If you are one of the 73% of Americans who want to renovate their homes, you need to start getting the right pieces for your interior. One of those is knowing how to choose and care for your carpets, such as Oriental rugs.
Oriental carpets are a timeless adornment that adds warmth and elegance to any room. It can also cost several hundred dollars or even thousands.
All carpets are delicate. Neglect can cause permanent damage and shorten its life. By taking a few easy steps, you can promote long-term carpet health.
Read on for eight helpful tips to keep your Oriental carpet looking perfect.
1. Regular Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming is essential for the preservation of an oriental carpet. You should do vacuuming routinely, but frequent vacuuming is crucial during the first few months to remove dust and loose fibers and restore the carpet pile.
Taking extra care around the edges of the carpet is also essential, as this part accumulates more dust and dirt. If using a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar, ensure that the bar’s bristles are not too stiff, as this can cause damage to delicate fibers. You can do how water extraction for deep cleaning, although specialists should do this to preserve the carpet’s appearance.
2. Utilizing Professional Cleaners
A professional cleaning will extend the carpet’s life and return it to its original beauty. To keep the rug in good condition, experts suggest cleaning it professionally every two to five years.
Professional cleaners use specialized solutions and equipment that other methods cannot provide. For many homeowners, professional cleaners can also help remove deep-down dirt and dust from the carpet and any allergens or other particles trapped in the fabric.
Professional cleaners are also familiar with the specific needs of different types of carpets, so they will be able to offer advice on how to clean the Oriental rug best. Additionally, professional cleaners, such as Salt Lake City services, are more likely to be able to restore a slightly worn carpet rather than replace it with a new one.
3. Avoiding Sunlight Damage
When caring for an Oriental carpet, it is crucial to minimize sunlight damage. Try to avoid placing the rug in direct sunlight or near a window. If the carpet must be in a window, use shades or curtains to block out direct sunlight.
Additionally, you can minimize sun damage by rotating the location of the carpet periodically. If the carpet is not in use and must be stored, keep it in a cool, darkened area. Finally, if the carpet must be vacuumed, use a low suction, soft brush attachment and gently clean away dirt and dust, as powerful suction can weaken the carpet’s fibers.
4. Preventing Fading with Proper Storage
Even if the sunlight exposure is not direct, the sun’s rays can cause discoloration and fading over long periods of time. This can be avoided by covering the windows or storing the carpet in a closed room.
Also, it is essential to store the carpet away from locations with considerable foot traffic. Constant movement from people walking over the carpet can cause a lot of wear and tear and eventual fading of the patterns and colors.
To ensure your Persian rug remains pristine, it must be kept away from moist and humid areas. Moisture and dampness can ruin the fibers, causing them to discolor and rot.
5. Proper Rotations
Proper rotations are essential when caring for an Oriental carpet. Place the rug in an area with low foot traffic and keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Turn it over twice yearly to prevent the fabric from wearing out from heavy foot traffic. Do not rest any furniture on the rug, and clean spills immediately. Vacuum regularly for dust and debris.
Avoid using a cleaner that could strip the dye from the fabric, and spot clean stains with a damp cloth or mild detergent. If more thorough cleaning is required, take the carpet to a professional cleaner.
6. Maintaining a Proper Level of Humidity
Oriental carpets can dry out quickly, so it is necessary to provide a moderate humidity level, usually around 30-50%, to prevent the carpet from drying out. This will help the color and design of the carpet stay vibrant and look its best.
To achieve the proper level of humidity for your Persian carpet, it is recommended to use a humidifier to keep the air moist. Also, hanging the carpet on a wall can help keep humidity constant.
Regular vacuuming also helps reduce dirt and dust on the carpet surface and should be done at least twice a week.
7. Using Appropriate Cleaning Detergents and Solutions
You should use detergents specifically designed for cleaning wool cautiously. Ensure to rinse the detergents out of the carpet thoroughly with cold water. Rug cleaning solutions are also available for deep cleaning and spot removal, designed explicitly for Oriental rugs.
Spot cleaning should be done with a diluted solution of mild dishwashing detergent and cold water. If needed, steaming and shampooing should be done with care and as a last resort. Never use hot water or harsh detergents to clean your carpet, which could damage delicate fibers.
When cleaning with a damp cloth, always avoid scrubbing and rubbing the fibers; blot the hydrated part gently with the cloth instead. Using a carpet rake or beater to brush the fibers upright is also helpful.
8. Using Paddings
It is vital to select the proper padding for the type of Oriental carpet and the floor condition on which it is placed. Measure the underneath of the carpet before purchasing padding to ensure it will fit.
Thin foam or felt padding uses little space and is lightweight, making them more suitable for smaller carpets in a space-crunch setting.
Wool, jute, and rubber combined padding are more suitable for larger, heavier carpets in a home setting. Avoid plastic padding and pre-cut shapes, as they can cause damage to delicate fabrics. You must also avoid rubber as it can cause discoloration and destruction of any delicate fibers.
Preserve Your Oriental Carpet with These Essential Tips
To ensure your oriental carpet lasts for years, vacuum and rotate the piece regularly, use a non-solvent-based cleaner, and check for any needed repairs. Proper expertise and care make your rug a beautiful, timeless accent piece for years. Contact a professional carpet cleaner today if you have questions or need help getting started on your carpet care.
Want to learn more? Check out the latest tips and insights for all your needs!
