When you purchase area rugs for your home, you must consider how those rugs must be cared for very carefully. Some area rugs must be specially cleaned, while others must be washed by hand. Some cannot be washed at all, and must be spot cleaned instead. Also consider how often your area rugs will need cleaning, and how well the area rugs that you choose will stand up to this. Consider how much foot traffic the rugs will see, whether the rugs are located near exterior doors, and whether children or pets will be spending a great deal of time on the rugs.