1. Skip the Rug Pad A rug pad not only prevents your rug from slipping and sliding on your floor, it also helps to protect your rug. The pad prevents wrinkles. It also provides cushion to help protect the fibers from being weighted down. Depending on what kind of flooring, different pads will be needed. 2. Scrub Spills Vigorously Oh no! Your guest spilled wine on your Persian rug. As a savvy homeowner, you know that you should always clean spills immediately to avoid stains. So you grab the scrubbing brush and attack that spill with all your might. Never ever do this. While cleaning spills is important, using the best technique matters just as much. Heirloom rugs are delicate and require a gentle hand when cleaning. Scrubbing vigorously will ruin the fibers and even wear a hole in your carpet. Instead, gently dab or blot at the spill with a clean cloth, then take the rug to a professional cleaner to handle the rest. 3. Skip Yearly Professional Washing You may not think about having your rug professionally cleaned, after all you vacuum it weekly. While that is great for superficial cleaning, a professional rug cleaning is going to do a lot more for your rug than a simple vacuuming. Professional rug washing allows your rug to get a thorough inspection of the fibers and knots. Spotting issues early can offset the cost to repair damage later. Taking precautions can increase the longevity of your rug. If you have any questions about how to care for your rugs, please call Heirloom Oriental Rug Cleaning at (904) 262-5863 and we would be happy to help with your family heirloom.