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It is a well-known fact that many oriental rugs have survived for centuries. They are high-quality pieces and, therefore, an investment, so it is important to care for them. When treated properly and regularly maintained, oriental rugs retain their beauty and last a remarkably long time.
The first (and best) way to care for your rug is to vacuum frequently to remove dirt. It is imperative to use suction-only vacuums on a low level, not beater bar or rotating powerhead types; these are too rough on fine rugs. Additionally, change out the bag as often as possible. If you use a bagless vacuum, you are good to go.
Before you begin vacuuming, determine the direction of the nap by running your hand across the pile so that you can vacuum in the direction of the nap. Vacuuming against the nap is counterintuitive, as it presses dirt back into the rug. Another rule of thumb is to sweep the fringes of your rug with a broom to clean them. Never vacuum the fringes of a rug! Continued catching of fringe in your vacuum’s suction will cause fringes to tear or break.
Of course, dirt is not the only mess that rugs attract. It is crucial to remove liquid spills as soon as possible by blotting with a white towel, white cloth, or white paper towel. Keyword: white. You do not want any ink from colored towels to bleed onto the rug. Also, make sure you blot the stain, do not rub. Rubbing a spill can work liquid deeper into the rug fibers and cause the spill to become a stain.
To double the life of your rug, take advantage of a good-quality rug pad. A rug pad will protect your rug from excessive wear and tear, especially in heavy traffic areas. The best are hair- or fiber-filled pads with rubberized surfaces to keep a rug from moving and wrinkling.
Finally, it is important to note that continuous exposure to both direct and indirect sunlight will damage the dyes used in Oriental rugs. If you do not maintain your rug by vacuuming often, you will not be able to recognize the fading. Faded areas are often hidden by soils and will not be apparent until the entire surface is cleaned. The first trick to combatting this problem is to frequently rotate your rug. Rotating your rug will balance the effects that sunlight has on your rug, as well as the wear and tear that may occur over time. Secondly, it is wise to use window shades, shutters, or curtains on sunny days to reduce the chances of fading and possible sun damage.
We hope this information will assist you in prolonging the life of your Oriental rug. When properly cared for and maintained, our fine handcrafted wool area rugs will offer you and your family a lifetime of beauty, use, and enjoyment.
