Rug Care


Rug Maintenance Guide.

Authentic Persian rugs and Oriental rugs are handmade from natural materials. By following these few simple steps, your new rug will last for many years.

Rug Pads

 

Placing a rug pad beneath a Persian rug or Oriental rug will protect it from wear and keep it from moving or wrinkling.  By allowing the natural fibres in your rug to breathe, a rug pad will increase its lifespan. Rug pads designed for use with Persian area rugs and Oriental area rugs available in the Accessories section at Rugman

Rotation

Rotate a Persian rug or Oriental rug every 6-12 months to even out the wear caused by household traffic and to even out the fading caused by exposure to direct sunlight. Fading is natural as a rug ages, but keeping it out of the sun will keep the colours vibrant longer.

 

Vacuuming and Sweeping

 

Persian rugs and Oriental rugs should be vacuumed or swept with a broom once a week to remove dirt.  Vacuum or sweep in the direction of the pile to avoid pushing dirt back into the natural fibres of Persian carpets and Oriental carpets. Suction vacuums are highly recommended, but those with a beater-bar can also be used on Persian rugs and Oriental rugs. Rotor vacuums should never be used on a Persian area rug or an Oriental area rug.

Go Pro

Do not steam clean or chemically clean a Persian rug or Oriental rug. Use a professional rug cleaning service.  Persian rugs and Oriental rugs should be professionally cleaned with a cold-water shampoo.  Handmade Persian wool rugs, Oriental wool rugs and silk rugs should never be put in a washing machine or completely submerged in water.

Stain Removal Techniques.

  • Pre-test a hidden area.

  • Act Quickly - Treat spots quickly to prevent permanent stains.

  • Blot. Blot. Blot - Do not scrub a Persian rug or an Oriental rug; it could warp the pile. Gently blot the soiled area, beginning from the edge and working your way in, using a white cloth or paper towel to absorb liquids from spills. Dyes and inks in coloured papers and fabrics can run and further damage a rug.

Do-It-Yourself Remedies for Common Household Spills

 

NEVER USE LAUNDRY DETERGENT OR A STRONGER CONCENTRATION OF THE SOLUTIONS SUGGESTED BELOW.

HEY COULD CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO YOUR RUG.

Food and Beverages, Cosmetic Powders, Modelling Clay, Potting Soil and Skin Ointments

  • Vacuum dry spills thoroughly.

  • On wet spills, use 1/4 teaspoon of mild liquid dish soap for each cup of lukewarm water.

  • Use a rounded spoon to lift semi-solid foods off the Persian carpet or Oriental carpet; blot the spot until it has disappeared.

Red Wine or Dark Fruit & Vegetable Juices

  • Pour salt over spills of red wine, grape juice, or other dark liquids that have spilled onto the rug. It will absorb the liquid like a sponge!

  • Once the salt has done its job, use a rounded spoon to lift the mess off the rug, rinse with cold water and blot dry. Once the salt has done its job, use a rounded spoon to lift the mess off the rug, rinse with cold water and blot dry.

Pet Messes, Perfume & Other Alkaline Spills

  • Use either a vinegar solution of 1 cup white vinegar to 2 cups water, or an ammonia solution of 1 tablespoon household ammonia to 1 cup water.

  • Rinse well with cold water and blot dry.

Paint, Oil & Grease

  • Remove paint, oil and grease from the rug with nail polish remover; rinse well with cold water and blot dry.

  • If nail polish remover is not available, use a spot removal or dry cleaning solvent or vinegar solution; again, rinse well with cold water and blot dry.

  • The ammonia solution listed under Pet Messes is another option for dealing with oil-based spills.

  • Many of these solvents and solutions will leave the affected area more prone to dirt than the rest of the rug. Rinsing well with cold water and blotting helps alleviate the problem.

Peroxide bleach and Other Harsh Chemical Spills

  • Use cold water on the affected area and contact a professional rug cleaner.

The above hints and tips are from Rugman

 

 

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