A good rug is expected to last a lifetime and we do come across rugs that have been handed over from one generation to the next. But, invariably such old treasures ten to lose their original color and beauty. However, a well looked after carpet would last longer without losing its original beauty. Here are some helpful hints, which go a long way in keeping your rug looking great all the time and thus add years to its life.

Never place a rug directly on the floor, especially not the cheap one. Make sure that you provide padding beneath, it irrespective of the kind of flooring you might have. The idea of having a rug-pad is to hold the rug more firmly and reduces its wear and tear by preventing it from in direct contact with floor. Depending on the material used for its making a rug may tend to get slippery at times on certain kinds of flooring. The thickness of rug-pad may be from 3-6 mm and its size should match that of the rug to withhold the latter completely. Periodically check the rug-pad and replace it as it wears out.

Like the wheels of your car, a rug needs to be rotated so that its surface wears out evenly. Wearing is caused by foot traffic and bright sun shine. If its position is left unchanged certain portions may get faded or worn out more than the other parts, thus making it lose its original brightness. Keep turning it by 180 degrees at periodic intervals. It may not be possible to turn around some of the rugs with designs that can only be viewed when the rug is in a particular position. That feature you may need to take into consideration at the time of purchase.

Frequent cleaning of your rug is as important as its turning. If you are unable to do it yourself, send it for dry-cleaning. That also helps to keep the bugs away.

Delicate rugs should not be vacuumed as it could prove to be harmful for its fibers because of the powerful suction. While drying a rug take care not to hang or drape it. Just lay it flat on the ground and ensure that it is not tramped upon while it is spread out for drying.

Rugs should be kept away from direct sun light. Use a curtain to save them from harsh sunlight that causes their colors to fade.

If you are required to shift a rug from one place to another, see that they are not folded; just roll them up for any shifting. Another precaution you need to take while shifting your house is to keep them on top of the rest of the baggage so that these do not get crushed. On relaying the rug, you may notice that its corners don’t sit flat on the floor. The best way to tackle the problem is by keeping a heavy object like a book or a brick over the corner. In due course of use any creases formed due to transportation will vanish.

In case you want to store away the rug for sometime, it’s advisable to get it cleaned professionally. As already mentioned, you may roll it over but not before you have kept a few mothballs in-between the layers. Finally cover it with a fabric that can breathe. Plastic covers are not healthy for a rug as such covers facilitate accumulation of moisture that may ruin the rug for ever.

You will agree such simple precautions and preventive measures are not difficult to follow. Just a slight effort at periodic intervals coupled with simple precautions would give it a long life and everlasting brightness.