By Susan M. Keenan
An Oriental rug is a finely crafted piece of workmanship that needs special care. A few preventative measures can be employed to extend the life of an Oriental rug that may be handed down, or already has been handed down, from one generation to the next.
As with many rugs, utilizing padding beneath the rug is more than simply adding to the comfortable feel of the rug. No matter how careful we are, normal daily activity can lead to rugs becoming misshapen through the movement of furniture, the transfer of possessions, and walking activity.
Padding can reduce slippage of the rug that eventually results in the bunching up of the rug. The placement of padding provides more stability for the rug and lessens the occurrence of unsightly creases.
Additionally, to avoid creases caused by furniture, it is essential to use some type of protection underneath the furniture, such as glides, to prevent crushing of the rug fibers. Plus, care should be taken when rearranging furniture on an Oriental rug. Take your time and use proper measures to avoid crushing the rug as you move the furniture. Using several people to help you lift and carry the furniture is the best option for moving furniture.
Vacuuming your rug frequently to remove particles of dirt, dust, and grime is an excellent way to maintain its beauty. Depending on the amount of traffic the rug experiences in a normal week, you should vacuum the rug on at least a weekly basis. Remember to vacuum under and around furniture as well.
If the room where the rug is located receives a steady flow of traffic on a daily basis, then you should vacuum it on at least an every two to three day schedule to maintain its pristine appearance. It is always easier to remove dirt before it becomes ground into the rug.
Cleaning spills from your Oriental rug is also going to require caution. The most important thing to remember is exactly the same thing that you remember for cleaning any spills at all. Remove the spill immediately.
If the spill is a dry substance, then simply clean up the particles completely without applying any pressure on the substance. Vacuum any remaining residue from the area.
If the spill is a liquid substance, immediately soak any excess moisture up with clean paper toweling. Next, wet the spot with clean water and blot the area with clean paper toweling. Repeat this step as many times as is necessary until the stain is no longer visible and the area is completely dry. Each time you rinse the area with clean water, the stain will continue to rise up in the fibers so that you are able to completely remove it.
If the spill is one that has been made with food, remove as much of the food as is possible taking care not to rub the food into the fibers of the rug. Next, use a clean knife to carefully scrape up additional residue from the spill. Once you have removed as much of the food as possible, carefully wet the area with clean water and blot the area with clean paper toweling until it begins to feel dry.
Repeat this step as many times as is necessary until the stain is no longer visible and the area is completely dry. Each time you rinse the area with clean water, the stain will continue to rise up in the fibers so that you are able to completely remove the stain from the rug.
Whenever you decide to have the rug thoroughly cleaned, you should use a professional rug cleaning service. Remember that an Oriental rug is woven from delicate fabrics that require special cleaning. Therefore, use a professional service to maintain your rug’s high quality. Check references for the company’s performance record if possible.
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