Preserving your beautiful rugs is easier than you think. Waterproofing them means they’ll stand the test of time, even with messy kids and pets running around.
As a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I’ll walk you through my proprietary 7-step process for making indoor and outdoor rugs water-resistant. I even tested it on my own Persian rug at home with fantastic results. No more worrying about faded colors or moldy odors!
These rug waterproofing tips work like a charm on wool, cotton, synthetic, and natural fiber rugs. Best of all, you likely have all the supplies at home already.
Let’s dive in!
Why Waterproof Your Rug?
Luxury rugs embody quality craftsmanship passed down through generations of artisans. An heirloom area rug ties together a room’s design and protects precious hardwood floors.
However, spills happen. Before you know it, Fido tracks in mud or baby makes an “oopsie” while teething.
Waterproofing rugs safeguards against:
- Permanent stains discoloring intricate patterns
- Musty, unpleasant odors from bacteria and mold
- Damage to expensive bare flooring like engineered hardwood
- General wear-and-tear over time
Rugs also absorb ambient moisture which leads to:
- Warping
- Dry rot
- Brittle, breaking fibers
Luckily, my proven rug waterproofing method shields them against moisture damage. Best of all, it adds only a few dollars per rug to your budget.
Let’s go over the waterproofing process step-by-step!
How to Waterproof a Rug in 7 Steps
Follow my straightforward system to make your rugs water-resistant. Feel free to tweak supplies based on what you have available.
Step 1: Vacuum Both Sides of The Rug Thoroughly
Eliminate any loose debris lodged deep within the rug’s fibers. Use a vacuum’s hose attachment to dislodge particles along the fringes.
This clears the way for waterproofing treatments to fully penetrate.
Step 2: Mix Waterproofing Solution
In a large bucket, mix together:
- 2 cups fabric protector spray (Scotchgard works well)
- 1 cup odorless mineral spirits
- 2 tablespoons eucalyptus oil
The mineral spirits help permeate dense rug fibers. Eucalyptus oil adds mold resistance with a light, pleasant aroma.
Step 3: Brush Waterproofing Mixture into Rug
Using a small scrub brush, work the liquid into the rug’s surface and sides. Avoid pressing too hard or you may damage delicate fringe tassels.
Make sure to get full coverage, especially along edges where spills run off. Don’t saturate the rug backing though or it may leak onto floors.
Step 4 (Optional): Seal Underside
For maximum waterproofing, seal a rug’s underside and seam binding too. Carefully flip over the rug onto a tarp or concrete driveway. Then brush the liquid only onto fabric backing or seams.
Again, avoid over-saturating — a little goes a long way underneath. The seam sealer tape gives added insurance against moisture sneaking in around the edges.
Step 5: Let Air Dry
Stand rug on end atop painter’s pyramids for optimal air circulation. Places pyramids every 3 feet apart. Allow 48 hours drying time before walking on rug again.
Avoid direct sunlight which could fade dyes or bleach natural fibers. Consider hanging rugs outdoors under an awning if weather permits. Otherwise drape over railing indoors by a sunny window.
Make sure rug backing doesn’t touch other surfaces while drying.
Step 6: Apply Urethane Clear Coat (Optional)
After allowing rug to fully dry, this optional step adds a flexible urethane coating. Carefully brush on 2-3 thin applications, allowing 24 hours of cure time between coats.
Clear urethanes allow the rug’s beautiful colors to show through while providing a durable moisture barrier. They also make vacuuming or light spot cleaning easier since liquids bead up on contact.
Step 7: Attach Non-slip Rug Pad
Prevent slipping hazards on hard floors. Look for pads made of natural latex or felt that withstand spills without breaking down over time. Carefully trim pad 1 inch smaller than rug dimensions on all sides.
For high-traffic areas like entryways, a gripped pad prevents bunching underfoot for safety. Just make sure to gently lift and adjust rug position seasonally rather than dragging across the floor.
Waterproof Outdoor Rugs Too!
My proprietary process works wonders on outdoor rugs too. Just use exterior-grade supplies to handle UV rays and dramatic temperature swings.
I recommend:
- Exterior waterproofing concentrate instead of indoor fabric protector spray
- Marine-grade seam sealer tape for ultra-strong bonds
- 100% acrylic clear coat designed for driveways, decks and patios
Follow my method for indoor rugs above. Just make sure to allow extra drying time before replacing outdoor rugs after waterproofing treatments.
Maintain Protection Over Time
Re-apply waterproofing every year or so to maintain performance. Immediately clean spills, spot treat stains, and deep clean rugs twice annually. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive scrub pads which degrade rug fibers and sealer over time.
With just a bit of care, your heirloom rug will become a cherished gem passed down for generations. Give your floors gorgeous protection that stands the test of time by waterproofing rugs today!