Helpful Suggestion for the Care of your Oriental Rug

How often should I clean my oriental rug?

Depending on the amount of traffic, we recommend vacuuming about once a week. A vacuum cleaner with a beater bar helps loosen the dirt and bring it to the surface. Vacuuming also help deter damage caused by insects such as carpet beetles, moths, silver fish, crickets, etc. We recommend that you vacuum parallel to the fringe, or from side to side verses end to end. This will help avoid getting the fringe caught in your vacuum.

A dull appearance in your rug may mean it is time to have it wet-washed. This will help restore the rug to its original brightness. Unless the rug is particularly fragile, it should be removed from the floor, dusted, and washed with power jets of soap and water. The rug should then hang in a climate controlled room to dry. At this time, the fringes can be whitened and trimmed if necessary. Most rugs need only be cleaned every 3-8 years depending upon traffic and soiling.

Will direct sunlight hurt my oriental rug?

Like your furniture, curtains and wood floors, even the most colorfast dyes are subject to fading with direct exposure to sunlight. Sun fading can seriously affect the beauty of your oriental rug. In rooms with direct sunlight, we recommend you rotate your rug a minimum of every 12-18 months. Rotating helps even out fading and distribute any wear.

What should I do if I spill something on my oriental rug?

Spills are common problems when caring for your carpet. The most important thing to remember is that all spills should be treated as quickly as possible. If a spill sits for more than a few minutes, it is far more likely to become a stain. The wool yarn in your oriental rug contains lanolin, natural oil which helps resist stains. Therefore, it may not be necessary to use harsh chemicals or vigorous scrubbing to remove most stains. In fact, most stains are better removed with less rubbing. Often the key is to repeatedly dilute the spill and extract it with a vacuum or towel. After the spill has been removed make sure all the pile lies in the same direction while it dries.

Will potted plants hurt my oriental rug?

Live, potted plants should never be placed directly on an oriental rug. Over-watering, condensation, and moisture from clay pots can cause a slow rotting process, destroying the foundation of the carpet. A trivet or stand can be used to insure no moisture is trapped directly against the rug.

What pest will damage my oriental rug?

Moths, carpet beetles, silverfish and crickets are the most common pests to damage oriental rugs. Usually carpets that get sufficient traffic will not make a good home for these pests. A rug known to be infested should be immediately washed and treated.

When should I get repair done on my oriental rug?

If your rug should become tattered or frayed, don’t wait for repair. The repair will become more involved the longer you wait. When the ends or sides become unsecured the pile will fall out of the carpet.

Will pets hurt my oriental rug?

Pets enjoy lounging on oriental rugs as much or more than people, this is not harmful to most carpets. However, keep a close eye to insure pets don’t chew, tug, or pick at your rug; this will almost surely cause serious harm. Care needs to be taken with pet accidents to avoid permanent staining or other damage. Again, the quicker you attend to the spill, the better success you can expect. Pet stains are among the most difficult to remove and may seriously affect the value of the carpet.
© M. Kambourian Sons, Inc. 2002