Oriental rugs are beautiful pieces of art that can add elegance and sophistication to any room. However, it is important to keep them clean to maintain their beauty and value.
In this article, we will discuss how often Oriental rugs should be cleaned and provide tips on how to clean them effectively.
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s define some terms that will be used throughout this article:
- Oriental Rug: A handmade rug that originates from Asia, including Turkey, India, China, Iran, and Afghanistan.
- Cleaning: The process of removing dirt, stains, and other debris from the rug.
- Cleaner: A solution or substance used to clean the rug.
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The Importance of Regular Cleaning
Dirt, Dust, and Allergens Build Up
Oriental rugs are prone to dirt, dust, and allergens build-up, which can be harmful to people’s health. The rugs’ fibers can trap the dust and allergens, causing respiratory problems like asthma and allergies.
The buildup of dust and dirt can also affect the rug’s integrity, making it brittle and prone to breakage.
Preserving the Beauty and Quality of Oriental Rugs
Regular cleaning is essential in preserving the beauty and quality of Oriental rugs. Dust and dirt can cause mats, wear and tear, and discoloration, making the rug look old and faded.
Dirt and dust can also create odor, making the rug unsightly and unappealing. Regular cleaning, vacuuming, and washing can prevent the buildup of dirt and dust, and preserve the rug’s quality and beauty for long periods.
Without regular cleaning, Oriental rugs can lose their shine, color, and texture, and end up with premature wear and tear, fading, and discoloration. It is essential to have a regular cleaning routine, at least twice a year, to preserve the rug’s beauty and value.
Factors to Consider When Deciding How Often to Clean Oriental Rugs
The Level of Foot Traffic
The level of foot traffic is one of the primary factors to consider when determining how often to clean your Oriental rugs. High-traffic areas such as hallways and living rooms will require more frequent cleaning than low-traffic areas like guest rooms.
Generally, high-traffic areas should be cleaned every 12 to 18 months, while low-traffic areas can be cleaned every 2 to 3 years. However, if you notice dirt and debris accumulating in the low-traffic areas, it is best to clean them more frequently.
Examples of high-traffic areas that require more frequent rug cleaning include commercial establishments like hotels and public places like museums and monuments.
Pets and Children
Pets and children can also affect how often Oriental rugs need to be cleaned. Pets may leave stains and odors on the rug, while children may track in dirt and food stains.
It is recommended to clean rugs with pet stains and odors immediately to prevent the buildup of salts from the stains, which can become hygroscopic and keep the area damp.
For Oriental rugs that are frequently subjected to spills and stains from children and pets, a deep clean every 6 months is necessary. Even if there are no visible stains or odors, it is still best to have the rug professionally cleaned every year to remove any dirt and debris that have accumulated.
Examples of pet stains include urine, vomit, and feces, while food and drink spills are examples of children’s stains.
Environmental Factors
The environment in which the rug is kept can also affect how often it should be cleaned. Humidity can cause Oriental rugs to retain moisture and develop mold and mildew, which can damage the fibers and cause unpleasant odors.
In areas with high humidity levels, rugs should be cleaned more frequently, at least twice a year. On the other hand, if the rug is in an area with low humidity levels and there is no visible dirt or debris, it can be cleaned every 2 to 3 years.
Examples of environmental factors that affect Oriental rug cleaning schedules include air conditioning, heating, and exposure to sunlight.
Professional Oriental Rug Cleaning
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
Oriental rugs are made using delicate fibers and intricate designs, which makes them expensive and difficult to clean properly. While DIY cleaning may seem like an easy and cost-effective solution, it is not always the best choice, especially for heavily Soiled Oriental rugs.
DIY cleaning methods can do more harm than good, as the chemicals and equipment used can cause discoloration, shrinkage, and fraying. Additionally, DIY methods cannot remove deeply embedded dirt, dust, and pet stains that could damage the rug fibers in the long run.
Therefore, it is always recommended to consult a professional rug cleaner for serious cleaning issues.
Professional cleaning, on the other hand, is more efficient and thorough. Professional equipment can easily remove embedded dirt, dust, pollen, and pet stains without harsh chemicals or heat that could cause further damage.
Professionals also have the right skills and experience to handle different types of Oriental rugs made from natural and synthetic fibers.
However, professional cleaning comes at a higher cost and involves a more extended time frame than DIY methods. While professional Oriental rug cleaning should be done once a year if possible, regular vacuuming and prompt stain removal can prolong the rug’s lifespan and reduce the frequency of professional cleaning required.
How to Choose a Professional Oriental Rug Cleaner
Choosing a professional Oriental rug cleaner requires thorough research and consideration of several factors.
- Experience: Look for a cleaner with at least five years of experience in handling Oriental rugs. This ensures they have the right skills and knowledge to identify and treat different types of stains and fibers correctly.
- Reputation: Check online reviews and ratings from previous customers to see what experience they had with the cleaner. A reputable cleaner will have consistent positive reviews and ratings from satisfied customers.
- Certifications: Look for cleaners who have undergone professional Rug cleaning certifications from reputable institutions. This ensures they understand advanced cleaning techniques, chemicals to use and avoid, and best industry best practices.
- Equipment: Check the type of equipment and cleaning methods a cleaner uses. Choose a cleaner who uses environmentally friendly and non-toxic cleaning solutions and state-of-the-art equipment that ensures thorough cleaning and fast drying.
- Insurance and Guarantee: Verify if a cleaner is insured and offers a guarantee for their services. Accidents can happen during the cleaning process, and you want to ensure that if anything goes wrong, you are covered.
Before hiring a professional Oriental rug cleaner, ask for a quote and compare prices with different cleaners. Be wary of cleaners who offer low prices but compromise on the quality of service.
Remember that quality does not come cheap, and investing in a reputable professional cleaner can save you more in the long run.
Conclusion
Oriental rugs should undergo a thorough cleaning at least once a year to maintain their beauty and charm. While homeowners can clean their carpets themselves, professional equipment is more effective in thoroughly cleaning the carpet and doing the job right.
Pet stains can cause a buildup of salts that attract moisture, which keeps the section damp for extended periods of time. Therefore, it is important to use the best cleaning techniques to maintain the texture and beauty of the rug.
In conclusion, regular cleaning of Oriental rugs is essential to ensure its longevity and retain its value.
References
- Tips for Cleaning Oriental Rugs
- How often should you clean your rug?
- When Should I Get My Rug Professionally Cleaned?
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