Free Shipping • Easy Returns • Fast Support

BuyAreaRugs Guides

Rug Guides

Helpful guides for choosing the right rug size, rug pad, material, placement, and care.

Start Here

A few of our most useful rug guides.

Guide Library

All Rug Guides

Browse our full collection of rug buying, sizing, cleaning, and care guides.

Why Is My New Rug Shedding? (And When to Actually Worry) - BuyAreaRugs.com

Why Is My New Rug Shedding? (And When to Actually Worry)

New rug shedding is almost always normal. Learn how long it lasts, how to handle it, and when shedding actually signals a...
BuyAreaRugs.com rug in bedroom

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...
BuyAreaRugs.com Outdoor Rug Guide

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...
BuyAreaRugs.com Shag Guide

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...
BuyAreaRugs.com Polyester Guide

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...
BuyAreaRugs.com White Rug Guide

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,...
BuyAreaRugs.com Sheepskin Guide

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.
BuyAreaRugs.com Viscose care guide

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...
BuyAreaRugs.com Hand-Made Guide

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.
BuyAreaRugs.com Natural Fiber Care Guide

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...
BuyAreaRugs.com Wool Guide

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...
How to Clean an Area Rug: The Complete Guide by Material - BuyAreaRugs.com

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,...
BuyAreaRugs Rug Pad Guide

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,...
Loloi Roxie ROX-04 Rug

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

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...
How to Clean a Washable Rug (Without Ruining It) - BuyAreaRugs.com

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 - BuyAreaRugs.com

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

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...
Best Rugs for Pet Owners (That Actually Hold Up) - BuyAreaRugs.com

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,...
Do I Need a Rug Pad? - BuyAreaRugs.com

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...

Shop Rugs

Use the guides above, or browse popular rug categories.