Basic Rug Care
Vacuum large rugs to remove dirt: The most important thing you can do for larger area rugs is to vacuum them regularly. If the rug is a reversible one, vacuum both sides. This removes the dirt that can wear out your rug prematurely. Take care to not vacuum the fringe or tassels of your rug. They are delicate material, and easily tangle in the vacuum's beater bar or are ripped by the suction. Fluffing them by hand is all they need. Anything else can cause damage to them.
Brush out your pet's hair: Vacuum cleaning will sometimes leave pet hair behind. Use a stiff/hard brush to remove the hair, brushing in the direction of the rug's nap.
Shake small area rugs: If the rug is a small one, you can take it outside and shake it or beat it vigorously and powerfully to remove grit and grime. Rotate and turn the rugs regularly to even out the wear: Foot traffic and furniture resting on the rug can cause its wearing and tearing. To prevent this, rotate and turn your rugs and move your furniture regularly to prevent your rugs from getting damaged.
Stain / Blot Removal
Always remember, never to rub the stains, always blot them. Try to remove the moisture from the spills as soon as possible.
Use a solution* of 1 teaspoon liquid dish detergent, 1 quart of warm water, and 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar to remove stains of alcohol, soft drinks, coffee/ tea, tomato sauce/ ketchup, paints. Apply the solution to the stains, rinse and then blot dry.
To remove gum and melted wax, first try and peel off what you can. Then harden it with ice cubes put in a plastic bag and then scrape off the gum/wax with a spoon or a dull knife.
Neutralize odors from urine feces, and vomit accidents and remove stains by applying detergent solution or a citrus-oxygen cleaner. Rinse and then blot with white towel or clean sponge. Repeat the treatment for stains if the rug looks discolored.
Sprinkle borax on the rug to remove any insect infestation. It naturally coats and degrades the exoskeletons of insects and destroys larvae and eggs. Wait for approximately 20 minutes after sprinkling borax, and then vacuum. Make sure that your kids or pets are not near the rug, as borax is mildly toxic if inhaled.