Maintaining and cleaning area rugs and oriental carpets:
Once you have possession of your beautiful handmade area rug, you will find it important to know the secrets of the proper maintenance of your original work of art. Properly maintaining your rug will give you and the generations to come years of pleasure and appreciation.
Rug maintaining falls into just a few main categories: vacuuming, rotating, padding, cleaning, restoration and repair.
Vacuum
You should vacuum your rug regularly. Be sure to use a motion going in the same direction, over and over again, until you have covered the entire rug, while avoiding the fringes. If you are vacuuming with a beater brush, we suggest that you set the brush so that it just touches the top of the pile and moves easily across the rug. If you are vacuuming with a carpet tool, ease the suction of the vacuum by adjusting it. Remember to periodically vacuum the back of the rug.
Rotating
Rotate your rug as often as possible, at least every 3 to 6 months. Do this more often if you notice that the high traffic areas of your rug are starting to appear dirty, or if the nap has lost its original direction or shape. Also, rotate your rugs according to the amount of direct sunlight it receives as, overtime, direct sunlight can fade the dyes of your rugs. Rotating your rugs will allow them to wear more evenly, which helps them to maintain their original appearance and value.
Padding
Padding will help stabilize and protect your rug’s shape. Proper padding will make your rugs safer to walk on, and it will help maintain the rug’s value. We have investigated many different types and qualities of padding. It would be best if you contacted us so that we may help you choose the right padding for your rug, and have it custom cut for you.
Spot Cleaning
There are certain stains that must be spot cleaned immediately such as coffee, cola, juice, animal waste, medicines, milk, foods, wine, certain dyes. Don’t panic. There are steps that you can take to help remove the stain.
First, remove any solid materials from the area. As soon as you have done that, gently blot the area with a clean towel. Now you are ready to neutralize the affects of the stain. Remember, do not rub the spot as some rug dyes can bleed upon contact with liquids. Use the spot cleaning guide under "Services" on our website for guidance.
If you cannot remove the stain, or if the area that you have spot cleaned now appears cleaner, or a different color, than the rest of your rug, it may be time to consult our showroom, or another reputable Oriental Rug cleaning specialist. Regardless of spots or stains, Cyrus Artisan Rugs recommends you bring your rug into our showroom to have it professionally cleaned every 5-7 years to keep the fibers clean and healthy.
Restoration and Repair
Cyrus Artisan Rugs offers complete restoration and repair services. It is important that your rugs are restored by the most professional and expert weavers and craftsmen. When you are considering having a rug repaired, you might evaluate the cost of the repair as compared to its value and your personal attachment to the rug. The most common repairs are re-fringing, over-rounding, and re-weaving.
Hints and tips for maintaining and improving the look of your rugs...
Uneven Fringe
If the fringe is uneven, you may carefully trim the edges.
Curled Rug
If parts of your rug are curled, steaming will usually alleviate the problem. We suggest steaming with an iron over a clean, damp Turkish towel. Be careful to keep the iron moving over the towel, and do not let the iron touch the rug directly. Also, be sure to take into consideration the type of flooring and padding underneath your rug.
Buckled Rug
If your rug buckles, a blocking and stretching process could improve the rug’s shape. We would suggest first trying to steam the back of the rug before having it blocked. To steam, run the iron over a clean, damp Turkish towel. Keep the iron moving over the towel, and do not let the iron touch the rug directly. If you also decide to have it blocked, you should discuss that process with our showroom staff before you start that process.
Indented Pile or Nap
If the pile or nap of your rug is indented, or laying the wrong way, steam with an iron. When you steam with an iron, never let the iron touch the rug directly. Only use the iron over a clean, damp Turkish towel, and be careful to keep the iron moving over the towel. This should neutralize the pile and greatly improve your rug's appearance. Before the area dries, be sure to comb the pile to blend with the rest of the rug. When the area is dry, the nap should be laying in its natural direction.
Rug Storage
If you plan to store your Oriental rugs, we suggest having them cleaned, wrapped in brown kraft paper, and then covered with a water proof material. Rodents and moths are a primary concern, so it is advisable to include moth flakes and keep your rug in a dry area above ground.
Moths and Carpet Beetles
Moths and carpet beetles can destroy an Oriental rug. Check especially the edges and any areas of your rug that might be positioned under furniture for infestation. Act immediately if you see any bugs or eggs. It is possible that you will need to have your house sprayed and all wool rugs cleaned if you find an infestation.
