We have a 25-year-old taped 8'x10' area rug, and it has been professionally cleaned several times. Each time the cleaners have said we're lucky it's taped and not sewn for two reasons: the sewing fiber often rots and/or shreds the carpet fiber, and the tape is easily replaced as necessary. We have not cleaned it ourselves, but have taken it to a local cleaning establishment each time, and it's in great shape. Good luck with yours!

Thanks, Alice. That's encouraging. What kind of cleaner did you take it to? Was it a rug/carpet cleaner? Steam, ChemDry, other?? I hadn't thought about taking it to a regular dry cleaner. Don't know if we have one here that does rugs.

Another Alice ;-)