MAKE IT LAST: CARING FOR YOUR AREA RUG - cont'd
Caring For Oriental Rugs
Oriental
rugs insert ageless style to nearly any space, whether heirlooms or fake
antiques. True Oriental rugs are hand-woven of natural fibers and made in
geographic regions that comprise the Near East, Middle East, Far East and the
Balkans. Grime and grit will make your wool Oriental look dreary and gray and
make the fibers wear faster. The dust particles tend to grind in and cut fibers.
A complete cleaning to restore the richness of color and revive rug softness is
suggested every three to six years if the rug is in a high-traffic area.
It is
because of careful handling that an Oriental rug can continue to exist for
centuries in reasonably good condition. Good quality padding will protect your
Oriental, especially in heavily trafficked areas; by prevent needless friction
from wearing out the rug. Never vacuum against the nap of the rug, as this
forces dirt back into the rug. If your rug has a loose fringe, turn it under the
carpet before vacuuming. If a spill occurs, a good stain resistant treatment is
spot cleaning with mild soap and cold water or club soda. Use a sheet or cloth
to wrap your rug if it is to be stored for a long period of time, but do not use
an airtight plastic bag.
Handmade
Oriental rugs are unpredictable. It’s always best to get advice for cleaning
from the place of purchase. Leave cleaning to the pros if you’re in doubt. A
good Oriental rug will last for generations if taken care of properly.
Caring For Sisal Area Rugs
Sisal rugs
and carpets are great alternatives when you are looking for selections to
redecorate or give a new look to any room. Sisal is the most adaptable of
natural fiber flooring materials. It holds up well under medium traffic. To
avoid accelerated wear, caring for your area rug is important, you should give
it a professional cleaning twice a year or more.
Caring For Navajo Rugs
When
hanging your rug use a technique that does not damage the warp. A Velcro strip
with an adhesive back is one method that seems to work well. If possible, turn
over your rug every 90 days to expose the hidden side to fresh air. This is
thought to reduce the odds of insect infestation. Always take your rug to
someone skilled in cleaning either Navajo, Persian or Oriental rugs, as harsh
chemicals can cause the colors to bleed and otherwise harm the integrity of your
weaving.
About the Author:
Astrid Bullen is a professional writer and rug buff, who helped to create the website, 1st-in-area-rugs.com. Her articles offer historical, moneysaving, and other valuable tips
and advise for online purchases of
area rugs,
wool rugs,
and
Mohawk carpet.
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