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.
Some of the things that will harm your rugs and cause them to deteriorate quicker is general wear, grit, insects and moths and moistures. To give your rug a longer life with general use can be accomplished by the following tips to prevent these elements from giving you the long life you expect from your oriental rug. These are practical and very simple tips, although some are best done by professionals and well worth the added investment.
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.
Regular Vacuuming of the Rug - Fibers in woven rugs will hold grime and dirt that gets embedded in the fibers when pressed together from walking the same direction on a regular basis. This will ruin your rug. To prevent this, regular vacuuming will remove this grime and dirt. Don't vacuum your rug too much though, for this removes some of the fibers in the rug.
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
Water and Fire Will Damage Your Rug - If you have a fire or flood, clean them immediately. Professional cleaning is best. The water will cause your rug to mildew, so drying immediately is essential. Natural fibers or wool in the rug will be damaged by the acid in the soot. Cleaning immediately will prevent damage.
Clean Accidental Spills - As soon as a spill happens, mop up the liquid with a very absorbent cloth. If the spill is from a matter that is solid, remove it with a spatula or spoon. As soon as possible, have it professionally cleaned.
Home care and maintenance of rugs is easy if you know how and the above tips can help.
Some of the things that will harm your rugs and cause them to deteriorate quicker is general wear, grit, insects and moths and moistures. To give your rug a longer life with general use can be accomplished by the following tips to prevent these elements from giving you the long life you expect from your oriental rug. These are practical and very simple tips, although some are best done by professionals and well worth the added investment.
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.
Regular Vacuuming of the Rug - Fibers in woven rugs will hold grime and dirt that gets embedded in the fibers when pressed together from walking the same direction on a regular basis. This will ruin your rug. To prevent this, regular vacuuming will remove this grime and dirt. Don't vacuum your rug too much though, for this removes some of the fibers in the rug.
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
Water and Fire Will Damage Your Rug - If you have a fire or flood, clean them immediately. Professional cleaning is best. The water will cause your rug to mildew, so drying immediately is essential. Natural fibers or wool in the rug will be damaged by the acid in the soot. Cleaning immediately will prevent damage.
Clean Accidental Spills - As soon as a spill happens, mop up the liquid with a very absorbent cloth. If the spill is from a matter that is solid, remove it with a spatula or spoon. As soon as possible, have it professionally cleaned.
Home care and maintenance of rugs is easy if you know how and the above tips can help.
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