MondArt - Persian & Oriental Rug Warehouse

Vacuuming is essential if you’d like to keep your Toronto Persian rug clean and prolong its longevity.Vacuuming removes the dirt and debris that becomes ingrained in the rug from daily use, which can damage fibres by acting as tiny knives. Dirt can also become so impacted that it alters the colour, making a rug appear dull and lifeless. As a result, it’s best to vacuum at least once or twice a week, depending on how frequently you walk on the rug.

When vacuuming a Persian rug, make sure you use the right attachment. There are two options: one is known as the beater-bar and the other is the rug attachment. The beater-bar has a rotating brush in the end to help “beat” loose dirt that has settled at the bottom of a rug, caught in the pile. This freed dirt is then suctioned away. The beater-bar is best for machine made floor coverings with a shorter pile, such as wall-to-wall carpeting. The rug attachment is about the same size but has no brush. On more delicate carpets or ones with a high pile, the rug attachment is preferred.

Caution should always be taken when cleaning the fringe of a traditional Persian rug. It’s best to use no attachment and lower the suctioning power.

Some Persian and Oriental rug dealers recommend that you should not vacuum a rug and instead shake or beat it. Although this may be true for some types, in most cases you can safely use a vacuum as long as it has the right attachment and exercise care when cleaning. If you’re not sure, simply ask the the dealer and they’ll let you know the proper care instructions for the rug you’ve purchased.

Sometimes, even with the right care a Persian carpet will succumb to its environment and daily wear and tear. Problems in the form of mildew damage, insect infestations, and unraveled edges can occur, and must be attended to immediately before further damage results. That’s why routine examinations should be peformed to spot a problem before it causes serious damage to its overall structure and design, resulting in costly repairs.

Here are things to look out for:

Spots that are worn down
Look at the surface of the pile. Do you see any part of the pile that is far shorter than other parts? Any spots where you can see the warp threads? These are indications that use has worn these areas down, exposing part of the supportive structure of the rug, the warp. If the pile is not repaired in this situation, continued usage may cause the warp to wear down, thereby causing serious structural damage.

Check the underside of the rug as well. Worn patches may be easier to detect this way since generally, the colour of the warp and weft are of a different colour from the pile making it more visible.

A rug repair professional can fix these worn spots for you. Help the professional you’ve hired by letting them know as many details about the rug as possible, such as place of origin, materials and date of manufacture. Usually, a professional will know most of the details by simply looking at the rug, however it doesn’t hurt to tell them.

Moth Infestation

Moths love to feast on the wool used in Persian Rugs and Carpets. Flip the rug over and look for holes in the threads of the warp. There may be a few very small ones, or many larger ones. These all indicate a moth presence.

Another  way to check for moths is to look for the actual moths in the rug. Gently spread the fibres of the pile apart or shake the rug to do this. If you see any creeping around, chances are they’ve already caused damage.

To solve this problem, the rug must be treated for the infestation and the holes repaired. Seek a professional rug cleaner for advice since many store-bought products can be too harsh and are inappropriate. Specific cleaning techniques may also be required to prevent damage.

Unraveling Edges
If the edges of your rug are frayed due to the binding/border unraveling, you must have this repaired before it spreads further into the carpet. Special care should be taken when vacuuming, since suction can worsen it.

A Persian Rug is an investment for the future, and as such, should not be neglected. Spotting problems and fixing them as soon as you can is vital to maintain the integrity of your investment. Neglect will simply make problems worse, until the resulting damage becomes irreparable.

Your fine Persian rug is a major investment that should last several lifetimes. In fact, the value of the finest Persian rugs tend to rise with every passing year, making it a precious heirloom for future generations. For this reason, it is of utmost importance that proper care is taken to preserve the beauty and quality of your investment.

Here are 5 tips to help you maintain the quality of your Persian rug.

1. Consider using a mat or carpet pad underneath the rug to help prolong its longevity.

2. The sun can be a rug’s worst enemy. Long term sun exposure is damaging to any fabric, and the wool, cotton, silk, or other material of a Persian rug is no exception to this rule. The colouring may fade and the fibres may deteriorate, therefore it is important to place your fine rug in an area protected from direct sunlight. If this isn’t possible, simply draw the curtains to keep it in the shade or consider rotating the rug on a regular basis in order to even out any fading that may occur.

3. Rotating your carpet or rug and flipping it over should be done on a regular basis, not only when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Since the most obvious purpose of any rug or carpet is to act as a floor covering to be stepped on frequently, one area can quickly become worn down since pathways are generally the same daily. Moving the rug around, rotating it, and adjusting the positioning of any furniture placed on it will help even out usage.

4. Dirt and debris can quickly make any rug dull and lifeless. Neglected rugs may also be subject to damage caused by insects and moths. Clean your Persian rug on a regular basis, vacuuming both sides frequently to remove debris and “fluff up” the fibres to a certain extent (do not vacuum the fringes). A professional rug cleaner should be hired when vacuuming is insufficient in removing dirt, or if more serious problems arise, such as stains or deeply ingrained dirt. Make sure the professional you hire is knowledgeable of the rug you possess, since in some cases irreversible damage may result from unsuitable cleaning agents or techniques.

An important note about stains: extra care should be taken to prevent stains from developing. Wine, food, oil and other substances that fall on your rug should be removed immediately by dabbing the affected area with absorbent paper towels. The underside may also be dabbed. A damp cloth may then be used to clear the area, again by dabbing or gently wiping. No other cleaning agents should be used, since the rug’s fibres and/or delicate dyes may be adversely affected. Once the spill is cleaned, excess moisture should be wicked away.

5. Excessive levels of moisture and humidity can damage a Persian rug. Avoid placing the rug in such an environment.