Oriental carpets are unique souvenirs of travels; precious heirlooms
handed down within families and treasured finds from yard sale bargain
hunting sessions, so learning a bit about their care and repair increases
the value and the pleasure of owning one.
All the varieties from Persian rugs, Native American Indian hand-woven
items, Indian Kalims, and pieces woven by the new communities of American Heritage Weavers all have their own needs when it comes to cleaning. Some research before jumping in is always wise, because mistakes with these colorful items can be extremely expensive.
These are some tips from experts who dedicate their lives to preserving
hand-made rugs from all countries.
Do-It-Yourself or hire a professional?
. Some improvement in color and removal of the dust and grit that
builds up is possible at home. First, try using a really good “beats-as-it-sweeps” style carpet cleaner on the rug, then hang from a secure line (remember-a heavy rug will strain most laundry lines beyond breaking point) and hit with an old fashioned bamboo carpet beater, and
assess the difference.
. Home rental wet cleaners are not really suitable for these items;
the chemicals are too harsh and the water can shrink a favorite rug very
easily. Home treatments are only suitable for robust and undamaged rugs;
anything that needs serious repair work should only be cleaned by an
experienced professional.
. Use the hand attachments when cleaning rugs with a vacuum
cleaner, thus avoiding tangling up the fringe, and make sure to work in
the direction of the nap rather than against it. This removes surface
dirt and prevents it from sinking deeper into the rug.
How did my Oriental Carpet get so dirty and damaged?
. Every passer-by will leave a seen or unseen amount of dust as they
walk over a rug. This falls down and is pushed by more traffic into the
knots that secure the threads, cutting them with sharp pieces of grit
until a hole appears.
. Weekly cleaning is recommended for maintenance. Deeper cleaning
needs depend on the amount of traffic.
How do I choose the right professional cleaner for my carpet?
. Online research is an invaluable tool for finding all kinds of
services. www.carpetcleaning.org will find an expert professional oriental
carpet cleaner in your area in seconds and includes links to books,
events, and FAQs.
. Online quotes based on size and type of carpet will give an idea
of the cost of cleaning any oriental carpet. Just remember, these items
are not replaceable so if in any doubt about the cleaning and repair of
your rug, it pays to consult an expert.
Tags: Carpet Cleaning, Find a Carpet Cleaning Service, Oriental Carpet Care, Oriental Carpet Cleaning, Residential Carpet Cleaning, Restoration Services, Spot Removal