Oriental rugs are beautiful and timeless additions to any home. They carry history, charm, and centuries-old craftsmanship all woven into their eye-catching designs. However, their charm can only be preserved if they are maintained with care—specifically, with regular cleaning.
Oriental rugs are not your average rugs. Their intricate designs, natural fibers like wool or silk, vegetable dyes, and delicate weaving techniques separate them from others. These precious pieces deserve a cleaning routine that respects their uniqueness and cultural heritage.
The significance of regular and careful cleaning of your oriental rug cannot be overstated. When dirt and dust accumulate deep within the rug fibers, they act like sandpaper wearing away the threads over time. This can lead to the deterioration of your rug’s structure and aesthetic appeal. So, how can you ensure your precious oriental rug stays pristine and maintains its allure for generations to come? The answer is surprisingly straightforward—understanding your rug and tailoring your cleaning methods to fit its specific needs and characteristics.
Recognizing the Different Types of Oriental Rugs and Their Materials for Cleaning Consideration
Before delving into the actual cleaning process, it’s vital to understand and appreciate the differences that exist within the realm of oriental rugs. The term “oriental rug” encompasses a variety of rugs featuring unique designs, colors, shapes, sizes, and materials. While a wool rug and silk rug can both be defined as oriental rugs, their cleaning needs, and sensitivities to different cleaning methods can vary significantly. Essentially, each rug type is as diverse as its lands of origin—i.e., Turkey, India, Morocco, Iran, and other parts of the Middle East and Asia.
Carpet Fibers
Your rug might primarily be woven with natural fibers like wool or silk, or it might contain synthetic fibers, a popular choice in contemporary oriental rugs. Wool oriental rugs make up a large percentage of the handmade oriental rugs globally. On the other hand, silk rugs are luxurious and known for their delicate beauty. Synthetic fibers, such as nylon, are favored for their stain resistance and durability.
Carpet Dyes
Vegetable dyes are another significant factor to consider when discussing oriental rugs. Traditionally, oriental rugs have used natural vegetable dyes—derived from roots, flowers, bark, leaves, and even insects—to sculpt breathtaking hues. These natural dyes are remarkably subtle and complex in tone but can be sensitive to harsh chemicals, temperature, and pH levels during the cleaning process.
This extensive array of materials and dyes associated with oriental rugs calls for an appropriate understanding of the cleaning process. While wool has lanolin that naturally repels dirt, silk can’t stand up to rough cleaning—and synthetic fibers might react adversely to aggressive chemicals. To preserve the vibrant beauty and value of your oriental rug, it’s important to base the cleaning plan on the rug’s unique composition.
No matter the composition or origin of your oriental rug, regular cleaning is essential for maintaining its condition, beauty, and value. While professional cleaning is recommended, understanding how to clean your oriental rug at home between professional cleanings can significantly extend its lifespan. Here’s a step-by-step home routine for your treasured rug:
Step 1: Remove Loose Dirt
Start by removing loose dirt on your rug. Use a vacuum cleaner, but avoid using the beater bar as it can pull at the rug fibers. Pass the vacuum over the back of the rug to push trapped dirt and dust out of the front. This is especially effective for wool rugs as wool fibers can hide a significant amount of dirt before they start to look dirty.
Step 2: Test for Colorfastness
Because of the use of natural vegetable dyes, oriental rugs can be susceptible to color bleeding. To test, dampen a white cloth with cold water and a bit of mild, pH-neutral detergent, and lightly rub it on a small, hidden area of your rug. If you see color transfer to the cloth wait and leave it to the professionals.
Step 3: Spot Cleaning
Apply a small amount of cleaning solution to a soft brush or white cloth. Gently work the solution into the rug fibers without scrubbing vigorously as this can cause damage. Clean water should then be used to rinse the area thoroughly. Blot dry with a clean towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
Step 4: Full Clean
For a full clean, mix a small amount of pH-neutral rug shampoo or a mild detergent with warm water. Apply this with a soft brush, cleaning small areas at a time and using light strokes in the direction of the rug’s fibers. Rinse thoroughly with cool water using a garden hose and blot excess water with clean towels.
Step 5: Dry
Oriental rugs must be dried thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew. Lay the rug flat and allow it to air dry. If the drying process is slow, a fan can be used to speed up the process. Once the top of the rug is dry, flip it over to dry the other side.
Remember, never use harsh chemicals, hot water, or a washing machine to clean your oriental rug. They can cause permanent damage to the colors and fibers of your rug.
This simple, but effective routine can keep your rug looking fresh all year round. However, it’s important to recognize when it’s time to call in the experts. While regular home cleaning can take you a long way, some rugs will eventually need professional care.
Preventing and Addressing Common Problems in Cleaning Oriental Rugs
Despite the best efforts, various problems can arise during the process of cleaning oriental rugs.
One of the frequent mistakes made while cleaning oriental rugs at home is using hot water and harsh chemicals. These can lead to permanent damage such as color fading and fiber deterioration. Remember, oriental rugs, especially those with vegetable dyes, are generally sensitive. Using a pH-neutral detergent, not laundry or dish soap, will ensure you are cleaning the rug gently, without strong alkali or acid that can damage it.
An important factor that often gets overlooked is allowing the rug to dry thoroughly. Incomplete drying can lead to problems such as mold and mildew formation, leading to a smelly rug and potential health issues. A well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight creates the best environment for your rug to dry correctly.
Pet hair and loose dirt can be stubborn and difficult to extract from your rug. Vacuum cleaners can sometimes can’t pick up all pet hair. In these situations, a stiff brush brushed in the direction of the nap, can help remove these tricky hairs.
For more stubborn stains, like wine, coffee, or ink, regular cleaning routines may not be enough. It’s important to immediately blot the area with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible then use cold water and a clean cloth to dab the area. Applying white vinegar to the area before dabbing can also neutralize the stain. However, professional cleaning might be needed to remove these stains entirely and prevent permanent damage.
Understanding these problem areas can save you from damaging your rug inadvertently and help you maintain its original beauty and value. Remember, though, if you are ever unsure or uncomfortable about cleaning or repairing your oriental rug, professionals are only a call away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry!
When and Why to Seek Professional Oriental Rug Cleaning Services
While DIY cleaning can be effective for routine maintenance and minor stains, sometimes your oriental rug needs a little extra care and attention that only professionals can provide.
At Carpet Tech, we’re not just another cleaning company; we are a team of dedicated IICRC-certified rug care specialists, driven by knowledge, experience, and a genuine passion for preserving the beauty and integrity of every oriental rug you trust us with. Our cleaning services are comprehensive, ranging from Steam Cleaning for deep-seated dirt and grime, to Dry Cleaning for delicate or antique rugs, and even Full Submersion Cleaning for the most challenging soiling conditions.
We recognize that each rug is unique, with its own set of requirements. Our state-of-the-art facility in Lubbock—the only one of its kind between Albuquerque, NM, and Dallas, TX—features specialized equipment and a sophisticated seven-step cleaning process designed to provide the safest and most effective care for your Persian, wool, silk, or synthetic rugs. While cleaning your rug at home may provide temporary results, it is the professional care that ensures its long-term preservation.
Don’t wait for a stain to become a permanent mark or for damage to set in—place your trust in Carpet Tech for your oriental rug. Our experts guarantee a safe and effective cleaning process that will leave your rug looking its most vibrant and beautiful. Contact us today to schedule your rug cleaning service and experience the unparalleled care Carpet Tech offers.