How Often Should You Replace Your Rug?

If your home is strewn with an array of beautiful area rugs that bring you comfort, elevate your aesthetics and make you feel that wonderful sense of hygge, you may not notice or even want to accept that they may need to be discarded.

To help you recognise the tell-tale signs of ageing, our experts have put together this guide that will answer the question: How often should you replace your rug?

What is the average lifespan of an area rug?

Area rugs are a great addition to any home. Not only do they tie a room together, but they add personality, warmth and a sense of style to your spaces, both indoors and out. However, if they are looking a little worse for wear, it might be time to start afresh and go in search of something new.

Although the longevity of a rug is not set in stone, they generally last between 3 and 10 years depending on factors like the type of material used, the manufacturing methodology, its quality, your lifestyle and how well you maintain it.

Heavy foot traffic, spills, stains and rough-and-tumbling from children and pets all contribute to their general demise, so care or no care they will, eventually, give in.

4 Signs that your area rug needs to be thrown away

While it’s hard to let go of something you love, keeping a rug that has seen better days could lead to health issues like asthma attacks, sneezing, itchy eyes, nasal congestion and other hay fever-related reactions.

It can also lower the quality of air in your home because, from frequent use, they tend to harbour allergens like pollen, mould, dust mites and even fungi.

To avoid these issues, here are 4 signs that you need to replace your rug as soon as possible.

1. Frazzled fibres, frayed fringes and loose loops

A worn-out rug will begin to exhibit wear through the yarn’s actual threading. You will be able to see strands sticking out or straying, especially if it has a longer pile or has been hand-knotted or tufted. If the fibres have been trampled down and don’t recover after a steam clean or if the edges or fringes have frayed, it is time for a replacement.

2. Odours and stains

After years of use, some rugs smell musty or funky, largely from being exposed to household fumes, cigarette smoke, pet fur and general dirt. If yours is showing these signs despite being properly maintained, it needs to be thrown away. The presence of stains on a rug is also a tell-tale sign of its age, so if you see yellow, orange or brown marks on it, turf it out. However, if you know the stain is recent, have it professionally cleaned right away.

3. Damaged backing

The adhesive holding your rug to its backing may become less effective with age. If this begins to happen and you catch it in the early phases, you may be able to repair it. However, if it’s extremely old and the backing is peeling significantly, there are probably other issues afoot, so looking for a new addition to your living room is in order.

4. Tearing

If your area rug is torn or shredded, it is another indication that it needs to be replaced. Ripping occurs as a result of excessive foot traffic, so if you see this happening, buy a new one as soon as possible and make sure that it can withstand heavy use.

If you’re refurbishing your home and have decided on a change of décor, your old rug may not match your new furnishings, in which case a brand-new addition to your home is in order.

In this instance you may be able to assign your original rug to a new room, pop it in a frame and use it as an art piece or have it made into cushioning for one of your sofas.

Find out more about all the latest styles with these rug and lighting trends for 2023.

Rug maintenance tips that will ensure longevity

Keeping your rug spic and span will guarantee a longer lifespan, so follow these easy guidelines and you will be able to enjoy your new purchase for years to come.

• Rotate it: Rugs are affected by both climate and heavy use, so to lessen their exposure to sunlight and make sure that the pile remains buoyant, rotate them at least every six months.
• Vacuum it: Rugs require a weekly vacuum to remove dirt, allergens, pollen and pet hair. If they’re in a busy area of your home, do it more frequently but remember to avoid using the brush attachment at all times or you will damage more delicate materials.
• Manage spills and stains: If you spill something on your rug, blot it immediately to avoid the liquid from sinking into the pile. Rubbing it vigorously will damage the fibres and create a stain. If this happens send it to a professional cleaner as soon as possible.
• Use a rug pad: Some rugs have anti-slip qualities, but whether yours does or not, always use a rubber-based rug pad. This will protect both your rug and flooring, keep it in place, mitigate noise and prevent it from curling.
• Long-term care: Check your rug frequently for symptoms of wear and remove fly-away fibres by snipping them with scissors. Keep your fringes neat and tangle-free and avoid using any chemicals on them.
• Storage: If your rug needs to be stored away, roll it up tightly with the pile on the inside, wrap it in a muslin or polyurethane cloth and keep it in a cool, dry cupboard. Remember to check it regularly to ensure that it remains insect-free.

In conclusion

Replacing a rug that you’ve loved for years can be a little traumatic, but once you’ve found a beautiful new addition to your home, rest assured you’ll be tickled pink.

FCI London stocks a fantastic range of rugs in all shapes and sizes so, from custom-designed additions from Knot & Loop to unique art prints by Anna Kosa, let’s get the ball rolling today.

Chat with us today or pop into our showroom to find out more.