Posted on December 12, 2020 by Behnam Rugs

Owning a rug carries responsibility if you want it to last and appreciate in value. We’ve made a list of the most common ways fine rugs get damaged and how to prevent them.

Causes of Rug Damage

Items in order of probability of damage

1. Vacuums- Vacuums are the number one enemy of fine rugs. The beater brush can tangle and tear the fringe of your rug, as well as cause threadbare patches and white spots. Robotic vacuums rip the edges and fringe of fine rugs too. The majority of vacuums are too strong for any kind of rug. If you must vacuum, only do it once every two weeks at most without the beater brush extension. Be gentle.
2. Pets- Bored and energetic pets, especially young, untrained puppies, love to chew on rugs. They can begin the unraveling process when they chew and destroy the rug’s binding. Fringe can be especially tempting to pets and if you’re not vigilant, you may find Fido playing tug-of-war with the fringe. In addition, pet hair and dander becomes a problem.Use your judgment when it comes to vacuuming. If you need strong suction and the beater brush to remove the hair- consider a wet towel surface wash instead. There are special tools you can purchase online that are quite cheap and remove hair without damage. We recommend the Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter.
3. Improper Cleaning & Restoration Company- Time and time again, customers bring us rugs that have been damaged by carpet cleaners, in-home cleaning services, or rug cleaning companies that use machinery to clean rugs. In-home cleaning services leave soap residue behind in your rug, dulling the shine and attracting dirt. It is also quite difficult to dry a rug in your home, which means many rugs develop mold and mildew. Carpet cleaners use chemicals and methods that are not rug-safe. They use the same shampoo for nylon carpets on fine handmade rugs made of natural wool and silk. These strong cleaners are stripping and will damage your rugs.Machinery should never be used in the rug cleaning process, as it stresses the foundation, damages the fibers, and may cause unraveling. Only trust your fine rugs to a rug master. The rug master will study the rug and know the best way to wash and dry it. Choose a company where rug cleaning is their primary business, with years of experience, and with an on-site sanitized facility to clean the rug. Your rug cannot be cleaned and sanitized in your home, nor can it be sanitized in a facility that is not sanitized itself.Rugs should be dried slowly and naturally, and water should never be extracted with a wringer or machine. Wool, silk, and cotton are very delicate and any cleansers used need to be strong enough to remove the soil but gentle enough not to remove natural oils or damage the fiber compounds. At Behnam Rugs, the formula of our Persian Rug Cleaning organic shampoo is specially blended for each rug we wash. One-size-fits-all cleansers are not what you want. Our shampoo is sent to a third party lab after formulation to examine the shampoo and certify the ingredients. Each batch receives a Certificate of Analysis detailing appearance, color, odor, pH, viscosity, and microbiological contents. Our live bacteria enzyme bath for pet odors and stains is customized to meet each rug’s needs.
4. Insect and Mice Damage- One of the biggest foes of high-quality antiques and dirty rugs are moths. Clean rugs are not as appetizing or easy to consume. Dirty rugs contain dander, dead skin, mites, dirt, and other yummy contents. Without air circulation and daily traffic, the rug may become a breeding ground for moths. Make sure to check the back of your rug for signs of moth activity and larvae, especially the dark corners and under furniture. Keep your rugs clean and call the professionals immediately if you see moths, larvae, or damage.Carpet beetles are another enemy your rug may fall victim to if you do not regularly clean and check your rugs for insects. Mice are most likely to attack your rug in storage, especially in a non-climate controlled area that is not sealed. Wrap your rugs in breathable cotton or muslin if they need to be stored to make it harder for mice to get to them. We always recommend elevating the rug off the floor to avoid pests in storage.
5. Water Damage- Broken pipes, overflow from baths, dishwashers, or washing machines, or potted plant leakage can be a nightmare for your rug! When a rug is saturated and wet for more than 24 hours, the dyes, whether chemical or vegetable, will begin to bleed and run. Sitting in water for 24-48 hours or more will make mildew grow. Slow dripping, AC leaks, or an over-watered plant quickly create an area that will color run, mold, and eventually deteriorate. At this point, the rug will need patching or reweaving.Don’t put plants on your rug. While accidents happen, the remedy for water damage is a quick response. Dry the rug immediately regardless of it is clean or dirty. Blot it with a dry towel and use a fan until it dries. As soon as possible, call the rug experts at Behnam Rugs for help.
6. Improper DIY cleaning and spot removal- Inexperienced rug owners, or rug owners who have not educated themselves on how to care for their rugs are the ones whose rugs fall victim to improper at-home cleaning techniques. NEVER use a carpet cleaning solution on your rug, EVEN IF the product says it is rug-safe. If you spill something on or stain your rug, call Behnam Rugs immediately. We will inform you as to how to treat the stain at home. You cannot trust the tips you find online, nor the products you pull off the shelf at a store- please call us. In addition, stain removal success is time-sensitive- don’t wait to call us!
7. No Padding- Padding is not just a safety precaution. It protects your rug as well. Padding keeps the foundation of the rug from shifting and warping from foot traffic. It is difficult to repair a rug that has shifted or warped. It’s best to use padding from Day 1 so your rug retains its shape.
8. Sun Damage- Rugs should not sit in direct sun all day. If your rug is in a room that receives a large amount of sunlight, close the blinds during the day or use a window tinting treatment. You can also cover the exposed area with a sheet or blanket, especially if you are going out of town. Sunlight bleaches your rug over time, and this fading is usually uneven. We highly recommend you rotate your rug to equalize sun damage and wear from foot traffic.
9. Uneven Traffic- Some rug materials, like silk and viscose rayon, show footprints and wear easily. However, with time, all rug materials will begin to show wear. It’s important that you place rugs made of delicate materials in low-traffic areas, and that you rotate your rugs every six months or so to equalize the wear.

Conclusion

Most handmade rugs can last over 100 years with dutiful care. The longevity of a handmade rug depends on how it is maintained and cared for. Rugs don’t talk. Even damaged rugs can look good. Check the edges and bottom for moths. Check fringe or side binding for fading, fraying, or wear. Take action if you notice anything out of place. If you spill or stain your rug, call the experts before you treat it. The experts will help you find the proper solution to your rug problem.

If you own fine rugs, you need to document your rugs with pictures, video, proof of purchase, cleaning history, and appraisals. Accidents happen, documentation helps. Find out the replacement and market value of the rug for insurance and estate planning purposes.

Rugs are a commodity and just like currency, their value goes up and down. In general, handmade rugs appreciate 3-5% a year when bought at the right price. Buy your rug from a reputable company and trust them to service the rug for you.