Rug buying, sizing, and care guides

Why You Need a Rug (And Why Your Second One Won't Be the Last)

Think a rug is just decoration? It does a lot more than look good. Here's why every room deserves one, and how the right...

How to Clean an Outdoor Rug

Outdoor rugs deal with dirt, weather, and mildew. Here's how to clean an outdoor area rug and keep it looking good all season long.

How to Clean a Shag Rug

Shag rugs have the deepest pile of any rug style and trap the most dirt. Here's how to clean a shag rug at home...

How to Clean a Polyester Rug

Persian and oriental rugs are worth protecting. Here's how to clean yours at home and when to call a professional, without damaging the pile...

How to Clean a White Rug and Keep It Bright

White rugs show everything, but they're not as hard to maintain as people think. Here's how to clean one, get stains out, and keep...

How to Clean a Sheepskin Rug the Right Way

Sheepskin rugs need the right detergent, water temperature, and drying method. Here's how to clean yours without damaging the leather backing.

How to Clean a Viscose Rug (Bamboo Silk & Art Silk)

Viscose rugs are beautiful and unusually fragile. Water can yellow the fibers permanently. Here's how to clean and care for a viscose or art...

How to Clean a Handmade Rug (Hand-Knotted & Tufted)

Handmade rugs, hand-knotted, hand-tufted, or hand-woven, need gentle, careful cleaning. Here's how to keep yours looking great without damaging it.

How to Clean a Jute, Sisal & Natural Fiber Rug

Jute, sisal, seagrass, and other natural fiber rugs need special care since water is their biggest enemy. Here's the right way to clean and...

How to Clean a Wool Rug

Wool rugs are tough but don't love harsh chemicals or too much water. Here's how to clean one at home: vacuuming, spot cleaning, and...

How to Clean an Area Rug: The Complete Guide by Material

The right way to clean a rug depends on what it's made of. This guide covers wool, jute, sisal, viscose, sheepskin, shag, polyester, and...

How to Keep a Rug from Sliding

Tired of your rug bunching up every time someone walks across it? Here's how to keep any rug from sliding on hardwood, tile, laminate,...

How to Get Wrinkles Out of a Rug (Folds & Creases)

New rug won't lay flat? Here's how to get wrinkles, folds, and creases out of any area rug fast, with tips for corners, large...

Can you Put a Rug Over Carpet? Yes, and Here's How to Do It Right

Yes, you can put a rug over carpet. Here is the right pad to use, which rug styles work best, and what to avoid...

How to Clean a Washable Rug (Without Ruining It)

Step by step instructions for washing a machine washable rug the right way, plus the two mistakes that ruin them fastest.

What Size Rug Do I Need? Complete Room-by-Room Guide

Find the right rug size for every room with our size chart for living rooms, bedrooms, dining rooms, and hallways. Avoid the most common...

Indoor vs. Outdoor Rugs: Can You Use Them Interchangeably?

Outdoor rugs can go indoors, but indoor rugs should not go outside. Here is why, and where outdoor rugs work best inside the house.

Best Rugs for Pet Owners (That Actually Hold Up)

The best rug materials for pet owners, plus the ones to avoid. Stain resistant, washable options that hold up to fur, claws, and accidents.

Do I Need a Rug Pad?

Compare BuyAreaRugs.com rug pads side by side. See which pad is best for hardwood, carpet, or outdoor use, plus how thick each one really...