How to care for your Oriental rug
Oriental rugs are designed to withstand most normal use and require surprisingly little care. Nonetheless, soil will eventually work its way to the base of the pile. Proper care and cleaning will ensure years of continued enjoyment of the rug's beauty and utility.
In the Orient, it is customary to remove one's shoes and wear slippers when entering someone's home. Contrary to what you might think, the most destructive element to Oriental rugs is not the rubbing action of smooth-soled shoes, but it is the grit — rough, hard particles of dirt — which is tracked indoors and sifts into the base of the wool pile. When you walk on a rug, this grit cuts against the strands of wool and severs small pieces of the pile. Removing your shoes and wearing slippers may seem impractical. Fortunately, there are other remedies available well worth considering, as described below.
Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming will help prevent the destructive grit action discussed above.
Occasionally, you should also vacuum the back of the rug to draw out the very short, light-absorbing bits of yarn that can otherwise dull the luster of the carpet. This operation should be followed by a quick vacuuming of the face of the rug.
Don't vacuum the fringe. If you use your vacuum cleaner on the fringe of your Oriental rug, you may be inviting trouble. It is best to use a broom, a Dustbuster or a hose attachment to more gently remove loose dirt particles from the fringe area.
Professional Cleaning - This should be done every three years by a professional cleaning service that specializes in Oriental rugs, and not by a "wash-at-home" service.
Spills - Whenever possible, clean a spill immediately before it has a chance to set. First, scrape up any solid dirt or blot up excess liquid with a paper towel. Depending on the type of spill (oil, tea, chocolate, etc.), a simple variety of household solutions may be used.
Padding - Padding should be placed under all Oriental rugs, because it helps to protect them from wear, and prevents them from moving and wrinkling.
Turning the Carpet - To extend the life of your Oriental rug, turn it 180° every 6 months to a year. This helps to even out your rug's exposure to traffic and sunlight.
Repairs - Seek professional assistance at once if you discover a small hole, tear, or worn spot. You should also get immediate advice if the fringe or the side of your rug unravels or becomes loose.
A reputable Oriental rug retailer can usually attend to these repairs.
In the Orient, it is customary to remove one's shoes and wear slippers when entering someone's home. Contrary to what you might think, the most destructive element to Oriental rugs is not the rubbing action of smooth-soled shoes, but it is the grit — rough, hard particles of dirt — which is tracked indoors and sifts into the base of the wool pile. When you walk on a rug, this grit cuts against the strands of wool and severs small pieces of the pile. Removing your shoes and wearing slippers may seem impractical. Fortunately, there are other remedies available well worth considering, as described below.
Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming will help prevent the destructive grit action discussed above.
Occasionally, you should also vacuum the back of the rug to draw out the very short, light-absorbing bits of yarn that can otherwise dull the luster of the carpet. This operation should be followed by a quick vacuuming of the face of the rug.
Don't vacuum the fringe. If you use your vacuum cleaner on the fringe of your Oriental rug, you may be inviting trouble. It is best to use a broom, a Dustbuster or a hose attachment to more gently remove loose dirt particles from the fringe area.
Professional Cleaning - This should be done every three years by a professional cleaning service that specializes in Oriental rugs, and not by a "wash-at-home" service.
Spills - Whenever possible, clean a spill immediately before it has a chance to set. First, scrape up any solid dirt or blot up excess liquid with a paper towel. Depending on the type of spill (oil, tea, chocolate, etc.), a simple variety of household solutions may be used.
Padding - Padding should be placed under all Oriental rugs, because it helps to protect them from wear, and prevents them from moving and wrinkling.
Turning the Carpet - To extend the life of your Oriental rug, turn it 180° every 6 months to a year. This helps to even out your rug's exposure to traffic and sunlight.
Repairs - Seek professional assistance at once if you discover a small hole, tear, or worn spot. You should also get immediate advice if the fringe or the side of your rug unravels or becomes loose.
A reputable Oriental rug retailer can usually attend to these repairs.