Persian rugs beautify and keep our homes warmer, but sometimes it can be tricky to protect these pieces that enhance our home from being subject to damage. A rug differs from a carpet, because a carpet is actually affixed to the flooring below, while a rug is generally an accent piece used to enhance the ambiance of a room. Persian rugs are often handmade, and can be modern, but often the most beautiful Persian carpets are antiques.
Even when your best effort is exerted to maintain your Persian rug, damage can still be caused, even if appropriate cleaning procedures are carefully followed. Persian rugs are constructed from delicate, fine fabrics that can be easily subject to wear. Persian rugs will eventually succumb to old age, and the quality of the valued adornment will break down. To stave off this aging and degradation process, a few simple tips that anyone who owns a Persian rug can follow are discussed below.
Cleaning a Persian Rug
Spills – Don’t neglect spills on your rug. Clean them up quickly but use only water. Never use soap or bleach to clean your Persian rug. You must first carefully attempt to absorb the contents of the spill using paper towels. Gently dab the spill, working from the outside of the spill to the centre of it. This method of cleaning the spill will stop it from spreading to other parts of the rug. Put the paper towels under the spill to end additional damage to the rug’s backing. If you are unable to remove the spill on your own, seek the help of an experienced professional to clean the stain.
Vacuuming – Regularly vacuum your Persian rug to maintain cleanliness. Vacuuming also serves to stop the rug’s natural fibres from flattening. When you own an aging or an antique Persian rug, it’s a good idea to switch off the beater bar feature on your vacuum, because it can pull out fibres that are loose, which can contribute to a run or rip in your valuable rug.
Fighting Sun Damage – To fight sun damage, if you can, do not subject your rug to direct sunlight, because it can cause your rug to fade in the area where the sun touches it. These conditions are heightened when you are the owner of an antique rug or a Persian rug created with natural dying agents to add colour to the adornment.
Maintaining Even Wear Patterns – To battle uneven wear patterns on your Persian rug, be sure to rotate the piece often if it is exposed to direct sun at a minimum of once per month. Even if the rug is subject to some fading, the fading will be even about colour. If your rug is in a shaded part of your home, it is adequate to rotate it at a minimum or four times per year. Move your furniture placed on your rug to change natural pathways where traffic occurs. This will make wear pattern conditions, even so your rug does not look worn in one particular area.
Remedying a Twisted Fringe – In the event of a twisted fringe on a Persian rug, flip the end of the rug over the other end to straighten a finger that is twisted. Do not ever comb out the fringe, because this can cause damage to the natural fibres. When you flip the end of the rug over to the other end, grab one carpet end and walk it over to the opposing end. This will flip the rug over, and the fringe will be straightened. You can then shake the rug in a gentle manner to assist with further straightening the fringe.