Homa Oriental Rugs offers professional oriental rug cleaning and area rug repair services for all types of handmade oriental rugs in Seattle. Hand-knotted rug cleaning is handled individually, with special attention to rug stains and problem areas. All hand-knotted oriental rug repairs are done personally in our Seattle rug store by our team, who have years of experience restoring hand-knotted oriental rugs and maintaining area rugs of all ages.
For a quote, contact us at our downtown Seattle rug store by calling (206) 623-7663 or emailing homarugs@homarugs.com.
If Oriental rugs have survived centuries in comparatively good condition, it is because of careful treatment. Oriental rugs will last remarkably long if treated with proper consideration. Apart from the inevitable destructive effect of wear in area rugs, their two enemies are moths and damp conditions. Moth damage to area rugs is best controlled by frequent moving or handling of the hand-knotted oriental rug and regular exposure to light and air. If area rugs must be stored, regular inspection is essential. A hand-knotted wool rug in use is rarely in danger from moths. Also, certain chemicals can be applied to the rug, rendering the wool rug inedible to moths. Dampness will, in time, rot the threads of an oriental rug and destroy the fabric, so make sure to keep area rugs dry as much as possible. If any physical damage is sustained to wool rugs, such as a cut or burn, the damage should be dealt with as soon as possible by an expert rug repair person because such lesions in area rugs can get worse quickly. From daily use over time, aside from accidents, the ends and sides of a hand-knotted area rug often tend to wear and fray. A trained rug repair specialist can easily secure these to avoid continued rug degradation. Areas in the middle of the hand-woven carpet that are locally worn or damaged can also have new knots inserted, and even large holes in a wool rug can be restored to make the rug almost as good as new.
Rotation
Frequently rotate the rug from areas that receive prolonged sunlight to other sides of the room to equalize the effect of the sun. Continued exposure to bright sun rays and even indirect sunlight will cause damage to the dyed fabrics used in Oriental rugs. Use window shades, shutters, or heavy curtains on bright sunny days to reduce sun damage. Similar color fading can be caused by gases and fumes (from furnaces, cooking, stoves, chimneys, and auto exhaust), which mix with oxygen and humidity in the atmosphere and form an acid. This acid reacts with the wool and causes deterioration and discoloration. Often, faded areas are hidden by soil and will not be noticed until the surface is cleaned. In this case, rotating rugs occasionally can avoid obvious color fading so that all parts of the carpet will have equal exposure.
Storage
If a rug is to be stored for an extended period, you can use a sheet or cloth to wrap it, but please don't use an airtight plastic bag. Oriental rugs must breathe, sometimes rot, or grow mildew in a plastic bag. They could also be rolled up and kept in a chest with Paradichlorobenzene crystals, which must be renewed every few months. Ideally, large carpets should be rolled around poles, with protruding ends resting on blocks or trestles. It is not advisable to let carpets lie flat on one another for extended periods without movement, as it is an ideal place for moths to infest.
DO NOT store rugs in a humid, damp, warm, or poorly ventilated room. This causes mildew, discolored fabrics, and weakening, which can lead to their falling apart. Never leave an Oriental rug wet. Failure to remove all the moisture might result in mildew.
DO NOT store an Oriental rug in a hot closet. The base can dry out and become brittle, destroying the rug's strength and durability.
Moths
Moths can cause Severe damage to Oriental rugs. Their larvae eat the pile and knots on the back of a carpet. They are especially attracted to areas under furniture that remain relatively undisturbed. Eliminating these pests and safeguarding against their return is simple. The front and back of a carpet should be sprayed with one of the available moth sprays about every six months. The rug can also be professionally moth-proof, which prevents moth damage as long as the carpet is not washed.
Cleaning
Oriental rugs' beauty and longevity depend largely on cleanliness and care. Lack of correct maintenance might reduce the rug's longevity and value.
Vacuuming
The best way to vacuum a rug is to go in the direction of the nap (The direction of the nap can easily be determined by running your hand across the pile; the direction that lies down flat is the correct direction). Vacuuming against the nap can harm your rug and drive dirt back into the rug. Never vacuum the fringe of a rug. Over time, the pulling of the fringe in the suction of a vacuum cleaner causes the fringes to break and tear. As a general rule, vacuum your rug with low-level suction, using a newly replaced bag.
Sweeping
Sweeping with a broom is the best way to remove loose soil. A rug should be swept with a broom at least once a week. This helps bring out the rug's natural patina, or sheen.
Washing
Oriental rugs should be washed regularly every three to five years, depending on their use and the amount of traffic they bear. Never clean Oriental rugs chemically or by steam. These methods remove the natural oils and cause the pile to become brittle and wear more rapidly. For the best results, take your rug to a trained specialist who can treat it properly.
Stain Removal
Take care of any spills immediately. Spills like coffee or milk may be removed without a permanent stain if taken care of right away. Dilute the spill with plenty of water and blot the wet area until all moisture is removed. Then, immediately brush or scrape any excess to prevent penetration and chemical reaction with the fibers and colors.
Blotting
The most effective way to prevent a spill from turning into a stain is to blot up as much moisture as possible with lots of clean towels and scrape up all solids. Begin at the outer edge of the rug, scraping towards the center. Do not rub, as this will only spread the stain.
DO NOT APPLY A SPOT REMOVER UNTIL YOU HAVE DONE A THOROUGH JOB OF BLOTTING
Stain Removal Kit
In case of an accidental spill, you have to act quickly, which means you should keep a box containing the following on hand at all times:
* Dry cleaning fluid
* Glycerin
* Sponges
* Clean clothes
* A brush
* Mild detergent (containing no alkalis or bleaches)
* White vinegar
* Weak ammonia (7%) solution
Tips On Cleaning Up Stains
1. Do it fast.
2. Blot up excess spills with paper towels. Do not rub.
3. Apply cleaning agents with dry cloths, working from edge to center.
4. Do not soak.
5. Pat with paper towels. Dry with a fan or hair blower.
6. Restore the pile with a brush.
Candle Wax
Place a blotter or brown paper bag over the spot. Put a hot iron over the blotter. Wait a few minutes until the wax is absorbed into the blotter. Repeat if necessary. Move the iron constantly to avoid overheating one spot.
Chewing Gum
Press ice cubes against the spot. Wait until the gum becomes brittle and breaks off. Use spot remover to get rid of the last traces.
Glue
Saturate the spot with a cloth soaked in vinegar or alcohol.
Ink
Saturate the spot with hairspray. Allow it to dry. Brush lightly with a solution of water and vinegar.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS
PLEASE CONTACT US AT:
HOMARUGS@HOMARUGS.COM