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Rugs should not be exposed to excessive sun. Blinds or curtains may be used to keep your rug out of direct sunlight. In order to avoid uneven sunfading, often a serious imperfection if too much color is lost, rugs that are exposed to a lot of sunlight must be rotated more frequently or at least once a year if possible. Very light colored carpets will probably be less afftected by strong sunlight than medium to dark hued rugs.
Padding is beneficial to rugs. Many excellent synthetic rubber brands are available from rug supply and carpet stores. Non-slip pads are quite thin and have a spongy mesh structure with air pockets. They are very popular and can be used for both pile and flat woven rugs. Thicker synthetic felt padding may be used for antique carpets, thinner kilims, and needlepoints to soften the feeling underfoot. Any good pad should prevent the rug from slipping on hardwood or smooth surfaces while not staining the back of the carpet or floor. Padding also helps the rug lie flat, increases longevity by reducing friction and diminishes the likelihood of moth damage by creating more hygienic conditions between the rug and floor.
It is always a good idea to use plastic cups or rug savers under furniture legs to prevent the crushing and wearing of the pile. They are great in dispersing the weight of heavy wrought iron tables that can damage the nap quite easily. Also remember to move furniture an inch or two from time to time to avoid crushing the wool.
Vacuuming is probably more important for the prevention of moth development than the cleaning of dirt. The back of the rug should be vigorously vacuumed periodically and the front cleaned at least twice a month, of possible. Vacuum the delicate fringes more gently. Beating the back of throw rugs, an age old tradition in Europe , is an excellent way to shake out embedded dirt.
The single most important action to preserve the life of a carpet is to rotate it 180 degrees regularly. This may be done every few years or after cleaning. The location of throw rugs should be changed periodically to prevent excessive wear in areas that are heavily trafficked and promote even sun fading.
Rugs without significant stains may be cleaned at home if one has sufficient space. A small rug or kilim should be vacuumed and washed with a mild fabric cleanser such as dilute woolite or soap. It can be sponge washed by hand in the bath tub or on a concrete or linoleum floor, front and back, using a circular motion. It may be rinsed in cold water, soaked in the tub for a little while and then throroughly rinsed again until the dirt and soap are removed. It must then be dried as quickly as possible to prevent color run and prolonged moisturization of the foundation. Any objects that will not stain the rug such as plastic baskets, chairs and flower pots, should be placed under the piece to allow air to circulate and speed drying. The carpet should dry in about a day or two depending upon the humidity.
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