Oriential rugs, wool rugs, and other fine area rugs require special cleaning techniques to care for them properly. Techniques that work for cleaning normal carpeting may not be appropriate for your precious rugs and could even cause damage to them. If you have questions about caring for your rug, please feel free to contact us. In the meantime, here are some tips for their regular maintenance:
Vacuuming
Did you know a 9′ x 12′ oriental rug can hold up to 87 pounds of dry soil? This soil is composed of abrasive particles that act like sandpaper on each fiber in your rug. We recommend that you vacuum rugs at least once a week with a brush or upholstery attachment, twice a week if your rug gets a lot of foot traffic. Vacuuming the back of your rug occasionally is a good idea. Be very careful using a normal vacuum with a beater bar on it because it can damage the fringe or the fibers of the rug if not used properly.
Handling Spills
The faster you can clean up a spill, the more successful you will be in removing it. Never scrub or rub at a stain (this only pushes the substance deeper into the fiber), simply blot the spot with an absorbent white towel (don’t use a colored towel). The idea is to transfer the stain from the rug fibers to your towel. Avoid using retail spot removers on your Oriental or other fine rugs. They can damage the rug or make the stain impossible for even the best rug cleaner to remove. Using high grade professional fleurochemical protectants can be a lifesaver when a spill occurs – they make it much easier to clean up a spill and give you more time to do it before a stain sets in.
Rotate Your Rug
Rugs should be rotated 180 degrees every six months, more often in high-traffic areas. This helps them to wear evenly and last longer.
Regular Professional Cleaning
Handmade rugs should be cleaned by a rug cleaning professional every 1 to 4 years, more often in heavy traffic areas.