How to Maintain Your Oriental Rug
Some people think rug maintenance is the work of specialized professionals and it is best to leave it to them.
While that is partly true, there are several DIY measures that you can undertake to extend the life of your rug and keep it looking good for a longer time.
Oriental rugs can look beautiful for a long time only with the proper maintenance and care to make it last through the years.
The main enemies of rugs include general wear and tear, moisture, grit, moths and insects.
The following tips will help you care and maintain your rug by combating these elements and will give your rug a longer usable life.
Many are simple and practical; some may require a small additional investment, while others are to be performed by professionals.
Rotate the Rug Regularly- Rotate your rug at least once a year or more often for those placed in high-traffic areas.
Passing feet will create a channel or pattern of wear if the rug is not rotated often.
Rotating the rug will even out the signs of wear.
Do the same to rugs exposed to sunlight, as ultraviolet rays can fade out the dyes used to color the fibers.
Vacuum the Rug Often- Woven rugs tend to hold dirt and grime in its fibers.
Dirt can abrade the fibers when pressed against them, mostly by passing feet, and ruin them.
Remove dirt and grime by vacuuming the rug regularly but not too often as each vacuuming removes some of the rug fibers.
Vacuum along the pile, first the front, then the back and the front again.
To find the pile direction, pass your hand across the pile and note the shiny side.
That is the pile direction.
Watch Out for Insects- Examine the back of the rug for signs of insect damage often and regularly.
Carpet beetles and moths can damage your precious carpet or rug extensively in the pile and foundation so it is best to know as early as possible if they have attacked.
Have it Cleaned Professionally- Once every year to three years depending on its use, location and climate, take your rug to professional cleaners for a more thorough cleaning.
There is residual dust and dirt left after home cleaning that can slowly damage your rug without your noticing it.
Store it Right- Roll the rug in paper if you are going to be storing it for a few months.
Avoid using plastic to wrap your rugs.
Plastic does not let the rug fibers breathe so moisture might form causing mildew to grow and damage it.
To prevent mildew from forming avoid storing your rug in humid places or high moisture condition Keep your Rug Safe from Water or Fire Damage- Soot is acidic and can damage wool or some natural fibers.
Have your rug cleaned immediately after a fire.
Water encourages mildew to grow so dry the rug right away after being wetted.
Accidental Spills- Clean off stains as soon as possible, removing solid matter with a spoon or spatula and tamping the rug with some absorbent material to remove spilled liquids.
Have it cleaned as soon as possible.
Home care and maintenance of rugs is easy if you know how and the above tips can help.
While that is partly true, there are several DIY measures that you can undertake to extend the life of your rug and keep it looking good for a longer time.
Oriental rugs can look beautiful for a long time only with the proper maintenance and care to make it last through the years.
The main enemies of rugs include general wear and tear, moisture, grit, moths and insects.
The following tips will help you care and maintain your rug by combating these elements and will give your rug a longer usable life.
Many are simple and practical; some may require a small additional investment, while others are to be performed by professionals.
Rotate the Rug Regularly- Rotate your rug at least once a year or more often for those placed in high-traffic areas.
Passing feet will create a channel or pattern of wear if the rug is not rotated often.
Rotating the rug will even out the signs of wear.
Do the same to rugs exposed to sunlight, as ultraviolet rays can fade out the dyes used to color the fibers.
Vacuum the Rug Often- Woven rugs tend to hold dirt and grime in its fibers.
Dirt can abrade the fibers when pressed against them, mostly by passing feet, and ruin them.
Remove dirt and grime by vacuuming the rug regularly but not too often as each vacuuming removes some of the rug fibers.
Vacuum along the pile, first the front, then the back and the front again.
To find the pile direction, pass your hand across the pile and note the shiny side.
That is the pile direction.
Watch Out for Insects- Examine the back of the rug for signs of insect damage often and regularly.
Carpet beetles and moths can damage your precious carpet or rug extensively in the pile and foundation so it is best to know as early as possible if they have attacked.
Have it Cleaned Professionally- Once every year to three years depending on its use, location and climate, take your rug to professional cleaners for a more thorough cleaning.
There is residual dust and dirt left after home cleaning that can slowly damage your rug without your noticing it.
Store it Right- Roll the rug in paper if you are going to be storing it for a few months.
Avoid using plastic to wrap your rugs.
Plastic does not let the rug fibers breathe so moisture might form causing mildew to grow and damage it.
To prevent mildew from forming avoid storing your rug in humid places or high moisture condition Keep your Rug Safe from Water or Fire Damage- Soot is acidic and can damage wool or some natural fibers.
Have your rug cleaned immediately after a fire.
Water encourages mildew to grow so dry the rug right away after being wetted.
Accidental Spills- Clean off stains as soon as possible, removing solid matter with a spoon or spatula and tamping the rug with some absorbent material to remove spilled liquids.
Have it cleaned as soon as possible.
Home care and maintenance of rugs is easy if you know how and the above tips can help.
Source...