Frequently Asked Questions: Area Rugs

Here are answers to some of your most commonly asked questions about area rugs. If you don’t find your answer here, please contact us to find out more!

Is it important to have new padding beneath my new area rug?

Yes! Carpet cushioning plays an important role in preserving the look and feel of your carpet. Investing in a good carpet pad prevents your carpet from matting and crushing underfoot. It also offers its own level of soil and stain protection. A good carpet cushion also provides ventilation between the carpet and the floor, making vacuuming easier, and more efficient.

What tips do you have for maintaining the longevity of my new area rug?

Another important and often overlooked way of keeping your carpet in top condition is in the placement of heavy furniture. Heavy furniture can compress, or crush the carpet pile, and leave noticeable indentations that won’t be discovered until you redecorate or move. It’s a good idea to rearrange your furniture periodically.

Is professional cleaning really important with my new area rug?

Unfortunately, time and traffic will take its toll on your carpet. To protect your investment, cleaning by a reputable, professional cleaner is suggested approximately once a year. Call on their knowledge, equipment and experience to do a more thorough job of removing stubborn stains and embedded soil. But only use the pros when necessary as too much commercial cleaning may cause your carpet to lose its built-in protection and potentially damage it.

What do I do if I drop or spill on my new area rug?

Treat spills or spots as soon as possible. The longer you wait the more the stain will soak into the fibers. It is generally best to refer to the care and maintenance section of the company brand of rug that you purchased, as each manufacturer may have particular tips for care and maintenance of their product.

Universal Carpet came to the rescue when our bathroom shower was leaking. They installed a new tile shower and matching tile floor and it looks really beautiful! The best part is the cost was extremely reasonable. Their installers were very neat and professional and did an excellent job. I highly recommend using Universal Carpet to give a new, updated look to your bathroom.

-Joanne and John S. , Batavia, IL 60510

Service Area

Our showroom is in Elgin, Illinois so we are able to provide in-home consultation in many neighboring counties in the Chicagoland area, including Kane, Cook, DuPage, McHenry, and Lake.