Professional Cleaning is recommended every two to five years, depending on the traffic the rug receives. Cleaning your Oriental Rugs properly enhances their look and value. Not having one cleaned is like not going to the dentist. Dirt has a sandpaper effect on the fibers.
Vacuum, vacuum, vacuum! This is the best thing you, as an owner, can do for your rug. First determine the direction of the nap by running your hand over the surface. Never catch the fringes in the vacuum or the rug can be ruined. Set your beater bar so that the brush just touches the top of the pile and moves easily across the rug. Periodically vacuum the back of the rug.
Ensure even wear. Your rug should be rotated once a year, before you notice the high traffic areas starting to look dirty. As well, direct sunlight has an effect on the dyes over time.
Choose a proper underpad—a good quality one that will stabilize and protect your rug’s shape, enhancing the value and make your rug safer to walk on.
Potted Plants—never put a houseplant on the rug. No matter how careful you are, moisture can penetrate onto the rug, creating permanent stains or mildew damage.
Fringes—If the fringe becomes uneven, the edges can be trimmed in some cases.
Spot Cleaning
Certain spills such as coffee, cola, juices, pet accidents, medicines, milk, and foods with certain dyes must be spotted immediately for best results.
1. Do not rub the spot. Don’t panic.
2. Gently remove any solid materials from the area with a spoon.
3. Blot the area with a clean white terrycloth towel.
4. Use a neutral pH spotting solution (available from Ideal Carpet & Rug Cleaning) to loosen the rest of the spot. Use only a minimum of this solution, just enough to moisten the spot. Avoid soaking unaffected areas of the rug. Gently massage the soiled yarns with your fingertips.
5. Blot again to pick up the solution, turning the towel frequently to a clean portion.
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the rug appears to be clean.
7. Neutralize the spot with a vinegar solution. Mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water. Again, use only a minimum of this solution. Blot repeatedly. Remember not to rub.
8. Before the rug dries be sure to comb the pile to blend with the rest of the rug. When the rug is dry, the nap should be lying in its natural direction.
9. If the spill has dried before you notice it, get the advice of an experienced rug cleaner. Give us a call today.
