Owning a rug doesn't mean throwing it in a room and leaving it, maybe vacuuming it every now and again. These require some maintenance, though not much to ensure that they last for years and keep them looking great.

It's essential that you take the time to vacuum the item at least once a week. This removes any dirt buildup and helps the product keep looking fantastic. It also removes any dust particles and allergens, essential for those with asthma and other allergies.

It's always worthwhile that at least every two weeks, you turn the item over and vacuum the underside, this will help remove any dirt from the base of the fibers and help keep it clean and fresh.

Depending on the type of product you own will determine what rug cleaning routine is best. Oriental and Persian rugs should be vacuumed and when it comes to cleaning, they should be handled by a professional company with experience with these products.

Any other rugs, you can rely on baking soda from the kitchen. Sprinkle the baking soda directly onto the item and leave for thirty minutes. Any dirt will be soaked up by the baking soda and you can then vacuum it away with ease, leaving your rug clean and fresh.

Some people turn to carpet shampoos as a way to eliminate odors and know their item is clean. There are so many different carpet shampoos on the market these days, any one you choose ensure you read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter.

If you find that once you've cleaned the item seems very wet, call in the professionals, as you don't want it getting moldy and unhealthy.

Whatever you do when rug cleaning, do not vacuum the fringes. These get caught in the vacuum and can damage the item. If you have the space and the item isn't too big, place it on the washing line outside and bash the fringes and item with a broom, releasing excess dust before vacuuming.

Any rug should be rotated on a regular basis, at least every few months. The reason for this is that often you find certain areas are high traffic areas only, which means the item wears more on one side than another. It's the same idea as a mattress, by rotating it, you ensure that all areas wear evenly, reducing the risk of one side being very worn while the rest of the item looks in excellent condition.

A very important thing to remember is that when you notice a stain, blot it immediately, and don't leave it for too long as you will never get it out. Depending on the stain will depend on what you need to clean it with. In most cases blotting the stain and then gentling dabbing it with water is all that it needs. Soda water works exceptionally well on many stains.

If you don't feel comfortable with rug cleaning at home, then call in a professional company. You can find a company online that can come and clean your product with ease using environmentally friendly cleaners that will leave the product completely allergen free and clean.

If you do decide to use a professional company, ensure you do your homework and check to see that they have extensive experience in the industry. Read through any customer reviews you find online, giving you peace of mind that you have chosen a company with an excellent reputation and a reliable service.

Always read through the services they provide, including collection and delivery service, which is hugely beneficial for larger rugs.

Find a rug cleaning service here.