester of years past. The benefits are wide ranging, but some of our favourite things include their easy maintenance, the huge range of styles available, and lastly, the fantastic price point. All in all you’ll get the most bang for your buck with our carefully curated selection of synthetic rugs. Caring for your new synthetic rug couldn’t be easier, too. The same easy care we know about clothing made of synthetic fibers goes for rugs as well. For stains from dropped food or drink, we recommend you spot clean as soon as possible. If it has dried, run a vacuum over the spot first, then wet the area with a dish cloth with the same amount of dish soap as you would use for dishes. Blot, rinse, repeat, blot again, etcetera until the spot is gone. If the rug needs a good general once over, consider using the bathtub and submerging the entire rug. Again, we recommend a bit of dish soap to help with cleaning. If the rug is entirely too big to do this, and weather permitting, you can bring it outside and hose the entire rug off. To dry, leave in a warm area and turn frequently to avoid moisture sitting in one spot for too long. Hanging over a fence or a laundry line can be helpful, but make sure that you don’t leave rust marks or lines on the rug by checking it often during the drying process.
We hope his has given you some insight into the composition and care that goes into each different type of rug. We want you to not only love the look of your rug, but the quality of it as well. Once you find the right rug that suits your personal space and style, we want you to love it for as long as possible with the proper care. If you have any questions regarding our rug selection, don't hesitate to contact our customer care team at info@crownandbirch.com. We're always happy to help!