An area rug can be a great addition to the decor of any room; it can be like adding a great piece of artwork to your floor. An expensive area rug is also something 
that can be handed down from generation to generation–if it is given the proper care and maintenance.
Stain Prevention
The first step in keeping your rugs in good condition is to try to prevent dirt, grime, and dust from settling into the fibers. A few simple steps can aid you in this process. A small doormat can be placed outside and inside of your door. Taking your shoes off when you enter the house is a good rule of thumb, too. It is also smart to change your furnace filter on a regular basis. This will help to control the amount of dust in your house. Doing all three of these things can keep the dirt brought onto your rug to a minimum.
Vacuuming
It is recommended that you vacuum your area rugs once a week. If this sounds like it is too often for you, try vacuuming them every other week, but you should never go longer than that. When you are vacuuming the rugs, you should start by vacuuming the topside of first. Vacuum in all directions. Then, flip the rug over and vacuum the backside in all directions. The final step will be to re-vacuum the topside again. It is advised that you should never vacuum the fringe of an area rug. Vacuuming the fringe can cause damage, and if the suction on your vacuum is strong enough, it could suck the fringe right off.
Rotation
It is important to rotate your rugs. Doing so will help lessen the chance of sun damage or uneven wear and tear. The rug should be turned 180 degrees or end to end. This should be done at least once a year. If the rug is in a room that gets a lot of sunlight, you may want to consider rotating rooms every couple of years.
Stain Removal
Stains in area rugs should not be treated with over-the-counter carpet cleaners. Some cleaners can cause discoloration depending on the type of rug. If you do want to use a cleaner, do a test spot and wait at least 24 hours. A stain should be blotted up with a white cotton towel. You should always blot–never rub a stain as this may make it worse. Club soda is known for its ability to gently remove stains without causing damage to the rug. After you have blotted up the spill, apply a small amount of club soda to the stain and blot with a clean, dry, white towel until stain is gone. Baby wipes can work well on different stains, also. It is best to treat stains immediately. The longer they sit, the harder they are to remove.
Professional Cleaning
Area rugs should be cleaned by a professional every three to five years. You can take small rugs to most dry cleaners. If you own a large area rug, it is better to ask a professional to come to your house. When hiring a professional carpet cleaner, it is essential that you make sure they are familiar with proper cleaning procedures as well as the fibers in your rug.
Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for the Area Rugs Store, a retail site that sells brand name area rugs.