The Guide to Cleaning and Maintaining Handcrafted Oriental Rug

The Value of Oriental Rugs

As previously mentioned, Oriental rugs are hand-woven. Complex shapes and patterns are usually incorporated into their design. Therefore, each Oriental rug is unique and special. This, combined with their cultural and historical significance, increases their overall value. However, their delicate fibers make them more challenging to maintain. The wrong cleaning technique or product can cause irreversible damage to the precious rug. If you want to preserve its look and value, follow our guidelines and recommendations. This tutorial explains the proper cleaning method to improve your rug's condition while protecting its material from harm

The Importance of Regular Maintenance

It's essential to frequently care for your Oriental rug if you don't want it to wear out quickly. The lack of good maintenance can lead to dust and dirt buildup on the rug's surface. It can cause the fibers to weaken, shortening the rug's lifespan. Here is a list of activities you should do on a regular to preserve your Oriental rug:

• Daily Care
• Spot Cleaning
• Vacuuming
• Professional Deep Cleaning

We will further explain each of those tasks to help you understand why it's important to complete them.

Tips for Daily Care

Daily care is a simple but crucial part of your Oriental rug maintenance routine:

1. It involves frequent dusting of the rug. This can be done with a soft dusting brush. It only takes a couple of minutes, but it prevents dust from sinking into the rug and attaching to its fibers.
2. Avoid leaving the rug under direct sunlight as it can cause fading.
3. We recommend that you use a rug pad. It's a thin protective layer that goes beneath your rug. It prevents slipping and acts as a barrier between your Oriental rug and the floor surface.

Spot Cleaning Techniques for Immediate Action

Spot cleaning can play an essential role in maintaining your Oriental rug. However, it must be done instantly to avoid permanent staining. If you spill liquid on your rug, pat the affected spot with a clean, dry cloth. Try to extract as much of the substance as possible. Don't rub the area, as this could injure the fibers. We recommend using a gentle cleaning product instead of harsh chemical-based ones.

Nonetheless, always read the cleaner's label to determine whether it's suitable for cleaning delicate materials. Test the cleaning solution on a minor rug area first to see if it reacts well. If there are no visible signs of an issue, apply the product to the spill. Open all available windows and let the rug fully dry out.

Choosing the Perfect Cleaning Solutions

It's necessary to pick the correct cleaning products for your Oriental rug. As mentioned, harsh chemical cleaners like bleach aren't recommended for fragile materials like wool and silk. They can cause the rug's colours to fade. Instead, we suggest that you use a pH-balanced cleaning product. It's safer for the rug's fibers. Choosing the right cleaning solution will help you prolong the life of your Oriental rug and preserve its texture and appearance.

Vacuuming: Do's and Don'ts

Regular vacuuming is essential for Oriental rug maintenance. However, it must be done with caution, as it can also damage the rug.

Do's:

• Set your vacuum cleaner to a moderate suction power setting.
• Vacuum in the direction of the rug's pile.

Don'ts;

• Don't vacuum the rug's tassels, also known as fringes. They are extremely fragile and can easily rip.
• Don't use a beater bar vacuum cleaner. Its brushes are too harsh for the Oriental rug's fibers and can tear them out.

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional Cleaning Company

Hiring a professional company to clean your Oriental rug is always a good idea. Such cleaning services work with qualified technicians and powerful machines. The technicians have the necessary expertise and knowledge to treat delicate fibers. They use the correct cleaning products, minimizing potential damage risk. Additionally, professionals can clean way deeper into the rug without affecting the integrity of its fibers. If you hire a professional cleaner, the chances of all stains, odours and bacteria getting removed are way higher. It will also save you time and effort! In conclusion, professional deep cleaning can safely restore your rug's appearance and extend its life.

Protecting Rugs from Common Issues: Fraying, Fading, and Foot Traffic

Oriental rugs can be affected by typical issues such as fraying, fading, and flattening due to frequent walking on their surface. Such blemishes can lower the rug's value and ruin its appearance. First, fraying can generally be observed at the rug's edges. You can prevent fraying by avoiding rubbing the rug's edges when walking on it. Such friction may also occur during vacuuming or sweeping, so try to be gentle when going over the edges. If necessary, you can get the rug professionally repaired to prevent the threads from fully separating. Next, fading is a result of direct exposure to sun rays. Keep your rug in a darker spot to avoid ruining its original colour. Last, foot traffic can cause your rug to wear out and flatten unevenly in different areas. We recommend rotating the rug every once in a while to make this issue less noticeable.