Caring for your new rug is important and regular cleaning will help keep it in a good condition. Over time, this will save you money and help prevent any smells and build-up of allergens or bacteria.

The simple care guide below is packed with helpful expert hints and tips.

Care tips for your new rug

• Vacuum regularly as new rugs may fluff or shed.
• Do not bleach clean natural rugs.
• Remove stains as quickly as possible for the best chance to avoid damaging or discolouring your rug.

Cleaning your rug

You should ideally hoover your new rug to keep it in good condition. For loop pile rugs, use a vacuum without a beater bar or brush to avoid felting the rug. Shorter cut pile rugs are best vacuumed with an upright cleaner with a beater bar and brush.

Dealing with spillages

It’s important to deal with spillages as soon as they happen. Unfortunately, some stains may become permanent if left, but take quick action to ensure this doesn’t happen. Follow the below steps to remove spillages.

• Blot the spillage with a clean white towel or tissue. Be careful not to rub the stain and this could permanently change the appearance of the pile.
• To avoid spreading the stain, blot the stain from the outside inwards.
• Brush the pile up to enable the carpet to retain its look after drying.
• If you are using a cleaning agent, apply the product to a cloth and not directly onto the rug. After using the cleaning product, rinse the area with water, but take care not to over wet the rug.

Cleaning a pet-stained rug

If you have a pet, there’s a strong chance you’ll have to deal with stains at some point. There are a few solutions available to help bring your rug back to looking its best.

• Look out for an enzyme-based solution suitable for the fibre type of your rug.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Rinse the stain with water after the solution as lifted.
• Be careful not to over wet the area.

How to remove pet hairs from your rug

Our pets can bring lots of joy into our lives, but also plenty of hair to our living room rugs! If your breed of pet malts or sheds, you’ll know it can be difficult to remove the hair. But all hope is not lost. There are a few things you can do to keep your rug hair-free.

• Start the process by vacuuming your rug. Check first as some vacuums have specific attachments designed to remove pet hairs.
• If the hairs are not all removed, spray a mop or sponge with water and run this along the surface to pick up hairs, but be sure to not over wet the rug.
• When the rug has dried, vacuum again and it should be free from pet hair!
• Repeat the process as many times as necessary.

Maintaining your rug

It’s easy to care for and maintain your rug, ensuring many years of life. We’ve listed a few expert tips on how you can get the most out of your People and Planet rug.

• If possible, lay your rug in an area free from sustained direct sunlight, as this can cause discolouration.
• Place your rug in an area of low footfall to avoid excess wear.
• Mop up and remove any spillages as quickly as possible to avoid permanent damage.
• Remove shoes when entering the house as this not only protects the rug but prevents unnecessary outdoor dirt from causing damage. Bare feet and socks are easier on rugs than shoes.
• Vacuum regularly to remove surface dirt and pet hair.
• Use furniture cups if placing the rug under heavy goods.
• Keep pets’ nails trimmed to minimize fibres being pulled.
• Don’t over wet the rug when removing stains or pet hair.
• Don’t rub the stain as this can cause spillages to worse and discolour the rug.