Rug Care Guide: How to Make Your Rug Last a Lifetime

A handmade Oriental rug isn’t just décor—it’s an investment. Whether it’s Persian, Turkish, or tribal, the right care can keep your rug looking beautiful for decades. At Bob’s Oriental Rugs, we’ve cleaned, repaired, and restored thousands of rugs in Charlotte—and here’s what we recommend to protect yours.

1. Rotate Your Rug Every 6 Months

Sunlight, foot traffic, and furniture weight wear down rugs unevenly. Rotating your rug helps distribute wear, fade, and pressure marks.

Pro Tip: If one side looks more faded than the other, rotate it 180° before the sun does more damage.

2. Vacuum Weekly—but Gently

Regular vacuuming removes surface dust and keeps grit from working into the fibers. But you don’t want to damage the pile.

• Avoid vacuuming fringe—use a handheld attachment instead.

• Set your vacuum to the lowest setting or use suction only (no beater bar) for older or delicate rugs.

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3. Use a Rug Pad

A quality rug pad protects your floors, reduces slipping, and adds cushioning. But more importantly—it reduces friction between the rug and floor, which helps prevent premature wear.

If your rug slips, wrinkles, or is in a high-traffic area, it’s time to add a pad. We cut and size pads in-house to fit your rug exactly.

4. Keep Rugs Away from Damp Areas

Moisture is one of the biggest threats to a rug. Avoid placing rugs in damp basements or bathrooms, and never lay them on a wet floor. If your rug gets wet, dry it completely to prevent mildew or dye bleed.

5. Clean Spills Immediately

Accidents happen. When they do, blot—don’t rub—with a dry white cloth. Then follow with cool water and blot again.

Avoid: Vinegar, soap, or store-bought cleaners unless you know the rug’s fiber and dye stability. What works on synthetic rugs can ruin natural wool or silk.

6. Professional Cleaning Every 2–3 Years

Even if your rug looks clean, fine dust, pet dander, and moth eggs settle deep into the fibers. Over time, this can cause damage that vacuuming alone won’t fix.

We recommend having your rug professionally hand-cleaned every 2 to 3 years depending on use and placement. In high-traffic homes, annually is best. For lesser-used spaces, every few years is enough.

7. Watch for Moth Activity

If your rug is in a low-traffic or dark space (like under a bed or in storage), check it regularly. Moths love undisturbed wool.

Look for:

• Patchy pile loss

• Sand-like grit (moth casings)

• Tiny holes

If you catch it early, we can deep clean and moth-treat the rug before it spreads.

8. Store Your Rug Properly

If you’re storing a rug, never fold it. Roll it tightly and store it in a dry, cool place, and never on concrete.

9. Repair Early

Loose fringe, curling edges, or worn corners can lead to bigger damage if ignored. Early repairs are simpler, less costly, and more effective.

Bring it in—we’ll inspect it for free and walk you through your options.

Need Help?

We offer:

• Deep hand-cleaning

• Moth treatments

• Expert repair

• Custom-cut rug pads

Drop-offs don’t require an appointment—just come by Monday through Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM.For pickups, deliveries, or questions, call or text us at 704-905-3200.

A rug can last a lifetime—or more—with the right care. We’re here to help make sure it does.