An oriental rug is a treasured possession of the owner. This piece of amazing possession is of utmost importance, carries great value and demands appropriate care to maintain its shine, gleam and original beauty for years to come.
These rugs are known for their elegance. They represent very hard work and diverse cultures. If taken care of and maintained well, it is possible to increase their overall value and can also be passed on to many generations to come. These kinds of rugs usually take a lot of time and efforts to acquire. Since they cost a lot, it isn’t easy to replace them. Now when you make a huge investment such as this, it is definitely worth your while to take out ample time and employ ample efforts to take care of it. You need to make good efforts to keep it looking great.
There are a number of things you must avoid and know about DIY rug cleaning. Cleaning oriental rugs will extend its life and retain the original look. With time, most rugs tend to accumulate a lot of dust. Unfortunately, the gets embedded deep into silk, wool, or any other fibers the rug is made from. Excess and continuous accumulation of dust and grime fades the colors and also pose serious health hazard if not tackled in a timely manner.
Here’s what you need to know about rug cleaning:
The Frequency
Rug cleaning should be done at least once in a year. In case, your rug is set in a high traffic area then you must look for cleaning at least once in 6 months. Experts believe that rubbing a hand on the rug for around 10-12 seconds will help you determine whether the rug should be cleaned or not. In case, you notice a lot of dust transferred by hand or flying up around, then you should definitely call the cleaners. This leads to health problems such as respiratory illnesses. Stains if left for a long time can produce permanent damage to rugs.
Professional Services
High quality handmade oriental rugs demand professional cleaning services. This ensures durability of the rugs. It is not recommended to use a lot of chemicals and other cleaning liquids without knowing about the ingredients and composition. Harsh chemicals can be very damaging to natural fibers. A lot of companies selling carpets and rugs also offer cleaning services. Hence, it is good to know how they can help you. They will be accountable for the quality of carpets and safe cleaning. Also try to research on some of the professional cleaners. They are professionals and know how to go about the whole thing. Once assessed carefully by experts, the dust is thoroughly removed before washing. Special care should be taken to maintain original lustre.
DIY Cleaning
It is not really recommended to clean rugs at home. And if you are looking forward to clean rugs made from silk or wool, think again. These can be damaged while tackling at home. Some blended rugs can be cleaned at home but only once you have read and understood manufacturer’s instructions fully. First vacuum all the dust out before cleaning rug at home. Thereafter, wash it with a mixture of cold water and a mild detergent. Make sure you dry the entire thing flat. Strictly avoid exposing it to direct sunlight.
