How to Get the Most Out of Your Rug Pad

Most people think to place their rug pad under their area rug and let it do its work. While this is mostly true, there are some things that can be done to assure you get the most out of your rug pad.

Depending on the type of rug pad you have under your rugs, they are made of some sort of material. Like with furniture fabric, area rugs and carpets and all other materials, there is some care that can be practiced to assure you receive all of the benefits that your rug pad offers.

Keep it Clean

Thinking of your rug pad, it is under your area rug that is constantly used – It is walked on, run across and simply used. This means that there can be small dust particles that can pass through your rug to reach the rug pad. This dust should not be allowed to accumulate and sit atop the rug pad for extended periods of time, as it can cause early wear of the pad and rug. For this reason, it is a good idea to reveal the rug pad on a routine basis and remove any dirt or dust by means of a vacuum or broom. If a spill actually passes through and affects the pad, try to blot it up as quickly as possible to avoid long-term staining or odor.

Rotate to Prevent Uneven Wear

This part actually affects your area rug and rug pad. Since most rugs have a common walking path, they can develop a distinct wear pattern on part of the rug. This pressure can also impact that part of the rug pad under the rug. To avoid any premature or uneven matting or flattening of your rug and pad. try to rotate both at least once a year. Pick up your rug and rotate the rug pad 180 degrees and then place your rug on top of the pad after rotating it as well in the same direction.

Prevent Spills from Saturating the Pad

Each time a spill interacts with your rug pad, there can be a certain amount of drying of the pad, just like that with many types of fabrics and materials. While spills can and may occur, they are fine if removed as soon as possible. The important thing to know is that your rug pad should not be exposed to standing water or spills – This can weaken the fibers of the rug pad, such as the felt in a felt rug pad, and shorten its life and perhaps compromise its performance.

Vacuum Regularly

An effective vacuum can pull our much fine dust that can otherwise pass through the rug and affect the pad. Try to perform a regular vacuuming of your area rug to prevent excessive build-up of dust under the rug, or on top of the rug pad. When the rug is walked on, this pushes down against the rug pad and if there is dirt trapped between your rug and pad, this rubbing can cause premature and unnecessary wear of the rug pad.

Spot Clean With Water Only

Whenever possible, if your rug pad needs to be spot cleaned, try to use only water without any chemical cleaning agents. Water alone is extremely safe and natural and will not weaken the fibers of your rug pad. If you encounter a spill or stain, use a damp sponge to rub it out of the rug pad – Chances are that if you attack it early enough, there is no need for any cleaning agent.

Give it Some Fresh Air

Your rug pad spends its entire life under an area rug without much exposure to air circulation, so it can get stuffy down there. To prevent any surprise build-ups of anything, try to air out the rug pad in the better seasons. You may have a back porch or an area of grass around your house and you can use this area to drape or place your rug pad in the fresh air and sun. A few hours of this exposure can really freshen up your rug pad, which adds to its performance and lifespan.

Your rug pad provides so many benefits and can provide them for a long amount of time if taken care of. If you spend a little time during each year to perform some of the steps highlighted here, you will enjoy the benefits of your rug pad for many years. If your rugs and floors could speak, they would thank you for this as well!