Antique rugs can be extremely delicate and sensitive, so running them over with a high-powered vacuum cleaner may not be your best option. Allow us to rephrase that: we highly recommend you do not run your antique rug over with a vacuum cleaner.
So, if your rug has a stain or spill, or is giving off a musty odour; what do you do?
For rug cleaning Ottawa, here’s what we recommend:
Shake It Out, or Absorb the Moisture
First things first, if you have a delicate, antique area rug with debris or dust; take it outside and give it a shake.
If you have spilt a liquid on the rug, absorb it with a clean, white cloth or towel (something without colour!). Don’t rub the spill into the antique rug. Simply pat the area until the area is dry.
Neither technique should harm the quality of your antique rug, but if you’re concerned or unsure, contact us for rug cleaning Ottawa services.
Check the Label
Before you result to any other cleaning methods, check the label and see what the manufacturer recommends. Depending on the type of rug, there are a number of treatments that we recommend here. However, if there is no label, I recommend that you read our latest blog post on identifying the most common Oriental-style area rugs here.
If you’re still unsure, please give us a call for rug cleaning Ottawa services, and we would be happy to help you out.
Test Before Application
Once you know what type of antique rug you have and how to treat it, I would test out whatever technique (vacuum, spot remover, etc.) you’re going to use in a small area, indistinguishable area of the rug. This will prevent you from causing any unnecessary harm to the delicate textile.
Spot Clean The Area
After testing out your preferred treatment, apply your cleaning solution to the affected area. Whether you’re using a chemical solution, a mild detergent solution, or white vinegar, you should absorb the solution immediately after application with a clean white cloth. Do not rub, as this will damage the delicate fibres of your antique rug.
Vacuum If…
As long as you have a heavy area rug (like a Dhurrie, Kilim, or a Navajo) and it’s well maintained (without any loose fibres), your antique rug should be a perfect candidate to be vacuumed.
If you don’t want to risk damaging your antique rug— we understand. Which is why we offer pick-up and delivery for antique rug cleaning. For rug cleaning Ottawa services, give us a call today.