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How To Safely Clean Delicate Carpets and Rugs at Home: Tips for Wool, Silk, and Antique Pieces

When it comes to delicate carpets and rugs, you know they bring a touch of luxury and elegance to your space, but cleaning them can feel like a real mission.

You’re probably wondering about the different types of delicate materials used in these carpets and rugs and what precautions you should take before cleaning them. Whether it’s cleaning wool carpets, silk rugs, or those precious antique pieces, we’ve got your back with step-by-step guides and tips to help you maintain them safely and effectively.

If you want to keep these valuable pieces looking top-notch for years, stick around as we share our best practices for long-term care. Trust us, it’s worth it!

Understanding Delicate Carpets and Rugs

Delicate carpets and rugs need extra TLC because of their sensitive materials and intricate designs. Proper maintenance and gentle cleaning techniques are essential to keeping these high-quality pieces looking their best.

You’ve got to know the ins and outs of wool, silk, antique, and other delicate fibres to care for them properly. Wool carpets are tough cookies and can resist stains naturally, but they don’t like harsh chemicals. Silk rugs are all about sophistication but need tender, loving care during cleaning to avoid mishaps. And those antique rugs? They’re like time capsules with a lot of history and value, so you’ve got to be extra careful to keep them authentic. By sticking to safe cleaning practices and handling them with care, you can ensure your delicate carpets and rugs stay in tip-top shape for generations to come.

Different Types of Delicate Materials

In terms of delicate carpets and rugs, you’ve got to know the materials they’re made of to keep them looking fabulous for the long haul. Wool is a popular choice for carpets and rugs because it’s tough and naturally resistant to stains. Meanwhile, silk is all about that luxurious touch but needs some tender, loving care when it comes to cleaning. Antique fibres may have that unique charm, but they’re delicate and need extra attention to avoid mishaps.

If you’re cleaning wool carpets, use a soft brush or a vacuum with gentle suction to avoid damaging the fibres. For silk rugs, call the pros to maintain their shiny look and prevent mishaps. And treat antique fibres like the precious gems they are—spot clean with a gentle touch, using mild detergent and a soft cloth to keep their historical flair and intricate designs in top shape.

Be Careful Before Cleaning

Before you clean your delicate carpets and rugs, it’s essential to take some precautions to keep these valuable pieces safe. First, assess the condition of your delicate carpets or rugs thoroughly. Check for loose threads, tears, or stains that need special care.

Next, prepare the cleaning area by clearing any furniture or objects that could get in the way. Always test a small hidden spot with the cleaning solution to protect delicate materials and ensure the colours won’t run. When you start cleaning, use gentle movements and avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent damage.

By following these steps, you’ll give your cherished carpets and rugs the care and maintenance they deserve.

Assessing the Condition of the Carpet/Rug

Before cleaning that delicate carpet or rug, check its condition. Look for any stains, damages, or spots that need extra TLC during cleaning.

This close inspection is essential to make sure the cleaning is tailored to meet the specific needs of your carpet or rug. Delicate fibres are fragile and can get messed up if you’re not careful. Keep an eye out for areas that might easily fray or lose colour. By spotting these issues early on, you can avoid causing more damage during the cleaning and keep your beautiful carpet or rug looking good for years. Remember to use gentle cleaning methods and the right products to keep those fibres and colours in top-notch condition.

Preparing the Cleaning Area

When cleaning delicate fibres and rugs, it is crucial to set the right stage for the job to be effective and safe for your precious materials.

To keep those delicate fibres in top shape during cleaning, make sure the area is well-ventilated. This helps prevent moisture from hanging around too long, which could spell trouble with mould growth and fibre damage. Monitor the humidity levels in the room – too much moisture not only affects the fibres but can also slow down the drying process. And don’t forget to shield any nearby furniture from cleaning solutions or accidental spills. It’s all about preventing damage and keeping the area spotless.

Cleaning Wool Carpets and Rugs

Remember that they need extra TLC to keep them looking their best when caring for wool carpets and rugs. To maintain the quality and beauty of these delicate pieces, you should follow some specialised care routines.

To clean wool carpets and rugs properly, you need to be gentle in your approach. Start by regularly vacuuming the surface to remove any dirt and debris. If spills occur, blot them immediately with a clean cloth to stop them from settling into the fibres. Think about hand washing with a mild detergent and cold water for a more thorough cleaning session. Avoid harsh chemicals or hot water, as these could harm the wool fibres. After washing, air dry the carpet or rug flat to maintain its shape and prevent any shrinkage.

Step-by-Step Guide for Safe Cleaning

When cleaning wool carpets and rugs, you want to follow a step-by-step approach that does the job without damaging the delicate fibres or natural beauty of your pieces.

Start by gently vacuuming your carpet or rug with a soft bristle brush attachment to remove loose dirt and debris. Remember to vacuum following the direction of the pile to keep those fibres in good shape.
If you’re dealing with a stain, act fast and blot the area with a clean cloth and cold water. Don’t go all out with the rubbing, which can worsen the stain. Try a mix of mild detergent and water for tougher stains, but be sure to test it on a small, hidden spot first to check if it messes with the colour.

Cleaning Silk Carpets and Rugs

When caring for your silk carpets and rugs, you must handle them carefully and use specialised cleaning techniques to keep them luxurious and classy. It’s crucial to be gentle to protect the delicate fibres of these top-notch pieces.

To clean your silk carpets and rugs, avoid harsh chemicals and aggressive scrubbing that can harm the delicate fibres. Stick to more delicate washing methods, like using a mild soap solution and lightly dabbing at stains with a clean cloth. Vacuum regularly with a soft brush attachment to prevent dirt and dust from building up.

If you’re dealing with a stain, act fast by blotting the area with water and white vinegar, then rinse gently with cold water. It’s all about staying on top of regular maintenance and quickly addressing spills to ensure your silk rugs look fabulous for the long haul.

Tips for Gentle and Effective Cleaning

When cleaning silk carpets and rugs, you must handle them carefully and pay attention to the details to ensure you don’t mess up those delicate fibres. You can keep these stunning pieces looking great by using gentle cleaning methods.

To get those silk carpets and rugs clean:

Start by softly vacuuming the surface to remove any loose dirt or debris.
Avoid strong chemicals and too much water when cleaning, as they can ruin those fragile fibres. If you’re dealing with a stain, gently blot the spot with a soft, clean cloth dampened with lukewarm water and mild detergent.
Always test a small, hidden area before using a strong cleaning solution to ensure that it won’t harm the silk.

Regular maintenance, like rotating the rug to prevent uneven wear, can also help keep it looking shiny and make it last longer.

Cleaning Antique Carpets and Rugs

In terms of antique carpets and rugs, you need to handle them with care to keep their historical and artistic value intact. Using special cleaning techniques and getting professional restoration work done can help you preserve their authenticity and beauty for years to come.

It’s important to use professional products and solutions to clean and maintain antique carpets and rugs properly. These specialised items are designed to clean and protect delicate fibres, dyes, and weaves commonly found in antique textiles.

Remember that regular upkeep is essential for maintaining the quality of these high-end pieces. Vacuum them frequently with a soft brush attachment, rotate the carpets to prevent uneven wear, and keep them away from direct sunlight exposure. These simple techniques can go a long way in extending the life and beauty of your antique rugs and carpets.

Special Considerations for Valuable Pieces

Cleaning antique carpets and rugs requires extra care to preserve their historical and aesthetic value. That’s where professional restoration experts come in—they have the know-how to care for these precious pieces.

If you want your antique carpets to last, you’ve got to use special products made specifically for delicate fibres like wool or silk. These products are gentle enough to get rid of dirt and grime without causing any damage. Professional technicians know their stuff when it comes to techniques like handwashing and controlled drying, ensuring the intricate patterns and colours of the rugs stay safe.

By handing these treasures to the pros, you can relax knowing that your prized possessions will get the top-notch treatment they deserve.

Maintaining and Preserving Delicate Carpets and Rugs

You need to take some essential steps to maintain and preserve your delicate carpets and rugs. Follow a proper maintenance schedule and use gentle cleansers to protect these sensitive materials and keep them looking their best.

Older rugs, especially, need extra care to safeguard their intricate designs and delicate fibres. Professional maintenance services can revitalise these older pieces and ensure they keep their charm intact for years to come.

Vacuum your rugs and carpets regularly to prevent dirt and debris from getting deep into the fibres. For spot cleaning, opt for a mild cleanser specially made for delicate fabrics to avoid harming the rug’s colours and texture.

Best Practices for Long-Term Care

Maintaining delicate carpets and rugs long-term, you must adopt best practices to ensure they stay beautiful and high-quality. Use gentle cleansers and stick to a proper maintenance schedule to keep these valuable pieces in top shape.

Don’t forget to give your rugs regular check-ups for any signs of damage or wear. Store them in a cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and deterioration. If you’re dealing with sensitive materials or older rugs, it’s a good idea to seek advice from professional rug maintenance services for specialised care. Remember, avoiding harsh chemicals and high-heat cleaning methods is critical to preserving the fibres and colours of your carpets. By taking these steps and investing in proper care, you’ll be able to prolong the life and beauty of your beloved rugs.

Mar, 2024

A large, hand-woven Ottoman rug with floral motives

Pro Tips For Maintaining A Luxurious Ottoman Rug

Looking to add a touch of luxury to your space? Ottoman rugs are the perfect choice. From Kilim to Oushak, Hereke to Sivas, these rugs come in various types, each with unique characteristics.

In this article, learn how to choose the right Ottoman rug for your space and maintain its beauty. We will explore everything you need to know about Ottoman rugs, from selecting the right one to preserving its luxurious appearance.

What is an Ottoman Rug?

An Ottoman Rug is a traditional, handmade piece of craftsmanship that exudes luxurious elegance and is a centrepiece for exquisite home decor.

These meticulously crafted rugs are famous for their intricate designs, rich colours, and exquisite detailing, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations.

Each Ottoman Rug tells a story of cultural heritage and tradition, making it a unique and cherished addition to any living space. Its plush texture and luxurious feel elevate the ambience of a room, adding warmth and sophistication.

The artistry and attention to detail put into creating an Ottoman Rug make it a timeless and valuable investment for those who appreciate the beauty of fine craftsmanship in their home decor.

What Makes an Ottoman Rug Luxurious?

The luxurious qualities of an Ottoman Rug stem from its high-end craftsmanship, elegant design, authentic materials, and appeal, elevating any space to a realm of sophistication and upscale opulence.

These rugs are meticulously handwoven by skilled artisans, showcasing intricate detailing that reflects centuries-old weaving techniques. Premium materials like wool, silk, and natural dyes add to their allure, ensuring durability and a rich colour palette that exudes luxury. The sophisticated patterns and motifs woven into each rug tell a story of tradition and cultural heritage, making them decorative pieces and cherished artefacts that define elegance and refinement.

What Are Different Types of Ottoman Rugs?

Ottoman Rugs come in various types, including Kilim Rugs, Oushak Rugs, Hereke Rugs, Sivas Rugs, and Konya Rugs. Each showcases unique patterns and colours that add to its charm and allure.

Kilim Rugs, known for their flat-woven technique, often feature geometric patterns and vibrant colours like reds, blues, and yellows, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.

Oushak Rugs, on the other hand, is characterised by soft pastel hues and intricate floral motifs, exuding elegance and sophistication.

Hereke Rugs, originating from a prestigious weaving centre, boast intricate designs with gold, red, and blue tones, adding a touch of luxury to any space.

Sivas Rugs typically showcase elaborate medallion patterns and earthy tones. At the same time, Konya Rugs are known for their bold tribal patterns and rich, saturated colours, making them a statement piece in any room.

Kilim Rugs

Kilim Rugs are renowned for their intricate handmade designs, woollen textures, authentic artisanal craftsmanship, and unique artistry, making them coveted home accessories with a touch of cultural heritage.

These rugs are not just floor coverings but pieces of history woven with care and precision to showcase the cultural richness of their origins. The woollen textures lend a cosy warmth to any room, while the intricate patterns and vibrant colours add a touch of artistic flair. The handwoven nature of Kilim Rugs ensures that each piece is one-of-a-kind, reflecting the skill and creativity of the artisans who meticulously craft them. Embracing a Kilim Rug in your home is like inviting a piece of traditional artistry and heritage into your space, making it truly special.

Oushak Rugs

Oushak Rugs epitomise elegance with their woollen softness, prestigious allure, luxurious plushness, and glossy finish that radiates opulence and sophistication in any setting.

Combining their intricate designs and rich colour palettes further enhances their allure, making them a timeless addition to any décor scheme.

The soft wool textures of these rugs offer a comfortable underfoot feel and contribute to their durability, ensuring they stand the test of time.

The plushness of Oushak Rugs creates a welcoming and cosy atmosphere, perfect for adding a touch of warmth to a room.

The glossy finish adds a touch of refinement, elevating the ambience with a subtle yet impactful hint of prestige.

Hereke Rugs

Hereke Rugs are exquisite hand-knotted creations that stand as investment pieces. They are known for their exceptional texture retention, glossy finish, and the availability of specialised restoration services for long-term preservation.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Hereke Rugs showcase the artistry of skilled weavers who pour their expertise into every knot. The intricate designs and luxurious materials used in these rugs make them sought-after treasures that add a touch of elegance to any space and hold their value over time.

The texture retention of Hereke Rugs ensures they maintain their original beauty, even in high-traffic areas. Their glossy finish adds a touch of sophistication and richness to any room, making them a statement piece in interior decor.

Sivas Rugs

Sivas Rugs embody exceptional value with their durable construction, intricate tassels and fringe details, luxuriously fluffy pile, and protective measures that enhance longevity and maintain their pristine condition.

The plush, fluffy pile of Sivas Rugs adds a touch of luxury to any space and provides unparalleled comfort underfoot. The decorative tassels and fringe, meticulously crafted, elevate the aesthetic appeal of these rugs, making them a standout piece in any room. With a keen focus on protection, Sivas Rugs are designed to withstand daily wear and tear, ensuring they remain pristine for years. This emphasis on durability and maintaining fluffiness sets Sivas Rugs apart as a top choice for quality and style.

Konya Rugs

Konya Rugs comes with a comprehensive maintenance guide to ensure proper care. It offers revitalisation techniques, effective stain removal methods, and odour control solutions for a fresh and immaculate appearance.

Regular vacuuming prevents dirt and debris from settling deep into the fibres. Prompt action with a mild detergent solution and blotting—not rubbing—can work wonders for stains. In case of odours, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the surface, let it sit, and then vacuum it up.

Deep cleaning using a professional rug cleaner is recommended annually to maintain the rug’s lustre. Rotate the rug every few months to ensure even wear, and avoid placing it in direct sunlight to prevent fading.

How to Choose the Right Ottoman Rug for Your Space?

Selecting the perfect Ottoman Rug for your space involves considering various factors such as patterns, colours, textures, and how it complements your home decor and interior design aesthetic.

When choosing a pattern for your rug, consider how it will interact with the rest of the room—a bold pattern can act as a statement piece, while a more subtle design can provide a calming effect.

Colours play a crucial role in tying the room together, so pick hues that resonate with your existing decor. Texture adds depth and dimension; a plush rug can create a cosy atmosphere, while a flat weave rug suits a more minimalistic style.

Harmonising these elements ensures that your Ottoman Rug enhances the overall interior design of your space.

What are the Maintenance Tips for an Ottoman Rug?

Ottoman rug maintenance requires consistent attention and a few key practices to maintain its beauty and durability. Regular cleaning is essential, as dirt and dust can wear down the fibres over time. Proper care involves using gentle methods and avoiding harsh chemicals that could damage the materials. Preservation efforts, such as routine inspections, help identify any issues early, allowing for timely repairs. Following quality standards, like the Woolmark certification, ensures that the rug is treated with the respect it deserves. By combining these practices, you can enjoy your Ottoman rug in pristine condition for many years to come.

Regular hoovering is essential to prevent dust and debris from settling into the rug’s fibres, which can cause damage over time. In addition to hoovering, spot-cleaning spills promptly with a mild detergent and dabbing carefully can help avoid stains. It is recommended that the rug be rotated periodically to ensure even wear and sun exposure. Professional cleaning by a certified rug cleaner is advisable every few years to deep clean and maintain the rug’s quality. By following these routine maintenance practices, you can extend the life and beauty of your Ottoman Rug for generations to come.

Regular Vacuuming

Regular hoovering is essential to maintaining the cleanliness and integrity of your Ottoman Rug, preventing dirt build-up, preserving its handcrafted quality, and promptly addressing spills, especially in pet-friendly environments.

Incorporating regular hoovering into your cleaning routine ensures that pet hair and dander are effectively removed, preventing them from becoming embedded in the rug’s fibres.

Opting for professional restoration services can help revive the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of your Ottoman Rug over time.

Quick action is vital to prevent staining when dealing with spills, so a spill management plan is crucial.

Remember that these rugs are handcrafted pieces of art, making them beautiful and delicate, requiring gentle care and maintenance.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning using natural fibres and pet-friendly solutions effectively removes stains, controls odours, and ensures your Ottoman Rug’s longevity with professional dry cleaning options for deeper maintenance.

When spot-cleaning your Ottoman Rug, it is essential to gently blot the affected area with a clean cloth to lift any excess liquid or residue. For pet-friendly cleaning, a solution of mild washing-up liquid and water can be applied to the spot, followed by a gentle scrubbing with a soft brush. This method helps lift the stain while gently brushing the rug’s natural fibres. Using natural odour-neutralising agents such as bicarbonate of soda or white vinegar can effectively control unwanted smells, leaving your rug fresh and clean. For a more thorough maintenance approach, considering professional dry cleaning services periodically can help deeply cleanse and rejuvenate your Ottoman Rug.

Professional Cleaning

Professional cleaning services certified by Woolmark ensure the authenticity and preservation of your Ottoman Rug, particularly for antique pieces, with specialised techniques like steam cleaning to rejuvenate the rug’s fibres and appearance.

These services help maintain your prized possessions’ original beauty and integrity and extend their lifespan. By entrusting your Ottoman Rug to experts trained in caring for such delicate materials, you can rest assured that proper methods and solutions will address specific issues like dirt accumulation, stains, and odours without causing any damage.

Through steam cleaning, deep-seated dirt and allergens are effectively removed, enhancing the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the rug. This meticulous approach ensures that your rug receives the treatment it deserves to look its best for years.

Rotating the Rug

Regularly rotating your Ottoman Rug helps retain texture, enhance lustre, preserve fringe integrity, and prevent uneven wear on patterns, ensuring a balanced and durable appearance over time.

By rotating the rug, you distribute foot traffic more evenly, preventing specific areas from wearing out faster than others. This simple practice also reduces the likelihood of noticeable fading or discolouration in high-traffic spots, promoting a consistent look throughout the rug.

Regularly changing the orientation of the rug helps prevent the development of creases or folds in the fabric, ensuring that the intricate patterns remain crisp and distinct. In addition to aesthetic benefits, rotating your Ottoman Rug contributes significantly to its longevity and overall quality.

How to Protect and Preserve Your Luxurious Ottoman Rug?

Protecting and preserving your luxurious Ottoman Rug involves:

Investing in quality rug pads and underlays.
Implementing restorative techniques when needed.
Ensuring proactive protection measures to safeguard its value and appeal.

Rug pads and underlays provide a supportive foundation for your rug, preventing slipping and reducing wear and tear. Restorative techniques, such as professional cleaning services or repair work, can revitalise your rug’s vibrancy and durability.

Regular vacuuming with a gentle brush attachment can help remove debris and maintain a plush texture. Rotating your rug periodically prevents uneven fading and distributes foot traffic for more balanced wear. These practices are essential for maintaining the beauty and longevity of your valuable investment.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Avoiding direct sunlight exposure is crucial for the longevity of your Ottoman Rug, necessitating specialised care to protect its vibrant patterns and colours, ensuring lasting beauty and protection against fading.

Direct sunlight can cause the colours in your rug to fade over time, leading to a dull and worn-out appearance. To prevent this, it’s recommended to place your rug in areas with minimal exposure to sunlight or use window treatments to block harmful UV rays. Rotating the rug periodically can help distribute any potential fading evenly. By taking these precautionary measures, you can preserve the intricate designs and rich hues of your Ottoman Rug for years to come.

Use Rug Pads

Using rug pads enhances your Ottoman Rug’s durability, amplifies its opulence, supports hand-knotted craftsmanship, and promotes texture retention for a luxurious and long-lasting appeal.

Adding a rug pad underneath your Ottoman Rug provides a protective layer that shields the intricate hand-knotted patterns from wear and tear, preserving their beauty for years. The enhanced support offered by the rug pad also ensures that the rug maintains its shape and structure, preventing any uneven wear over time. This extra cushioning not only adds comfort underfoot but also helps preserve the texture of your rug, keeping it plush and luxurious.

Keep Away from Moisture

Preventing moisture exposure is essential to maintaining the sophisticated allure and glossy finish of your Ottoman Rug. Protective measures are required to ensure long-term preservation and the continued elegance of the rug.

Exposure to moisture can lead to mildew and mould growth, compromising the rug’s intricate designs and vibrant colours over time. To safeguard your investment, consider using a moisture-resistant rug pad underneath the Ottoman Rug to create a barrier between the rug and the floor.

Regular vacuuming and rotating the rug can help prevent moisture from seeping in and preserve its luxurious appearance for years. By implementing these protective measures, you can prolong the lifespan of your rug while maintaining its sophisticated charm.

Proper Storage

Proper storage methods are crucial for preserving your upscale Ottoman Rug, facilitating revitalisation efforts, safeguarding its value as an investment piece, and ensuring its longevity for future generations.

Ensuring your Ottoman Rug is appropriately stored prevents damage from dust, sunlight, and pests and plays a significant role in maintaining its beauty and value over time.

By implementing proper storage techniques such as rolling instead of folding, using acid-free paper for cushioning, and storing in a dry, cool environment, you can protect your investment and enjoy its luxurious allure for years.

Revitalisation efforts for these exquisite rugs can be enhanced by regular airing out, professional cleaning, and periodic rotation to minimise wear and fading.

Remember, the longevity of your Ottoman Rug largely depends on how well you care for and store it.

Six Nifty Rug Care Ideas

So you’ve decided to add a rug to your décor, whether you’re in the camp of those who refer to a rug as something fluffy as opposed to not fluffy, or whether you’re one who thinks of a rug as something for decoration (whereas a mat is for a purpose, like yoga or wiping feet). Anyway, now that you’ve got your rug positioned perfectly, what do you need to do in order to keep that rug in good condition?

Sure, getting the rug professionally cleaned every once in a while (yearly is what the manufacturers recommend) but so you don’t have to call out your local carpet cleaning company every month, what can you do to ensure that your rug stays looking its best?

Taking care of rugs involves regular rug cleaning. — Photo by Catt Liu

To help you, we’ve put together a collection of some of the best ideas that can help you maintain your rug and ensure that it remains a lovely part of your home décor for many years to come.

Tip #1: Vacuum Regularly!

No matter what you’ve got on your floor – or even if you have nothing on your floor but prefer bare boards or tiles – the vacuum cleaner is your best friend. Honestly, I don’t like to think much about how grotty floors and especially carpets must have been in the past before vacuum cleaners were invented. Your rug, just like your carpet, needs to be vacuumed frequently. If you have placed a rug on top of the carpet, you need to vacuum the carpet under the rug as well as the rug itself – no excuses! After all, dirt works its way under that rug and fleas can hide under there as well.

However, one word of caution is needed. If your rug is one of the sort that has a fringe, especially a hand-knotted fringe, then you need to keep your vacuum cleaner well away from these. Otherwise, you will tangle the fringe horribly and there is probably no way to untangle them if this happens. However, the good news is that the fringes won’t collect much dirt of the sort that vacuum cleaners can remove – give the rug a good shake and all should be well.

In the case of a really fluffy rug (shag pile, for example), you may need to vacuum it more frequently than you vacuum your main carpet. This is because (a) the longer fibres will trap more dirt and (b) the cat, the dog and the children will all prefer to sit on that rug rather than anywhere else because it’s so soft and fluffy, which means more hairs and crumbs on the carpet.

Tip #2: Deal With Spills Immediately

Any spills should be dealt with immediately, no matter what sort of spill it is. This is true of carpets and it’s true of rugs as well – especially if the rug is of the sort that has been made from natural materials or something really absorbent or that isn’t colourfast. Scrape up any solids, blot up any liquids and add a spot of water to dilute the stain and make it easier to remove. We’ve covered stain treatment in other posts and rugs should be dealt with similar to carpets.

If the stain doesn’t want to come out with the simple things that you can do at home, then you had better shout for a professional rug cleaner who offers emergency stain removal. The last thing you want to happen is to have the stain set in your rug permanently (jute rugs, I’m looking at you!) so the sooner you can call someone in to tackle it, the better!

Tip #3: Avoid Direct Sunlight

In some old novels, you’ll hear mentions of people (usually housemaids) having to draw the curtains in the middle of the day to stop the sunshine streaming in and fading the upholstery. Sure, Victorians had a real thing about deep, intense colours and weren’t as passionate about sunlight in the home as we are, but they still have a point. Some colours will fade over time courtesy of ultraviolet light getting directly on them. Red seems to be the biggest culprit here, although it’s not the only colour that will fade with sunlight.

Cleaning and Maintaining Afghan Rugs — Photo by **Son Tung Tran**

I wouldn’t go to the Victorian extreme of blocking all the sunlight out of your living room but in order to keep your rug looking good for longer with the full intensity of colour, place it somewhere that the sunlight won’t fall directly onto it, or at least won’t fall out of it for most of the day.

On the other hand, if you love sunshine in the home and don’t mind a spot of gentle wear and shabby chic, then the fading from exposure to sunlight might add a bit of charm and character to the rug – and you may like it that way. Totally up to you!

Tip #4: Put The Right Rug In The Right Place

We may have dreams of a home filled with very fluffy perfectly white rugs, but if you have small children, pets or a job that involves the outdoors, this is not going to be a reality. It always pays to think about your needs and your lifestyle before picking the rug for your house to save yourself a lot of hassled and heartbreak. Sometimes, we have to step outside the photoshopped world of carpet and rug advertisements and get real:

Deep pile rugs and dining areas do not play nicely together, as food will inevitably fall down and get stuck on the carpet fibres and will be a right pain to remove.
Anything that singes easily should not be used as a hearthrug in front of a fire that actually gets lit. The whole point of a hearthrug is to act as a shield if sparks and embers fall out. Modern fires don’t spit sparks the way that old log fires did, but it still happens now and again. The best choice for a hearthrug is something made from wool or animal hides, rather than jute or cotton.
Large and very fluffy rugs on the floors of children’s play areas may end up limiting their play ability, as things with a deep pile are unsuitable for standing up plastic animals and moving toy cars – and they’re absolute Lego traps!

Tip #5: Rotate Rugs

You’ve probably already seen how regular foot traffic wears down carpets. The same will happen to your rug if it’s placed in a high-traffic area. The one thing that you can do with rugs that you can’t do with carpets is rotate the rugs and move them about. At the very least, you can turn a rug around through 180° – it actually does make a difference, unless the rug is smack in the middle of a corridor. Reposition or rotate the rug every six months or so in order to get them wearing out evenly (some wear is inevitable!) rather than developing tracks.

As an aside here, if your carpet is starting to show signs of wear and replacing the carpet isn’t an option for you (because you’re in a rental property, for example), then a rug can help you. It will do this by hiding the threadbare bit of carpet and by protecting the carpet beneath from further foot traffic. Although a rug that’s been laid for a purpose like this could probably be defined as a mat…

Tip #6: Shoes Off!

Dirty shoes that have been walking the streets or, even worse the garden, should stay off rugs. It’s best if outdoor shoes don’t go in the house at all. However, even if you don’t insist on taking shoes off at the door, then you should at least keep them off the rug. Beside, a nice fluffy rug feels great under bare feet.

The Art of Woven Rug Cleaning is a Long Nurtured Tradition

Rugs Through the Ages

Many people love rugs. Others not so much. No matter what people think this beautiful pieces of handmade floor and wall coverings have been around for thousands of years. And, you’ve guessed correctly, people have been cleaning them since day one.

TLC and expert precision is involved in our rug cleaning process

There have been many different methods of rug cleaning over the centuries – from the simple “take it down the river and wash the thing” simplicity to the take it away to a state-of-the-art off-site wet and dry cleaning facility equipped with the latest machinery, gadgets, air movers, turbo dryers and what have you.

People love a clean rug

While some types of non-fixed floor coverings are very easy to clean and maintain, others have helped develop the most precise dry cleaning techniques and machines, and chemicals for delicate fabrics like silk, cotton, linen etc.

We proud ourselves to have been in the fine art of steam, wet and dry rug cleaning for many years now. Our technicians are careful wizards of patience and tender loving care, when treating your precious masterpieces. We treat area rugs, afghan rugs, wool, woven, silk, synthetic – any kind of rug is a subject of our great attention to detail.