5 Things You Can Do to Extend the Life of Your Fine Oriental Rugs
If you have an Oriental or Persian rug, you probably know that great care goes into a hand-woven rug’s creation and, similarly, great care is required to preserve the condition and value for many years.
Even if your rug is more properly an “heirloom” rug with sentimental value rather than value that could be appraised monetarily—or maybe a lesser valued machine-made rug, the following simple steps can help keep your treasure looking its best.
1. Keep Wear Patterns to a Minimum.
This is one of the simplest things you can do to preserve your area rugs—avoid placing it in high traffic areas. Always avoid wearing outdoor shoes on your textiles as well.
2. Avoid Sunlight & Rotate.
Be careful about placing rugs in direct sunlight—dyes used in rugs can fade rather quickly.
Every 3-6 months, rotate your area rugs. You might use the changes to Daylight Savings Time as reminders. You’ll help make sure your rugs wear evenly and, if they receive direct sunlight, this will help even the fading of the colors.
3. Vacuum Often.
Even if your rugs don’t get a lot of wear, vacuuming regularly can help preserve it by removing dirt that can otherwise break fibers down. Some manufacturers suggest vacuuming daily, but once or twice a week is reasonable for most families.
4. Get Regular Professional Cleaning.
Hand-woven rugs are not always colorfast, so it’s best not to clean them with do-it-yourself methods. Oriental rugs and all other loose-woven rugs should always be cleaned in a professional rug cleaner’s facility. Cleaning these fine textiles in a controlled environment will remove the most soil possible and will allow the professional to detail the rug’s fringe.
We recommend professional cleaning once every 12-24 months, depending on the amount of foot traffic, how many people live in the home, and whether you have kids, pets, or maybe just a messy husband.
5. Fiber Protector.
Especially with fine Oriental rugs, you should always opt to have a high-quality fiber protector applied. We use a product that is safe for you and your family, including your pets. It’s also safe for natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton which are most commonly used in the construction of Oriental and Persian rugs.
NOTE: Never apply an “over-the-counter” fiber protector yourself to a natural fiber rug. You may cause permanent damage.
Additionally…
Keep these 5 things in mind to best care for you investment quality, heirloom, or low cost area rugs. We’re here to help if you have any questions. Our website has some great videos specifically for caring for your fine Oriental rugs and we have other great resources like “What to Look for in a Professional Rug Cleaner.”
For residents in the following counties, we offer free pick-up and delivery of your rugs. Washington and Frederick Counties in Maryland. Most parts of Jefferson and Berkeley Counties in West Virginia and as far north as of Shippensburg in Franklin County PA. Call 301-739-4646 or request your rug pick-up.
