Oriental and Heirloom Rug Care Tips

Basic rug care steps will prevent a rug from becoming soiled and damaged:

• Do not eat or drink on the rug to prevent spills and food stains.
• Remove your shoes when you enter the home to prevent tracking outside dirt into your home and onto your rug.
• Wear slippers, socks or walk barefoot on the rug as outside shoes are much rougher and heavier.
• Vacuum your rugs regularly. Even if you care for your rugs very well, it does not replace the need for regular professional rug cleaning.

How often should I vacuum my rugs at home?

In most cases, regular vacuuming is recommended, to prevent dirt from burrowing deeper into the pile and causing greater wear. However, make sure you are careful with the power brush in the vacuum head, as it may cause damage on an Oriental or specialty rug if used too vigorously. For a weekly maintenance vacuuming, use the vacuum nozzle, especially at the fringe area, where the rotating action of the brush can shred the fringe or cause significant damage. Vacuuming is an essential part of basic rug care.

Should I ever turn my rug?

Yes. If the rug is in direct sunlight, it will fade over time, especially if the rug is antique and the dyes are natural. It is best to invest in drapes or move the rug to another area that has less direct sunlight. Even with minimal sunlight, it is best to turn the rug 180 degrees once every year to prevent uneven wear and sun damage.

How can I tell if I have moth damage?

There are usually bare spots in the rug, where the larvae has eaten the wool fibers. In a particularly bad infestation, there is a very fine, thin web covering an area of the rug. In addition, there may be waste particles that look like sand granules in the pile of the rug.