The Ultimate Guide for Area Rugs

PORTLAND, OR – As professional rug cleaners in Portland, we’ve heard many different origin stories for area rugs. Some have been passed down from generation to generation. Some were made by hand in other countries. Some were bought out of the Fred Meyer discount bin. Rugs come in many different shapes and forms: some are small, rough, and lay in entryways. Other rugs are skinny, long, colorful, and often found in hallways. Some are 10×14 and bigger than some kid’s bedrooms.

What do all these rugs have in common? They are an intentional and cared for part of a home.

One of the wonderful things about area rugs is that they serve more than just one purpose. While they are often used to soften rooms and accent a room’s color scheme, they also do a lot to protect your flooring and reduce the amount of debris and allergens that enter your home. We are big advocates of our clients investing in area rugs, and we are always more than happy to offer tips for maintaining and cleaning up an in-home rug.

How does having an area rug protect my flooring?

When you have an area rug in the entryway of your home, it acts as an obstacle between your flooring and any debris that, knowingly or unknowingly, entered your home with you. If you go directly from outside to walking on the carpet, hardwood, or vinyl, there is a higher likelihood of causing heavy soiling in those area and wearing down the carpets faster. Area rugs act as a guardian for your carpet and other flooring. It’s job is to shield what lay underneath. As a result, your flooring doesn’t wear down as fast and you reduce your odds of having to do any premature replacements. Regardless of what kind of flooring you have, replacing it is always more expensive than keeping up on regular maintenance. A simple rug in your entry way or in heavily trafficked areas may be saving you thousands of dollars!

Isn’t an area rug just another way to bring a room together?

It is! As we mentioned before, area rugs are wonderful because they are not only functional, but they are beautiful as well! Did you know that in 2016, 79% of households claimed to have at least one area rug in their home?  We don’t think everyone is buying a rug because they know it will serve as a way to prolong the life of their flooring. Many people purchase rugs purely because they add to the overall theme of décor. We read therugseller’s blog post called “20 reasons Why You Need a Rug in Your Life,” and twelve out of twenty reasons were purely for the aesthetics.

How do I keep my area rug looking good?

There are lots of small and powerful ways you can help your area rug live a long and beautiful life. Vacuuming your rug on a regular basis is critical. When you leave dry debris in your rug fibers, the debris eventually breaks the fibers down and gives the rug a worn and faded appearance.

If you have multiple rugs throughout your home, it’s also recommended that you rotate them semi-annually. If you keep rugs in the same place, particularly if there is a lot of sunlight in that area, they can develop traffic and sunlight patterns.

It’s also important to have them occasionally professionally cleaned. If you are looking for professional rug cleaning in Portland, you can always give us a call! A+ Carpet Cleaning is locally owned, family owned, and a small business. We have been cleaning rugs for over 15 years and have helped with an array of specialty smells and stains like pet urine, wine spills, food stains, oil and grease spots… you name it, we’ve probably seen it! If you haven’t had them cleaned, give us a call at 503-314-7453 or do a quick online search for “professional rug cleaning near me.”

Understanding Different Types of Area Rugs

Wool Rugs: Wool rugs are among the most popular choices for homeowners due to their durability, softness, and natural stain resistance. Wool fibers are resilient and can withstand heavy foot traffic, making them suitable for high-traffic areas like living rooms, hallways, and entryways. They also have excellent insulating properties, providing warmth and comfort underfoot.

Cotton Rugs: Cotton rugs are versatile, affordable, and easy to clean, making them a practical choice for various rooms in the home. These rugs come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to easily find one that complements your decor. Cotton rugs are ideal for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and children’s rooms where spills and messes are common.

Synthetic Rugs: Synthetic rugs, such as those made from polypropylene or nylon, are highly durable, stain-resistant, and often more budget-friendly than natural fiber rugs. These rugs are ideal for high-traffic areas where durability and easy maintenance are essential. Synthetic rugs come in a variety of styles and designs, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Natural Fiber Rugs: Natural fiber rugs, including jute, sisal, and seagrass, offer a unique texture and organic feel to any space. These rugs are eco-friendly and biodegradable, making them a sustainable choice for environmentally conscious homeowners. While natural fiber rugs may not be as soft as wool or synthetic rugs, they add warmth and character to rooms like bedrooms, home offices, and dining areas.

Silk Rugs: Silk rugs are synonymous with luxury and elegance, thanks to their beautiful sheen and intricate designs. These rugs are often handcrafted and can be considered works of art. Silk rugs are best suited for formal living rooms, dining rooms, and bedrooms where they can be showcased and appreciated. However, they require delicate care and may not be suitable for high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children.

Flatweave Rugs: Flatweave rugs, such as kilims and dhurries, are lightweight, reversible, and easy to maintain. These rugs are typically thin and flat, making them ideal for layering over carpet or placing in small spaces like apartments and entryways. Flatweave rugs come in a variety of patterns and colors, adding visual interest and personality to any room.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Area Rug

Size and Shape: The size and shape of the area rug should complement the proportions of the room and the furniture arrangement. Consider the dimensions of the space and the placement of key furniture pieces when selecting the size and shape of the rug. In living rooms, for example, a large rectangular rug can anchor the seating area, while a round rug can soften the look of a square dining table.

Style and Design: Choose an area rug that reflects your personal style and complements the existing decor of your home. Consider factors such as color, pattern, and texture when selecting a rug that enhances the overall aesthetic of the room. Whether you prefer bold, vibrant designs or subtle, neutral tones, there’s a rug to suit every taste and preference.

Functionality: Consider the function of the room and the level of foot traffic when choosing an area rug. High-traffic areas like entryways, hallways, and family rooms require durable rugs that can withstand heavy use and frequent cleaning. In contrast, rugs in bedrooms and formal living rooms can prioritize comfort and style over practicality.

Maintenance: Evaluate the maintenance requirements of different types of area rugs and choose one that aligns with your lifestyle and cleaning preferences. While some rugs may require regular vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning, others may need more specialized care, such as professional cleaning or dry cleaning. Consider factors like shedding, stain resistance, and ease of cleaning when selecting a rug that’s easy to maintain.

Budget: Set a budget for your area rug purchase and explore options within your price range. While natural fiber and silk rugs tend to be more expensive, there are plenty of budget-friendly options available in synthetic and cotton materials. Consider the long-term investment value of the rug and prioritize quality and durability over price alone.

Rug Pad: Invest in a quality rug pad to protect your floors and extend the lifespan of your area rug. A rug pad provides cushioning underfoot, prevents slipping and sliding, and helps to keep the rug in place. Choose a rug pad that’s appropriate for the type of flooring in your home, whether it’s hardwood, tile, or carpet.

What does a professional area rug cleaning look like?

We can’t speak for everyone, but when you have your area rug cleaned by us, we can do one of two things. We prefer to clean area rugs at our shop because we are able to perform all steps of the process and supervise the drying period. However, we can also clean area rugs in our client’s home if we are already there doing other services. When you allow us to clean your rug at our shop:

1. You are welcome to drop off your rugs or we are happy to offer area rug pick up and area rug drop off!
2. We unroll the rug in our moisture & temperature controlled shop.
3. Vacuum & rake for any dander and other kinds of dry debris
4. Pre-spray
5. Warm water extraction (area rug steam cleaning)
6. Dry stroke to extract as much water as possible
7. Leave for a period for drying, checking in to make sure there is no warping or spots wicking back
8. Notify you your area rug is done!

Area rugs in Portland, Oregon

Here in Portland, there are multiple places you can go to invest in an area rug beyond the local Fred Meyer. We have NW Rugs & Furniture, Tufenkian Carpets, Kush Rugs… a quick look online and you’ll realize there are almost too many to choose from! You can also try an online store (making sure to check the return policy in case you get the rug and you don’t like it).

Overall, we’d encourage you, if you haven’t already, to consider purchasing a rug for the betterment of your home and your flooring. And if you have any questions, you know who to call!

Professional Area Rug Cleaning

Maybe you have an area rug in your home that has been well-loved and needs a professional cleaning. If you’re interested in supporting a local, family-owned business, we’d love to hear from you here at A+ Carpet Cleaning. We typically clean area rugs in our shop, utilizing warm water extraction. We can help with pet smells, dander, and other kinds of staining on your rug. All you have to do is reach out! Our phone number is 503-314-7453, but you can also send an email to info@aplusqualitycleaning.net.

A+ Carpet Cleaning – Portland
2885 NW 111th Ct, Portland, OR 97229
(503) 314-7453
https://www.carpetcleanerportland.com/