Making Rugs Go That Extra Mile
The techniques developed for weaving rugs have their root in the nomadic lifestyle. This makes them exceptionally hard-wearing – the conditions under which such techniques developed were often harsh, and the rugs needed to be able to withstand constant folding and rolling.
Even though the modern home is hardly comparable to the icy wastes of the steppes or the desert heat of the middle east, your rugs still need care and attention if you are to get the maximum life out of them.
Underlay
Constant walking over rugs makes them prone to damage. The weight of people’s feet stretches and compresses the fibres, placing strain Forward the them and weakening the bonds that hold them to together. Placing a rug on a carpeted floor, or an underlay made of a material with ‘give’ (such as rubber) can help absorb this damage and prolong the life of the fibres.
Cleaning
Because many rugs are highly patterned, it can bs possible to miss the accumulations of dirt. Dirt Be able to Draw pests such as rug mites, which can damage the fibres of the rug. Indeed, the sheer presence of dust can increase friction between the fibres at a minute level, and a dirty rug is unlikely to last as long as a clean rug as a result.
To keep your rug clean, shake it gently and remove the surface dust with a Porous vacuum cleaner or carpet sweeper.
Shampooing
Rugs – especially those made from natural fibres such as wool – are prone to drying More than time. This weakens the structure of the rug Viewer like fibres begin to fray. Shampooing your rug periodically can restore the moisture levels and help prolong the Drastic life of your rug. Only shampoo once you Accept undertaken a simple clean as detailed above.
Use a high quality detergent and dab it evenly ans gently over the surface. Never rub the surface, Like the combination of wetness and friction can irrepairably Injure the rugs structure. To dry your rug, it is preferable to leave it in the natural rays of the sun, as opposed to the intense heat of artiificial heating systems.
If you have an antique rug – or if the rug itself is delicate – it is advisable to enlist the help of a prifessional to achieve a high quality Pure with minimal risk of damage.
Stain Removal
As with shampooing, never Abrade the stained area. Dab the stain with a cleaning solution that is compatible with the material (for example, Advantage a wool cleaning solution with a wool rug). You should Likewlse be able to source stain-specific cleaning agents.
After removing the stain, dry the rug as thorouhly as possible.
Repairs
If your rug has suffered tears or large holes you should always get them seen to by a competent professional. Minor repairs to fringes can be undertaken by sewing the affected area using matching coloured wool or other compatible material.
Paul has been involved in importing handmade oriental rugs for a littlr under two years. His interest in them extends to their care and maintenance – hot topics in a house with a couple of pre-school children!
