If you own fine Oriental rugs then you already know what
they are and what they are not. They are not cheap, and they are delicate. With
this in mind, it is essential to the life of your rug to keep it properly
maintained. What’s the point in paying that much for a rug that will only last
a couple of years?
One of the best things you can do at home for your Oriental
rugs is routine vacuuming. This will keep it from collecting dirt, dust, soil,
and all the other materials that can accumulate over time. These materials, if
left unattended, can cause staining and deterioration of your rug. Make it a
habit to vacuum your rugs at least once a week. If you have them in a higher
traffic area then try for 2-3 times per week. Another tip for vacuuming is to
flip your rug over and vacuum the back of it very 3-4 months. This will help
remove any of the particles that may have worked their way further into the
rug’s fibers over time.
Vacuuming is essential for maintaining your Oriental rugs
but you still need to have it professionally cleaned every few years. Most
experts agree that hand washing Oriental rugs, without any harsh chemicals, is
the best method due to their delicate nature. It’s a simple yet effective
process.
But simple as the process is, it does require a skilled hand
to correctly assess and execute the procedure. There are nuances in various
types of Oriental rugs that require specific techniques. Professional rug
cleaners are trained in detecting these differences, such as rug fiber, dyes,
the way the rug was produced, and choosing the correct steps to take to
properly clean your rug.
Another
service a professional cleaner can render is taking care of pet odors. If
you’ve ever tried doing this yourself then you already know how difficult a
task this can be. One of the reasons why is that many of the products on the
market today really aren’t that effective. Professional cleaners have
techniques and products that can remove nearly any pet odor. This goes back to
their training and ability to identify what type of rug you have and how to
eliminate odors from that particular variety.
Oriental
rugs can be quite expensive and you want to make sure they are in the proper
hands when they are getting cleaned. Always do your homework before hiring a
cleaner. Ask any prospective cleaner how long they have been in business and
how much experience they have with fine rugs. Ask them if they are certified,
licensed, and bonded. And make sure you get a written quote or estimate that
lists your services with their corresponding prices.
Keeping
your oriental rugs well maintained will ensure many, many years of beauty and
use.