Protect Your Oriental Rug: Top Tips to Prevent Common Issues

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Saturday, August 05, 2023

By Hernandez Carpet Cleaning

Whether it's the gem you acquired on an unforgettable overseas trip, or that heartwarming family heirloom passed down from your mom, we completely understand its invaluable significance to you! 🙌

Every day, discerning clients like you entrust us with their precious rugs. And you know what? It's our absolute pleasure! Over the years, we've invested immense passion and resources into mastering the art of rug care, and we've established a state-of-the-art cleaning facility to ensure your rug receives nothing but the best.

Ready to dive in? We're thrilled to share some invaluable advice on common rug challenges and the savvy ways to prevent them

Common Oriental Rug Problems

Oriental rugs are beautiful pieces of art, often with intricate patterns and rich colors, that can last for generations if properly cared for. However, they are not immune to problems that can compromise their durability and aesthetics. Here are some of the most common Oriental rug problems:

Wear and Tear
Pet Stains and Odors
Sun Fading
Spills and Stains
Moth Damage
Dust

Fix or Prevent Common Oriental Rug Problems

Now that we've listed the common problems you might find with Oriental rugs, let's get into why these issues might come up. Even more importantly, we'll share some practical advice on how to keep these problems from happening, or what to do if they're already there.

Oriental Rug Wear and Tear

Wear and Tear

Oriental rugs in frequently used areas like living rooms or hallways can quickly show signs of wear and tear. This happens because of constant foot traffic and exposure to sunlight, which can stress the rug's fibers and fade its colors. Heavy furniture placed directly on the rug can further press down the fibers, leading to permanent imprints or distortions. Sharp furniture legs can even cut or fray the fibers, resulting in damage over time. Moreover, without a protective pad, the rug is more susceptible to dirt buildup and wrinkling.

Solution:

Regularly changing the rug's position and rearranging your furniture can help distribute the wear more evenly. Using casters under sharp furniture legs and placing a pad under the rug can protect the fibers, preserve the rug's shape, prevent dirt accumulation, and reduce the chance of wrinkles.

Oriental Rug Pet Urine

Pet Stains and Odors

If your pet mistakes your rug for a bathroom, quickly clean up with a natural fiber-friendly cleaner. Remember, pet odors can stick around, and be more noticeable in humid or damp conditions. When such problems arise, it's a good idea to call in professional rug cleaners. They use a method known as 'immersion rug cleaning', which involves soaking the rug in a special bath. This process loosens and removes the smell-causing bacteria, getting rid of 100% of the odor. That's why many rug cleaners recommend Pickup & Delivery of your Rugs - so they can take your rugs to a rug cleaning plant where they have special equipment like tubs, dusters, and fans that can't be taken to your home. To see how it's done, take a look at the video in Oriental Rug Cleaning by Hernandez.

Solution:

Clean up any pet stains right away. If the odor lingers, call in professional help that uses soaking methods to remove the odor-causing bacteria.

Oriental Rug Sun Fading Damage

Sun Fading

Over time, sunlight can cause the vibrant hues of your rug to fade. Why? the ultraviolet (UV) rays are powerful and can break down the chemical bonds in the dyes used in the rugs, causing the colors to fade over time. This effect is particularly noticeable in rugs that are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If your rug is situated in a sunlit room or near a window, use curtains or blinds to cover the harsh sun or move the rug to a location with less sunlight to keep its original colors vibrant for longer.

Solution:

Use curtains or blinds to cover the harsh sun or move your rug somewhere out of direct sunlight.

Oriental Rug Spills and Stains

Spills and Stains

Life can get messy sometimes, and spills are part of that. When they do happen, react quickly and blot the spill with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing as this can make the stain spread and sink deeper into the rug's fibers. Stick to using water or a mix of warm water and vinegar (or vinegar and baking soda for stubborn stains) to help lift the stain. Also, consider using a fabric protector after each cleaning to help prevent stains from becoming permanent. Remember, even with a fabric protector, you still need to clean up spills quickly.

Solution:

To clean spills and stains, use water or a blend of warm water and vinegar (or vinegar and baking soda for tougher stains). After each rug cleaning, apply a fabric protector to help ward off permanent stains.

Oriental Rug Moth Damage

Moth Damage

Moths can be a big problem for Oriental rugs because their larvae love to munch on the rug's natural fibers. Dealing with moth damage quickly is important. Regularly vacuuming your rug and rotating its position can help keep moths at bay. Additionally, consider using a moth deterrent treatment.

Solution:

Regular vacuuming and moving your rug around can help fend off moths. Also, consider using a moth deterrent during each rug cleaning.

Dusty Oriental Rug

Dust

We suggest giving your rug a gentle vacuum at least once a week to help keep it clean. Just make sure not to use a beater bar as it could harm the delicate fibers. Now, if you've just renovated or if you've had a rug in storage for a while and it's endlessly dusty, vacuuming won't cut it. In cases like these, it's time to call in a professional rug cleaning service for a thorough dusting. It might not seem like a big deal, but piles of dirt and dust can slowly make your rug's colors look duller. Did You Know Your Rug Is Able To Hold Up To 6 Lbs. Of Soil?

Solution:

Vacuum once a week without the beater bar. If your rug has been neglected or has been exposed to a dusty environment, such as renovations, then take it for a professional dusting.

Need a Rug Refresh?

Routine care and quick DIY solutions help, but nothing beats a professional deep cleaning. But you may ask yourself, How Often Should I Clean My Oriental Rug?, well it is recommended that you clean your precious rugs every 6–12 months.

Save time and ensure a thorough, safe clean with Hernandez Carpet Cleaning. Our experienced team knows how to revive the beauty of your oriental and handmade rugs without causing damage.

Ready for a rug revival? Drop your rug off at our Greensboro location or schedule a convenient pickup online at HernandezCarpetCleaning.com/schedule-online. Give your rugs the expert care they deserve.

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