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Older rugs are more rare than newer ones, because of deterioration with age and sometimes, accident or abuse. The daily care that your carpet receives will determine, to a great extent, how well it lasts. By taking certain precautions and regular cleaning, you rug can retain its original look to last a lifetime and beyond.
There are a few common problems that will cause your rug to deteriorate faster, such as water damage, insect damage, pets, stains, improper vacuuming, harsh chemicals and other elements. Proper care to avoid exposure to these damaging effects, combined with sensible action when spills or stains occur, will help protect your rug from accidental damage.
Here are some tips on maintaining your rug:
Caring for your rug is as simple as vacuuming regularly with the suction attachment only to remove surface dirt. Using the brushes only removes a minimal amount of dirt while it destroys fringe quickly and causes more surface wear.
If liquid or food spills, clean as soon as possible before it settles. This helps prevent mold and mildew from forming. Stay away from using cleaning detergents since they affect the dyes and disturb the permanent color of your carpet. Contact a rug cleaning professional for emergency stain removal assistance or advice.
Pet urine can be very damaging – keep your rug away from high risk pet situations if possible. It not only releases unpleasant odors but can also permanently discolor your rug. Prompt action is essential, and it is recommended that you consult a professional cleaner if the occurrence is often, or if you are dealing with an antique rug.
Padding your rug will prolong life and protect your floor in case of accidental spills. Use non-skid pads and promote air exchange between your rug and the floor. They should also be designed for the dirt to settle to the floor and not damage the back of the carpet.
How do you determine if your rug needs cleaning? You can pick up any corner and kick the back of the rug, if a cloud of dirt is visible, then the rug definitely needs cleaning. You can be the judge on how much dirt you see coming out of the rug - some dust and wool fibers are normal.
Deciding how to clean your rug is essential as well. You may opt to do it yourself or have it professionally cleaned, but with an antique, professional cleaning is recommended to avoid damage to the rug. Look for a professional who is qualified and skilled in cleaning antique handmade carpets. Handmade carpets should never be dry cleaned or steam cleaned since this will cause dyes to run.
Preventing stains in the first place, and then obtaining good advice or professional assistance in treating them if they do occur, can help preserve the life and value of a handwoven carpet. Properly cared for, a rug only gets better with age.
Ingrid Gonzalez, marketing assistant for Image Carpets, Inc., http://www.imagecarpetsinc.com. Image Carpets, located in New York City, offers the trade, designers and retail clients a discerning choice of hand-made antique Persian, Indian hand made oriental rugs, Turkish hand made rugs and European rugs and other oriental hand made rugs and carpets.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
