Dab, dont rub, 8 years later

I recently revisited a blog I wrote about rug care 8 years ago, after hearing from a former client whose dog had what was apparently not the first of many “accidents” in the same general place on her rug. She had already had the professionals in to clean it multiple times, with limited success, and was ready to rethink her options. In the course of advising her, it occurred to me that a lot has changed in the industry since I wrote that piece. In particular, selecting care free rugs and carpeting for clients with animals, small children or clumsy housemates is easier than ever.

Here are some of those new options, and while some have been around for a while, as time goes on, they get better and better, as far as looking like the natural materials they are trying to imitate, while providing a more care free option underfoot.

Performance - Along with the rise in so called “performance fabrics”, there are also performance rugs. There is a wide range in how natural these look, but they are getting better and better, and easy to clean as you can take a wet cloth and cleaner to them and scrub without risking damage.

A sample of a rug made from recycled plastic bottled from Jennifer Manners

Repurposed plastic bottles - While it may sound surprising, I have had rugs made out of this material and they are amazingly natural looking and soft feeling! They can even be made in matte (like wool) or sheen (like silk or viscose) finishes for a softer or richer look accordingly. No one would ever know what these rugs are made of unless you tell them, and the added benefit of being environmentally friendly makes them special. These tend to be pricier than the performance rugs, but have many more options for size, color and pattern, and overall customization.

A machine washable rug from Tumble

Washable rugs - These have become a great option for family rooms, kids’ rooms, basements, decks, or generally more casual settings. They come in a huge range of designs, colors and sizes and can be thrown in the washing machine as needed. Recent collaborations with well known names such as Architectural Digest and Jonathan Adler are providing more high style and sophisticated designs which is increasingly making this type of rug an option for more important spaces. Here's one I just did for a client featuring a very cute mess maker:

an outdoor rug from Restoration Hardware

Indoor/outdoor - The designs of these rugs, while once very limited, are getting better, but they still do not compare in breadth with the washable rugs. However, for damp settings like a porch or patio, these are a great choice.

So what did my client with the doggie mishap and I decide was best for her? We went with a washable rug. In the process, she decided she also wanted to replace her bedroom wall to wall, and we have decided to go with a nylon rug that is part of a special pet friendly line, with a 20 yr warranty against stains from pet mistakes. She is completely thrilled with these worry free options, and the bonus is they are also economical.

In looking back at my post of 8 years ago, I was also interested to see what has not changed:

I still love a beautiful wool rug or other natural material, not to mention all the incredible one of a kind vintage and antique rugs from around the world, when conditions are right for this type of rug.

While our kids are now grown, and Pippa has replaced our beloved Boots, I still keep a rack for shoes inside our coat closet and we all remove our shoes when we come inside so as not to track dirt.

I still get our carpets cleaned at least once a year, to ensure they continue to look their best year after year.

If something spills, it is still important to dab, not rub, with a clean, white cloth. Do not use water unless you know your rug can take it (in general natural grass materials like sisal cannot, nor can silk or viscose, and these are not the best options in the first place if you have pets, or young kids, unless you don't mind starting over with a new rug from time to time)

And most importantly, when the inevitable happens, it is still important to resist the urge to throw everything under the kitchen sink at it. Instead, call in professionals as soon as possible! I know this to be true personally, as I just spilled some eyeliner on my wool Berber rug and not realizing it, stepped on it and really ground it in (photo). I waited a couple of weeks to call the professionals, as I struggled with myself about whether to try to clean it myself every time I looked at it. In spite of what I advise all my clients, I understand how difficult it can be to resist that urge. Thankfully, I finally gave in to my better angels and called my guy in. So glad I did! Here is the before and after:

No matter how careful we try to be, we all have the occasional spills and stains. Let me know about any rug mishaps you (or your furry loved ones) have had which you would like to share. As fall approaches and we begin a new season of back to school, back from vacation time, or just back to warmer clothes, it is always a good time for an apartment refresh and what better way to start than with a new rug.