How to keep a rug from getting matted
Want to keep your rug looking its best? Follow these expert tips.
We all love a fluffy rug.
They typically have synthetic materials with a higher level of pile, and more expensive rugs can also have wool or silk in them, too. This makes them feel luxurious and can add character to your room.
But they need careful treatment if you want them to last.
This blog post from the experts at ServiceMaster Clean Leicester explores why and how to keep a rug from getting matted.
How and why does a rug become matted?
- Footfall: It’s in an area where people (and pets) go or walk on regularly
- Heavy furniture has been placed on the rug and squashed the pile
- Improper Cleaning: The rug has been cleaned poorly or with products that have damaged it
- Direct sunlight: Sunlight can damage the pile of the rugs (it can break it down, causing them to degrade and lose their fluffy look)
- Dust and Debris can easily fall through the fibres and rest on the backing. This can make the pile flatten from the base of the fibre.
How to keep a rug from getting matted
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Beat it
Shake the rug well before vacuuming, as this can help dislodge debris at the base of the pile. If you feel energetic and have the space, put your rug over the washing line and beat it. To do this, put the face first over the line so you are beating the back of the rug – this will help dislodge any debris before you vacuum it.
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Keep off!
You can also rotate your furniture or avoid putting it on the rug. Or you could use furniture coasters under the feet of your furniture to stop the pile from being squashed. Where possible, try to keep pets off the rug, as they flatten the pile and can add more dust and debris to the rug, damaging it.
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Move it, move it
Changing the placement of your rug within the room can also help, especially if this helps you avoid keeping it in areas of direct sunlight.
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Cleaning it
Regularly vacuuming your rug helps it maintain its condition and the health of the pile. Please avoid vacuums with beater bars on your rugs, as this can damage the pile. Alternatively, you could look into having your rug cleaned by a professional to ensure the best possible service and care for your furnishings.
What can I do to revive the pile?
If your rug has become matted due to damage to the pile, there are a few things you can do to try to bring it back to its best.
For starters, you can use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to gently lift the pile. Or you could buy a rug brush or carpet rake to attempt to do this, but PLEASE be gentle! Otherwise, the tufts will come out of the rug, and you will have a bare patch. Never apply pressure when using a rug brush or rake – be gentle!
If you don’t want to go the DIY route for a delicate procedure like this, consider contacting the professionals.
Need professional rug cleaning services?
As nationwide experts with over 65 years of experience as leaders in carpet and upholstery cleaning, ServiceMaster Clean has the tools and knowledge to give your furnishings, flooring and furniture the best possible care.
To see how we can help you revive and protect your rugs from matting, find your nearest ServiceMaster Clean business or book online today.
And if you’re in Leicester, call 0800 021 3112 or email branches@servicemaster.co.uk to see how the team can help you.
