Some people think rug maintenance is the work of specialized professionals and it is best to leave it to them. While that is partly true, there are several DIY measures that you can undertake to extend the life of your rug and keep it looking good for a longer time. Oriental rugs can look beautiful for a long time only with the proper maintenance and care to make it last through the years.
General wear, grit, moisture, insects and moths can be a problem. If the following tips are done on a regular basis, your rug should last for a long time. These tips are very practical and simple to follow and will keep your rug looking as new as the day you bought it. A small investment in maintaining the beauty will prevent the loss of your rug. It will need to be professionally cleaned on occasion.
Regularly Rotate the Rug – Your rug needs to be rotated once a year, especially if it’s inan area that is walked on a lot. A path of wear will be created when it walked on, over and over, by rotating the rug, this will be prevented. If your rug is exposed to direct sunlight, this will fade the colors of the fibers. Rotation is important to even out fading as well as wear.
Regular Vacuuming of the Rug – Fibers in woven rugs will hold grime and dirt that gets embedded in the fibers when pressed together from walking the same direction on a regular basis. This will ruin your rug. To prevent this, regular vacuuming will remove this grime and dirt. Don’t vacuum your rug too much though, for this removes some of the fibers in the rug.
Vacuum along the pile, first the front, then the back and the front again. To find the pile direction, pass your hand across the pile and note the shiny side. That is the pile direction.
Check often for insects – Carpet moths and beetles can attack your rug and distroy it before you even know they are there. To prevent this, check your rug on a regular schedule, underneath the rug and in the pile.
Clean it by Professionals – For a more thorough cleaning, you should take it to professional cleaners at least once a year or up to three years according to where your rug is used. The climate and location of its use will determine this. Your rug can slowly be damaged to grime and dirt that is left in by your vacuum cleaner and decrease the life of your rug without your knowledge.
Store it Properly – If you need to store your rug, roll it up in paper and avoid plastic to wrap it in. The fibers of your rug need’s to breathe and plastic will prevent this. If it is stored in plastic, moisture may be present and cause mold and mildew to grow. This will cause damage to your rug. Don’t store your rug where it is damp or very warm, this is the perfect setting for mildew growth.
Keep your Rug Safe from Water or Fire Damage- Soot is acidic and can damage wool or some natural fibers. Have your rug cleaned immediately after a fire. Water encourages mildew to grow so dry the rug right away after being wetted.
Accidental Spills- Clean off stains as soon as possible, removing solid matter with a spoon or spatula and tamping the rug with some absorbent material to remove spilled liquids. Have it cleaned as soon as possible.
The above tips will help you to keep your rug beautiful and insure a longer lasting life.
