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5 Signs That You Need a New Area Rug
No matter how much you care and cater for your area rug, a time will come when it will lose its charm and no longer appeal to you or anyone. At this point, the popular quote that says “nothing lasts forever” comes into play for your adorable area rug. Trying to keep your area rug beyond this point will not only cause harm to your home décor but also your wallet in the long run.
Like every other thing, area rugs are bound to lose their original looks and feel at some point and would need to be replaced. But just in case you don’t know when to replace a rug or have never really paid attention to that part of your home décor plans, there are generally five telling signs that you need a new area rug.
What Are the Five Signs that You Need a New Area Rug?
- Stains
- Wear and tear
- Smell
- Depleted rug or rug padding
- Outdated area rugs

1. Stains
Considering our day-to-day activities, it is almost impossible to avoid little accidents that put those vibrant, sturdy area rugs at risk of losing their quality. Little spills here and there leave stains on our rugs that are difficult and sometimes impossible to remove. Also, since we walk daily, our feet and shoes often leave stains or dirt at different spots on the rug.
While you can easily remove some stains with soap and clean water, others leave a permanent blemish on our rug. Having to clean your rug regularly due to temporary and permanent stains will make them age faster than usual until it eventually wears out. So, it is probably time to get a new rug when you have lots of irremovable stains on it.

2. Wear and Tear
Wear and tear are the most prominent signs that you need a new area rug. Placing your dear rug in high traffic areas or using the wrong type of rug cleaning equipment can damage the fiber and cause it to wear or tear fast. Regardless of how stunning your décor is, a worn or torn rug will make your home look dirty and trashy. Worn patches, tears, fraying, bald spots, and matting are signs that your rug is aged and needs repair, or possibly, a replacement.
3. Smell
Imagine walking into your room and a foul, unpleasant smell oozes out from the room. You think that's bad enough, then imagine you came in with a guest… You cringed at the thought of the embarrassment, didn’t you?
Truth is, foul-smelling rugs can leave a powerful stench in a room that can last for a long time if not promptly attended to.
Thankfully, it is most common with old rugs and is a result of tiny spaces in between the pile of rugs that allow for mold and allergens to grow. These microorganisms thrive in water so every drop of water on your rug revitalizes them, and then, the smell increases.
When that continues to happen or becomes persistent even after a thorough cleaning, you need not wonder how long do rugs last or start asking when to replace a rug. Offensive smells are big signs that you need a new rug.

4. Depleted Rug or Rug Padding
If you had installed a rug pad beneath your area rug, it may flatten over time and cause the rug to lose shape and firmness. This gradually takes away that feeling of comfort you get when you step on a fluffy, soft, well-cushioned, padded rug. If you are quick to spot this, you may have to take out your rug pad, install a new one and not worry about how long do rugs last. Otherwise, your rug itself will start having dents, irregular textures, and surfaces. If that happens, then it is a sign that you need a new rug.
5. Outdated Area Rugs
Unless you want an antique rug or vintage touch in your home, we all want to stay updated and flow with the latest home décor and accessories trends. Year after year, manufacturers like Luxe Weavers roll out new stylish rug designs. And with the help of technology and an increased level of creativity among artisans, modern machine-made rugs offer all the luxury, classic patterns, and durability that every homeowner wants in an area rug at very cheap prices.
So, if you don’t have to break the bank to keep up with last rug and home décor trends, why keep outdated rugs in your place?
Questions People Ask About Rugs’ Life Span
How long do rugs last?
The life span of an individual rug usually depends on the quality of the rug, the amount of water, and the frictional force you expose it to. However, the general life span of a rug is about 5 to 10 years, depending on these listed factors.
When to replace a rug?
Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference between when to replace a rug and when you only need to repair and patch it up. Still, some of the strongest signs that you need a new rug include stubborn or permanent stains, wear, and tear, and foul smell.
How often should you replace a rug?
How often you should replace a rug depends partially on your financial strength. Sometimes, what your rug needs is some revamp – cleaning, restyling, and so on. Nonetheless, make sure to replace your rug every 5 to 8 years depending on its condition.
How long should you keep an area rug?
It can be very difficult to let go of that rug that you love so much. Some, because of the memories you've had playing on them; some come in colors that complement your space so well; others just stay impressive in different conditions and make you get fond of them.
Well, no pressure. With proper maintenance, you can keep an area rug for a long time – as long as you want.
Best advice? You can have different area rugs for different times of the year. Besides, having what it takes to change the entire appearance of your living room, bedroom, or dining areas, switching between rugs will help prolong their life.
Shop some of the most durable, stylish, yet affordable area rugs in the market today. Check out Luxe Weavers' impressive collections of top-quality rugs.