Oriental Rugs – How To Maintain An Oriental Rug

If you’re thinking of buying an Oriental rug, you may find the following pointers on how to maintain your rug useful.
The great thing about handmade Oriental rugs is that they do not really need much maintenance.  Most rugs will last several decades, and in the case of finer oriental rugs of higher quality, a rug can last for centuries.  Walking on rugs will not hurt them, in fact, many corporations use handmade rugs in foyers or in front of elevators where traffic is highest.  Although these rugs can easily withstand such abuse, they will definitely last longer with a little intelligent TLC.
Helpful Hints for Maintaining Your Oriental Rug:
Unwrapping Your Oriental Rug - Carefully cut the wrapping tape only, with scissors. Unwrap plastic layers, and unroll. If there is a chemical odor, allow to stay for a day or so in a well-vented location, until odor disappears.
Fold Creases - These will flatten and disappear with regular walking, and a corner of the rug that does not lay flat should be kept under a pile of books, or similar, for a few days.
Coasters - Try to use coasters under all furniture legs, to spread the weight of specially thin legs or casters over a larger area. Old glass coasters are best, still available from some fine antique dealers, or estate and rummage sales.
Positioning Your Oriental Rug - Please be aware that your entire rug may seem many shades darker or lighter, depending on the direction of its pile to the main source of light. This is mainly because of the high lanolin content in fine wool. Try it in each direction to determine which suits your room better, or rotating it by season will allow traffic patterns to fall on new areas, thus extending the life of your oriental rug.
Under-padding - Under-padding is used to provide airflow between the floor and your Oriental rug. Airflow allows the rug to breath, which in turn will extend the life of the rug. Under-padding also prevents the crushing and wearing of the pile from heavy use.
How To Clean Your Oriental Rug
• Professional washing every two to five years. Never steam-clean or chemically-clean your area rugs. Do not ever put into a washing machine or otherwise immerse in water.

• Rotate your rug once a year

• Vacuum on a regular basis - use a suction extension only. Do not use a rotor vacuum or a beater bar. Vacuuming should be done in the direction of the pile only.

Beating - Handmade area rugs can be beaten on the rear, with a broomstick or similar instrument.

Sweeping - Sweeping is effective in removing dry surface spills.

It is a good idea to have an Oriental rug examined by an expert annually to check for tears or other problems. If a quality Oriental rug is cleaned and examined regularly, it should remain an object of beauty for years to come.