How To Properly Maintain You Area Rug
Even though handmade rugs have endured over thousands of years, many owners are worried that because they are handmade, they are too delicate and fragile to be walked on. In reality, handmade rugs are the most durable of rugs. Handmade rugs are made to be used and maintaining your handmade rug is simple if you follow just a few steps:
Step #1: When vacuuming your rug, NEVER use a vacuum with a rotating beater brush.
Instead, use a suction attachment to lift up debris and dust from the rug’s pile. If your vacuum or suction attachment has a brush, that’s okay. A brush will not cause any damage so long as it does not rotate at high speeds. The danger from using a rotating beater brush come from the fact that it turns so fast and has such force that over many years, it can shave the pile of a rug, resulting in artificial aging. While using a beater brush once in a while may not visibly harm your rug, it is not necessary. A suction attachment can do just as good a job while preserving your rug’s pile. Furthermore, avoid vacuuming your rug’s fringe. This is very important. Each thread in your fringe consists of many fibers wound together. When you vacuum the fringe, over time you risk opening these fibers which weakens the fringe and exposes it to deterioration.
Step #2: Once a year, rotate your rug.
Every room has a unique traffic flow. Rotating your rug from one end to the other (180 degrees) is a great way to ensure even wear over the years and will help preserve the life and value of your handmade rug. Once good rule of thumb is to rotate the rug during your annual spring cleaning or after you have it professionally cleaned.
Step #3: Take Care When Spot Cleaning your Rug
Spills may happen from time to time and there are gentle cleaners which can help remove everyday stains from your rug. You want to always avoid using common household carpet cleaners. These are formulated from chemicals specifically for wall-to-wall carpet made of synthetic fibers. Some cleaners even contain bleach which can be disastrous. Your handmade rug consists of natural fibers,such as wool, silk, and cotton. It is also a good idea to first test any cleaner you use on a small inconspicuous area of the rug to ensure colorfastness. With proper care, your handmade rug will last not only your lifetime, but for generations to come. If you have any questions regarding maintaining your handmade rug, send us an email at support@PersianRugCollections.com