Area rugs don't last forever—there comes a time when you have to say goodbye to the old and hello to the new. A rug's lifespan will vary based on regular maintenance and your household foot traffic. Families with little ones are going to have more wear and tear. Likewise, muddy paws and shedding fur from pets will also accelerate your area rug’s aging. Here are a few signs of when to replace your old area rug.
Signs To Replace Your Old Area Rug
A quality rug like oursouthwestern style rugsshould last around 10 years. Here are the three telltale signs it’s time to replace your old area rug:
Stains
With the right cleaning supplies and regular professional cleaning, you can remove tough stains from your area rug. With any home, especially one with pets and kids, stains are going to happen. Keep in mind to use the correct cleaning supplies to avoid damaging the fibers and dyes in your rug.
Smell
Another sign of when to replace your old area rug is an odd smell. If an unpleasant odor is coming from your carpet, it could be mold. A professional rug cleaner could save the rug, but you should consider your health first and foremost. Mold and other allergens can contribute to allergies and related health problems.
Wear & Tear
Rugs located in a living room by the front door versus a bedroom will wear out faster. They’re just going to see more foot traffic. Signs of rug wear and tear are worn fabric, faded color, and matted fibers. There is no way to restore wear and tear on an area rug.
The Lifespan of Area Rugs
The typical lifespan of area rugs is anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The longevity will depend not only on your home's foot traffic but also on how you maintain your rug. The following are a few tips on proper area rug maintenance:
- Shaking: Before you clean your rug, take it outside and shake it to loosen any large debris. Shaking the rug will help before a deep cleaning.
- Vacuuming: Regularly vacuuming your rug is an easy and inexpensive way to keep it clean and allergen-free.
- Stain Removal: When stains appear on the rug, like from a spill, take care of the stain sooner rather than later. Always be sure to use the correct cleaning products.
- Annual Deep Cleaning: Your area rug should have a deep cleaning at least once a year. A professional cleaning will help preserve the original quality of your rug. Be sure to hang your rug either out in the sun or on an improvised drying rack to ensure it is dry before going back onto the floor. Doing so will help prevent mold from growing.
If you take stock of these signs, you’ll know when to replace your old area rug. Shopping for a new rug is a perfect time to change up the décor of your home. Check out our diverse selection of area rugs at Boutique Rugs!
FAQs
Rugs, even high-quality ones, have a lifespan of about five to 10 years, influenced by factors like foot traffic and care. Signs for replacement include stubborn stains, persistent odors, visible wear, or the rug not laying flat.
What is the lifespan of an area rug? ›
Signs of rug wear and tear include worn fabric, faded color and matted fibers. There is no way to restore wear and tear on an area rug. The typical lifespan of area rugs run anywhere from 5 to 10 years.
Should 20 year old carpet be replaced? ›
While carpet has changed over the years, today, its lifespan is usually anywhere from 5 to 15 years.
What is the effective life of a rug? ›
ATO Depreciation Rates 2023
| Name | Effective Life | Diminishing Value Rate |
|---|
| Assets generally: |
| Rug s | 7 years | 28.57% |
| HEALTH CARE AND SOCIAL ASSISTANCE: |
| Child care services: |
22 more rowsThe density or closeness of the knots inside each square inch determines the knot count of a carpet. Generally speaking, the higher the knot count, the higher the value and the better the quality.
What type of rugs last the longest? ›
Natural fibres like wool, sisal, and jute are typically more durable than synthetic materials like nylon and polyester. Construction: Crafting a rug in certain ways also affects its durability. Hand-knotted rugs, for example, are generally more durable than machine-made rugs.
When should you not use an area rug? ›
You don't want to visually divide the space.
If you have a small studio, or a room that already has visual dividers, you might not want to use rugs to further chop up the space. By keeping the floor clear of rugs, the room may feel larger and airier.
How can you tell if a rug is dirty? ›
Here are 10 of them.
- The carpets are visibly dirty. ...
- The carpets are stained. ...
- There is an unpleasant smell coming from the carpets. ...
- The carpets are attracting pests, such as spiders or mice. ...
- The carpets are releasing dust particles into the air. ...
- The carpets seem to be getting dirtier faster than usual.
The older the carpet gets, the more it catches and retains nasty substances that can trigger allergies and asthma. If you find yourself suffering from allergy symptoms more regularly, your carpet could be to blame.
Is it worth cleaning 20 year old carpet? ›
Age: If carpet is more than 12-15 years old, and hasn't been professionally cleaned at regular intervals, it most likely will need replacing. Conditions such as filter soiling, crushing, and traffic patterns will have taken their toll on the carpet, and a single cleaning will not undo decades of wear.
The typical lifespan of area rugs is anywhere from 5 to 10 years. The longevity will depend not only on your home's foot traffic but also on how you maintain your rug.
What does bad carpet look like? ›
Last but not least, signs of old carpet include but are not limited to: color loss, fading, matting, ripples, wrinkles and lack of padding support.
How to tell if you have cheap carpet? ›
As well as the denier, you also need to consider density. Rather like the thread count in a cotton sheet, how close together the fibres are has a significant impact on performance. The denser the pile, the more hardwearing your carpet is likely to be. Cheap carpet will often have lower denier and density.
Should I have the same rug throughout the house? ›
The same area rug can make two areas feel unified. When a rug extends across multiple rooms or areas, it visually expands the floor area, making the space feel larger and more open. This is particularly beneficial in smaller homes or rooms where making a space look and feel larger is a priority.
Should I clean my rug or replace it? ›
If it is not visibly dirty or stained, it can most likely be cleaned. However, if your carpet is more than 10-15 years old, it may need to be replaced. Carpets and rugs are often the first places that show wear and tear. You may notice fraying, discoloration, or just general deterioration over time.
