How To Care For Wool Oriental Rugs

By Liliana Mills


Wool Oriental rugs are known for their elegance and durability which makes them a popular decor touch in almost any room. It may seem complicated to care for them, however this can be done rather easily without spending a lot of time or money. With regular care, these fine floor coverings can remain looking spectacular for years.

Eventually, rugs can begin to appear less vibrant and look worn. This is especially so if it covers an area of floor where people are constantly walking over it. One way to prevent uneven wear is to shift the rug's position at least yearly. This way the wear is evenly distributed throughout the fibers and "bald spots" won't occur.

To reduce the accumulation of dirt and dust, regular vacuuming should be done. This can also help eliminate any eggs from insects such as moths and carpet beetles which eat away at the fibers, making holes in the carpet. Placing a pad under the rug is also helpful in that it helps cushion it from the impact of feet, furniture etc., thus prolonging its life. Generally thicker rugs are fine without a pad, but those which are thin or older are better off with one.

If a stain occurs, most of them can be removed effectively with a detergent designed for wool and fine washables. This solution should be brushed or sponged on, from the outside to the middle of the stain. After treating, moisture should be soaked up with paper towels and left to dry.

Some people feel more comfortable by hiring the services of a professional cleaning service for their rugs, but this isn't always necessary. Cleaning done at home is simple and effective. Simply vacuum the rug, lay it flat outside and wet it with a garden hose. Sponge its entire surface with a detergent designed for wool, but no scrubbing should be done as this can be damaging.

Following cleaning, the rug will next need to be rinsed off with the hose. Any remaining water can be soaked up by pressing old towels against it. The rug can then be allowed to dry naturally outside, with care being taken to not put it in direct sunlight, as this can make colors fade.

To simply freshen the surface, this can be accomplished using a damp sponge. Home rug-cleaning equipment can safely be used on Oriental carpets too, as long as the solution is nothing more than about 1/4 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water. The acidity of vinegar helps to prevent the running of color dyes which may occur with other cleaning solutions, as it actually reinforces the bonds between the color pigments and the wool fibers.

To dust wool Oriental rugs, they should only be vacuumed or swept with a broom, never beaten or shaken. When it is necessary to store the rug for a length of time, it must be cleaned and then have an insecticide applied in order to prevent an insect infestation, then it should be tightly sealed in either a strong, synthetic building paper or durable plastic.




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