1.    Keep it clean. Limit how much dirt gets into your rug in the first place. Start a shoes-off rule, and lay absorbent scraper doormats at all entrances.

2.    Vacuum your rug frequently, at least once a week. Having a vacuum that is easy to use is important. Although the rug may look as though it is clean, there may be fine dirt particles in the weave. If left, the particles can lodge between the fibres causing excessive wear as the rug is walked on.

3.    Always lay rugs on smooth surfaces.

4.    Blot spillages. Trying to rub out a stain just pushes the spill into the pile and causes fibres to mat. Instead, blot up spills by covering the area with a clean cotton cloth or a thick pad of kitchen paper towels. Press down with the heel of your hand. Repeat using dry towels until all the fluid has been absorbed.

5.    Avoid constant direct exposure of your rug to sunlight.

6.    Dry spillages can be scraped off with a blunt knife-edge. You can also use a dry rug cleaning powder designed specially for sisal and jute rugs. These can be found at many carpet supply shops, and they have varying directions for use, depending on the manufacturer.

7.    Rotate your rugs 180 degrees at least once a year to even out effects of the sun and to prevent uneven wear. Depending on traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years. Consider swapping rugs from one room to another. This may just rejuvenate your décor, and it will revitalise the life of your carpet.