On-Target Floor Care – March 2025
Phoenix | Scottsdale | Cave Creek | Surrounding Areas

Your Complete Guide to Identifying, Caring For, and Cleaning Area Rugs

Area rugs bring style, warmth, and personality to your space—but without proper care, they can wear down fast. From handmade Oriental rugs to modern machine-woven and tufted styles, each type of rug has unique traits that require tailored care.

If you’re unsure how to clean or maintain your rug, you’re not alone. That’s why On-Target Floor Care created this easy-to-follow guide. We’re breaking down how to identify, maintain, and professionally clean your area rugs the right way.

Types of Rugs & How to Identify Them

🧵 Oriental Rugs (Hand-Knotted or Handwoven)

• Usually made from wool, cotton, or silk

• Fringes are part of the rug’s foundation—not sewn on

• Often feature small imperfections due to handcrafting

• Back of the rug reflects the same pattern as the front

🧶 Machine-Woven Rugs

• Fringes are sewn on

• Perfectly symmetrical edges

• Typically made from synthetic fibers

• Uniform pattern, machine consistency

🔗 Tufted Rugs

• Backing is glued on (often canvas or cotton)

• Fringe, if present, is attached—not woven in

• Pattern not visible on the back of the rug

• Commonly made with wool or synthetic blends

How to Maintain Your Area Rug

No matter the type, your rug needs a mix of routine care and professional service to stay beautiful long term.

🧼 Maintenance Tips for Oriental Rugs

• Rotate every 1–2 months to prevent uneven fading and wear

• Block sunlight with curtains or blinds to avoid color fading

• Use quality rug padding to prevent bunching and protect delicate fibers

• Vacuum weekly on low suction (no beater bar!) to avoid damage

• Store in a dry, pest-free space, rolled up and wrapped in polyethylene

🧽 Maintenance Tips for Machine-Woven Rugs

• Vacuum 2–3 times per week to reduce buildup of dirt and dust

• Rotate regularly to prevent wear from furniture and traffic

• Use a stiff brush to lift pet hair before vacuuming

• Avoid harsh cleaners, especially those not pH-neutral

🧵 Maintenance Tips for Tufted Rugs

• Rotate every 1–2 months to maintain even wear

• Never pull loose tufts, trim carefully with scissors instead

• Avoid moisture-heavy cleaning methods, especially if adhesives are involved

• Test cleaning products on a small hidden area first

How On-Target Floor Care Cleans Area Rugs

At On-Target Floor Care, we use professional techniques to safely clean and preserve rugs of all types. Our customized cleaning approach is designed for delicate and high-value textiles.

Here’s what you can expect from our Phoenix-based rug cleaning service:

• ✅ Pre-cleaning inspection for damage, stains, and fiber type

• ✅ Rug dusting using gentle agitation to remove dry soil

• ✅ Customized cleaning treatment (e.g., hot water extraction, spot treatment, power rinse)

• ✅ Fringe repair and detailing

• ✅ Controlled drying environment

• ✅ Final grooming, vacuuming, and wrapping

We also offer pickup & delivery for your convenience.

Spot Cleaning Tips (Until We Arrive)

Accidents happen. If you spill on your rug before you can schedule a professional cleaning:

• Blot with a white cloth—never rub!

• Use cold water or a neutral pH cleaner (like our professional spot remover)

• Avoid using vinegar, bleach, or DIY chemical combos

• If unsure, call us first—some rugs are too sensitive for store-bought products

FAQs

Can I clean my area rug myself?

Only for light surface cleaning. Deep cleaning should be handled by professionals—especially for Oriental, silk, and tufted rugs.

How often should I clean my area rug professionally?

Every 12–18 months depending on foot traffic, pets, and rug type.

Is pickup and delivery available in the Phoenix area?

Yes! We serve all surrounding cities with convenient options.

Do you clean rugs with pet stains or odors?

Absolutely. We specialize in odor neutralization and enzyme-based treatments safe for pets and children.

Need Expert Rug Cleaning in Phoenix?

Trust your most valuable rugs to the pros at On-Target Floor Care. Whether it’s a handmade Persian masterpiece or a large synthetic rug in your living room, we clean with precision and care.

📞 Call 480-977-1010
💻 Book now at OnTargetFloorCare.com

On-Target Floor Care – Where Quality Meets Care.
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, and more.