Rug care and maintenance are some of the essential things that every rug owner should value. Always inspect your rug for the obvious wear and tear that storage, moths, sunlight, lack of padding, vacuuming, and sweeping your rug cause. Inspect your rug as you would anything else. If you see discoloration perhaps it’s the overexposure to light or your rug is in a damp place. If you see loose fibers or holes, simply give us a call (972)733-0400, and we will inspect it further.
So what does this all mean exactly?
Wear and Tear
As you use your Persian rug, wear and tear are inevitable. You can greatly reduce the amount of wear and tear your rug receives, though. Rotate your rug on a periodic basis, especially if it is in an area that receives a high amount of foot traffic. It is recommended that you rotate the position of your rug every one to two years.
Your rug may also have indentations in its pile from being placed underneath furniture for long periods of time. To fix this, try the following: brush any indentation (crushed pile) in the same direction as that of your rugs’ pile using a soft-bristled brush. Use a spray bottle to lightly moisten the area with distilled water and brush the pile again in the opposite direction. In time, the pile should return to its original shape. Ensure the area is completely dry before placing any objects on top of your rug.
Storage
Never store your rug in a damp, non-ventilated space. Dampness will cause mildew and dry rot in Persian/Oriental rugs. To store your rug, vacuum it well on both sides, then roll it up in the direction of the pile. Your rug has a smooth pile direction (light side) and a rough pile direction (dark side). You should roll the rug from the dark side into the rough. This way, you will have no crushed pile ridges in the rug when you take it out of storage. Next, wrap the rug in a breathable cover (an old bed sheet works well). Never use cellophane or plastic. Better still, call us at (972) 733-0400 and we will be happy to prepare your rugs for shipment for long safe storage. We also store rugs at our facility.
Moths
Moths will lay their eggs in the pile of a rug and larvae will eat away at the beauty of your investment. Look for small, golden-colored flying moths about a third of an inch in length. These moths, known as webbing or cloth moths, are the most dangerous to your rugs and other items made of natural fibers (especially wool!). They like dark, undisturbed areas, such as areas behind sofas and large furniture. These areas are the most vulnerable and should frequently be checked on for moth infestations. For information on preventing moths in your home, read our moth prevention blog post. If you believe your rug is showing signs of moth damage, please call us.
Sunlight
Long-term direct sunlight will permanently fade the dyes used in your Oriental rug. If direct sunlight cannot be helped, rotate your rug frequently or consider a window tint or shades to limit the amount of direct sunlight that your rug receives. Sunlight is most damaging when air humidity is low. In Texas, because our humidity is relatively high, the most damaging time of year for rugs that are in areas that receive direct sunlight is in early spring and early winter. Simply remember to regularly rotate those rugs in heavily sunlit areas to prevent permanent damage.
Rug Pads
At Behnam Rugs, we simply cannot say enough about the crucial need for proper rug pads. Rug padding should be under all of your handmade rugs, whether they lay upon hard surfaces or on carpeting. First and foremost, proper padding will prevent the rug from slipping, which can easily result in injury. For your own sake, it is safer to take this precaution. Additionally, proper rug pads will add many years of life to your rug by eliminating those waves and wrinkles that in time will turn into tears and splits. Each floor requires a different rug pad. At Behnam Rugs, we can show you the different rug pads that go with different floor types.
Over the years, we have used and evaluated dozens of different rug padding materials. We can assure our customers that we carry the best padding for their needs. The cost is nominal and your rugs will thank you. For information on rug padding installation, take a look at our rug installation services or call us for more information.
Vacuuming and Sweeping
Sweeping your rug with a broom, in the direction of the pile, loosens ingrained dirt and residue. It also grooms your rug by removing shed wool fibers from the pile. Do not be alarmed as wool from a hand-knotted rug will shed, especially when it is new. This is simply the nature of the rug. We recommend sweeping your rug regularly over vacuuming, as sweeping is an excellent way to maintain the cleanliness of your rug without risking accidental damage.
At Behnam Rugs, we do not suggest vacuuming Persian Rugs using your average vacuum. These vacuums are a little too strong for Persian rugs, and could potentially damage the fibers of your rug. Instead, we recommend using a lightweight vacuum without a beater brush. A light vacuuming once over is plenty. Take extra care not to vacuum your rug’s fringes and side binding, as these parts may get caught in the brush’s mechanism and get torn. We recommend that you use a hand brush to groom the fringes. The original fringe of a rug is the most vulnerable area for damage. If your rug’s fringe has been damaged, we can certainly repair it, however, prevention is the best form of rug care.
Regular Professional Cleaning
Fine rugs need to be professionally cleaned by hand, without the use of harsh chemicals or machinery, every two to three years. Dirt accumulates in the pile of your rug and over time sinks down to the foundation. This dirt is composed of sharp particulates that cut through the fibers of your rug, causing threadbare patches. Regular professional cleaning removes dirt that simply can’t be reached at home. It restores the fiber’s shine and flexibility, keeping your rug healthy and beautiful for years to come. In addition, stubborn pet odors and stains can be removed with an enzyme bath.