People welcome the relief of hot and dry weather that the monsoon brings. But with it comes the accompanying excess moisture, muddy footprints, and always that risk of mould and mildew, the rain brings particularly when you have a fine handmade rug. Rugs and Beyond also realises that one does not only purchase a handmade rug to cover his or her floor but also to invest in art, heritage and luxury. To make the extra effort of keeping your rug beautiful even at times on a damper note, here are the Top 5 Monsoon Hacks to make sure your rug remains fresh, colourful, and damage-free.
- Avoid Placing Rugs in Moisture-Prone Areas: The best method of safeguarding your rug is to take precautionary measures. It is not advisable to put your handmade rug in areas of high moisture, such as near windows or other places of the house that are very wet, such as balconies and even entryways of the house, during the rainy season. In case your rug is already in one of these areas, then you can move it to a more controlled area, like indoors, to avoid the seepage of dampness, which can cause damage.
- Use a Rug Pad for Better Air Circulation: One does not just buy a good-quality rug pad to make it cushy and avoid foot slipping, but also to allow for air circulation underneath the rug when it is placed on the floor. This minimises the chances of water vapour accumulation and the formation of mould. Choose a breathable rug pad of natural material version such as felt or rubber (it can be used in the months of monsoons).
- Vacuum and Air Out Regularly: The monsoon season is when dust and dirt will be more quickly accumulated since people have indoor foot traffic. It is essential to vacuum your rug once or twice per week to avoid the spread of dirt into the carpet. Where weather conditions allow, put the rug outside under a bit of shelter to stretch and to dry the dampness that may have been absorbed into the fibre, by letting this dry naturally. Exposure to direct sunlight should be avoided because it can bleach the dyes.
- Use Silica Gel or Natural Moisture Absorbers: Put some silica gel packets or bowls of baking soda in the corners of the place or under the carpet to soak up the additional moisture. They are inexpensive and very useful during rainy seasons, being natural moisture absorbers. Baking soda can also be sprinkled on a light layer on the rug, followed by a 15-20 minute wait. Wait before the baking soda is vacuumed up to renew the rug, as well as get rid of the musty smell.
- Attend to Spills and Stains Immediately: Monsoon can bring muddy shoes, spilt drinks and wet umbrellas, which are among the hazards that threaten your handmade rug. Blot up, in case of a spill, with a clean, dry cloth. Rubbing should be avoided since it can cause destruction of the fibres. A mild solution of vinegar and water can be used to clean deeper, but it is best to ask the services of a professional cleaner who knows how delicate hand-knotted rugs can be.
Final Thoughts
Handmade carpets are lifelong assets that need to be looked after all year round, and especially so during the monsoons. Creating these simple solutions by Rugs and Beyond will not only help you prolong the lifespan of the rug but also keep your location in shape, whether it is rainy or sunny out.
And to make your home a place of beauty and style, visit our website to enjoy our exclusive collection of handknotted rugs.