New Year, New Rug

Timothy Petzold • January 2, 2026

Caring for a New Rug

You might have recently found yourself as the owner of a brand-new rug. Whether it was a holiday gift or a planned purchase, here are some tips when it comes to new rug care and professional rug cleaning services.


Some Things to Know About New Rug Care


Brand-new rugs can come with some surprises. For one thing, they tend to be full of wrinkles when they’re first removed from their package. This is because the majority of large rugs are folded up to make it easier to ship them. Eventually, the wrinkles smooth out. When that happens depends on the size of the rug and what it’s made of. The best way to let your new rug smooth out is to take it out of its packing as soon as you get it and vacuum it. If the rug is in a high-traffic area, don’t be afraid to walk on it. Fold the rug in the opposite direction of the wrinkles if you need to fold it up again.


New rugs also tend to shed a lot for the first few weeks. This is especially true of rugs made of natural fibers such as wool. The solution may be to vacuum your new rug more than you normally would until you notice that it’s not shedding as much. Make sure to avoid the vacuum's beater bar.


Cleaning the Rug


A rug that’s in a high-traffic area is going to get dirty. When there's a spill, remove any solids and then blot liquids with a clean white cloth. Remember to blot the spill without scrubbing it for scrubbing just rubs the spill into the fabric. Don’t be afraid to ask us about the best way to remove different spills.


Another thing to remember is to never put your rug in your washing machine. Some rugs are simply too big to fit into one, but even small ones should not be machine-washed. Some rugs are made of textiles that react badly to the hot water and detergents used in regular laundry. Moreover, many rugs have a jute backing that takes a long time to dry when it gets wet. These backings are easily attacked by mold and mildew.


About Professional Rug Care


Though you will surely take good care of your rug, there is going to be a time when you see that it needs professional rug care. You might need to do this every 12 to 18 months depending on how much traffic you get. No matter what your rug is made of, our professional cleaners at Aegis will give it exquisite care. We pick it up and bring it back to your home. We inspect, repair, handwash, and air-dry your rug to preserve its textiles and dyes. When it is time for a cleaning, give us a call at (512) 327-1900.

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