Remembrances Of A Special 8x10 Area Rug

I remember visiting my aunt's house. I used to adore her house. It always struck me as elegant. My aunt possessed this beautiful dark furniture with inlaid wood. Her curtains were elegant, sheer and also ornate. Inside all the rooms of her home, she had the most beautiful rugs, complementing the decor of each room.

The 8 by 10 area rug in her living room was scratchy, but all were brightly colored. I used to lie on my stomach and trace the patterns of the carpet with my fingers. Everywhere in her house was something distinct and unique.

One of the last days I got to spend time with her, she took me into her bedroom and sat me down on the edge of her bed. I was quite surprised when she handed me a big, long package wrapped in parchment. Looking down, I realized what was missing. She was giving me my favorite rug of hers. It was a soft, wool, cream and dark brown woven area rug of hers that used to lie before her bed. It now adorns my bedroom, much in the same fashion it did hers.

It's funny to think that I grew up with women who understood the value of high quality area rugs and how they could be used to enhance the beauty of a home. My grandmother, unlike my aunt wasn't wealthy and didn't have much, but she did, indeed, have several beautiful Persian rugs in her living room that she used to dress up the room and knew how to take care of them, something she admonished us about.

Ironically, taking care of such fine rugs is really not that difficult and keeping such an investment clean in the first place is really the best idea. It has now become fashionable to have apartments and homes be shoe-free. It's really not a bad idea, as it keeps all sorts of dust and dirt out of your home. Think of all the time you waste double and triple cleaning things when they just as easily could have been kept from getting dirty in the first place.

Dirt does happen, however, and it is important that it is dealt with immediately. The longer something sits, the more likely that stains will be permanent. One caution is to make certain you know the material of which your rug is made. Cleaning a wool rug, for example, would not be the same as cleaning one made of silk. It is very smart to vacuum these rugs regularly.

Of course, you will vacuum your house periodically, but good area rugs need to be flipped and vacuum on both sides at a six month interval. The reason for keeping your rug dust free is that accumulated dust can make a spill or other accident instantly worse. Secondly, those steam machines that we use on carpets should definitely not be used on area rugs, nor is the detergent used in those machines too smart to use, as they are far too harsh for most area rug material.

While different materials require different care, there are some basic tips for dealing with spills and accidents. The first is never rub. One most blot the excess fluid, with a clean cloth is best. Once all the excess has been picked up, depending on the nature of the stain, a little club soda will help. Again, blot, don't rub.

There are professional cleaning products out there that will help as well. Be sure the one you select is made for your kind of rug. Vinegar, by the way, is great in a pinch and tends to keep colors from running. It also removes residue of other things, so don't be surprised if the area is cleaner than before. If that happens, don't fret. It is possible to clean the entire wool rug with a little vinegar and water.

Area rugs do come in all sizes, colors, and styles. Ornate Persian rugs, like my aunt and grandmother had, are available, but they are not the only choices. Many modern selections are now to be had and can enhance any décor. A good 8 by 10 area rug can immediately add flair and style to any home and give it an instant makeover. If you take good care of it, vacuum it regularly and turn it around every six to eight months, you may in fact be giving it to one of your relatives one day.