4 Tips for Preserving Your Oriental Rugs

Oriental rugs are one-of-a-kind creations that can be family heirlooms if they are properly taken care of and maintained at all times. Use the following tips to help preserve your rug throughout your life:

1.      Keep Dust off Your Rug

Unfortunately, there is no way to keep dust and dirt off of your Oriental rug at all times, so you’ll need to regularly vacuum and once a month shake it out or beat the dust out if possible. This will keep the rug from looking dull or lackluster. This will also keep oils from sticking to the rug fibers, which will prevent stains and discoloration in between cleanings. Keep in mind that you may need to dust your rug more frequently during high-pollen or windy times of the year.

2.      Have It Cleaned Regularly

Having your Oriental rugs cleaned at least once a year is the best way to ensure that they remain in the best condition for generations to come. Professional rug restorers use gentle hand-cleaning techniques, specially-formulated cleansers, and state-of-the-art drying processes to help keep your rug looking like new at all times. They can even apply special fiber protectors that help keep rugs from absorbing soils and spills.

3.      Spot Clean Minor Stains Immediately

In between cleanings, you’ll want to monitor your rugs weekly and spot clean stains as soon as you notice them. Check for pet urine stains, sticky foods, beverage spills, and other Oriental rug contaminants. Ask your professional rug cleaning company for tips on how to spot clean your rug.

4.      Brush Out Dirt from Rug Fringes

If your unique Oriental rug contains fringes, then you’ll also want to keep them clean throughout the year. For this, use a gentle, bristled hand comb to brush away dirt and dust. You should also spot clean the fringes if you notice stains or hard-to-lift dirt.

If you need help taking care of your Oriental rug, then visit Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning. We offer rug repair, restoration, in-home steam cleaning, and much more. To schedule a cleaning in the Washington, D.C. area, call (703) 241-1111 today.

Different Weave Types Often Encountered in Oriental Rug Design

Expert rug enthusiasts can distinguish a carpet’s origins from its signifying weaves. Learning about notable weaves can help you spot a hidden gem at a local antique store.

• Classic Kilims: Designed for prayer and decoration, the kilim rug hails from the Balkans in Pakistan. The Turkish word kilim is derived from a Persian word that means spread roughly. This fits the flat surface characteristics of the kilim-style weaving techniques. These rugs owe their unique surface to the weft-facing weave style. In this weave, weft (horizontal) fibers are woven tight enough to hide the warp (vertical) strands, creating a smooth rug with a little pile. Kilims are also classified as “slit woven” rugs because of the geometric boundaries that separate tones and shades.

• Konieh Weaves: Rugs from the Turkish province of Konieh have long been praised for their thick and even pile. These days, Konieh weaves are notable for using a wide variety of yarns in their warp threads. It is not uncommon to spot diverse use of color in one rug and many Konieh rugs include the use of hexagons, flora motifs, and warm Persian colors. Use of sharp angles and narrow borderlines also set the Konieh weaving style apart.
   

• Azerbaijan Designs: The bazaars of Tabriz have been a center for exotic rug trade since ancient Persia. Today, the rugs from this region are still known for their sturdy and compact weaving techniques. The weave design features hundreds of knots hand-tied in spaces as small as a square inch. This attention to detail is also reflected in the Tabriz style’s highly ornamental designs. Lush depictions of vines, leaves, and flowers are depicted in rich color. These pastoral elements are used to complement bronze and gold pendant shapes used to evoke the architecture of a mosque.

The best Oriental rug cleaners are knowledgeable enough to restore a wide range of weaves and styles. Visit the carpet and rug experts at Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning to learn more tips for keeping your rug in great shape. Log on to our website or call us at (703) 241-1111 for more information.

Important Qualities to Look for in an Oriental Rug Restoration Specialist

Diverse Oriental rugs come from across the Eurasian supercontinent. With unique designs and weaves come unique cleaning needs, which is why choosing the right Oriental rug restoration specialist is so important:

• Prioritize Experience: Oriental rugs are precious gifts from the past. Don’t allow a non-professional carpet cleaner to tarnish that legacy through inexperience. Always trust the restoration of your fine rugs to a cleaner with decades of practice and skill. A versed rug cleaner should be knowledgeable on effective and traditional cleaning techniques. They can also offer in-depth advice on how to care for your carpet at home.
   
• Seek Reputable Services: When considering a rug restoration specialist, be sure to investigate the business’ reputation. The Better Business Bureau registry is a good place to start. If you have other friends with Oriental rugs, then consider word of mouth suggestions as well. Antique rugs are priceless heirlooms worth being protected. When meeting with a company, ask about the techniques and products they use to clean your rug. Knowledge, transparency, and politeness are good indicators of a respectable rug specialist you can trust.

• Inquire about Certification: A quality restoration specialist will hire staff members certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC). Certified rug cleaning specialists pass meticulous testing in order to earn their certification, which is based on material, geographic specialties, design, and construction. An IICRC certificate guarantees that your rugs are cleaned and restored by a master of his or her cleaning craft.

 

When the tassels, bindings, and fringe of your carpet begin to fray, it is likely time for a repair. Working with a woven rug specialist like Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning can help restore your rug to its luxurious prime. Call us at (703) 241-1111 or visit our website for more information.

Tips for Caring for Your Handmade Antique Rug

Masterfully woven antique handmade rugs are designed to last for centuries. With these tips and regular maintenance, your rug will continue to complement your home:

• Vacuum Regularly: Accumulated dirt can cause an antique rug to wear much faster than normal. As dirt builds up, it filters down into the fibers of the rug. The deeper the dirt gathers, the more quickly it will wear the rug. Vacuuming should be done on a weekly basis, removing dirt from both sides of the rug. Regular vacuuming will also protect your rug from hungry moths and beetle larvae. In order to avoid damaging your rug, avoid the use of power brushes that can strip the surface of your rug.

• Remove Wrinkles: Wrinkles may appear after shipping or folding and should be resolved immediately. Prolonged wrinkling can cause extra wear on the ridges of your rug. To resolve them, begin by rolling the carpet as tightly as possible. Unroll it slowly, repeating the process until you’ve smoothed it out. For particularly relentless wrinkles, use a steam iron with a wool setting to lightly press the wrinkle away.

• Stop Spills from Setting: After a spill, maintenance should be applied immediately. The longer the spill sets, the more likely there will be permanent staining. Blotting should always be your first step. Paper towels are effective for removing much of the liquid. If the spill is water-soluble and the rug is water safe, then continue to add water to the spot to dilute the stain. For urine stains, dilute with water and white vinegar. After diluting, blot the stain to remove. If the stain can’t be removed after a few cycles of this pattern, then your rug may need the help of a professional. 

 

Oriental area rugs add a charm to your home that is truly unique. Learn more ways to make your antique rug last by contacting Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning at (703) 241-1111. Our wall-to-wall carpet cleaning service has helped thousands of DC residents repair and restore their homes.

Do You Know Everything That Hadeed Can Offer You? Here Is A List of All of Our Great Services!

The best Oriental rug cleaners are knowledgeable enough to restore a wide range of weaves and styles. Visit the carpet and rug experts at Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning to learn more tips for keeping your rug in great shape. Log on to our website or call us at (703) 241-1111 for more information.

Looking for More Information about Our Recent Blog Topics? Visit These Helpful Sites

Oriental rugs are fantastic pieces of art that use weave deigns derived from several cultural influences. Learning more about Oriental weave design allows collectors to appreciate the evolution of the craft. For more information, call Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning at (703) 241-1111.

• This website explores the cultural influences in Oriental rug design.

• This page simplifies Oriental rug care with this straightforward cleaning tutorial.

• Those with an interest in Persian rugs and carpets should read the informative articles on this page.

Want More Information on Oriental Rug Cleaning? This Is the Place to Be!

Oriental rugs are fantastic pieces of art that use weave deigns derived from several cultural influences. Learning more about Oriental weave design allows collectors to appreciate the evolution of the craft. For more information, call Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning at (703) 241-1111.

• The Weaving Art Museum’s website features photos of its exhibition Kashmir and split tapestry rug exhibits.

• Learn more about finding the right rug care specialist with these resources from the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification.

• Pick up some informative tips on picking the right Oriental rug on this website.

• This article provides a helpful series of tutorials on basic rug care and maintenance.

• This page reports on the use of computers to design and produce Persian rugs.

Rug Cleaning and Repair Service: Oriental Rug Specialist Washington, D.C.

True antique Oriental rugs require a restoration technician with specialized knowledge and a keen eye for detail. This documentary follows the experiences of the Hadeed family and their 50 years of experience working with Oriental rugs.

This video follows a typical carpet cleaning by Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning in Washington, D.C. Special shampoos and meticulous hand washing combine to make the recipe for deep cleaning success. The video also displays Hadeed’s all natural drying process.

Washington, D.C. residents have access to great Oriental rug care resources. Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning offers comprehensive rug cleaning services for Turkish, Persian, and other Oriental-style area rugs. To learn more about our cleaning and restoration process, visit us online or call (703) 241-1111.

 

How Persian Rugs Are Made

The industry of fine hand-woven rugs is one of the oldest in the world. This video explores more about how these ancient treasures are constructed.

This documentary follows the story of tapestry expert Hans Boujaran. He describes designing rugs in his homeland of Iran and his eventual travels to New York. Next, Boujaran explains the ancient process he uses in weaving and producing beautiful Persian rugs.

Persian and other rugs from the Kurdistan and Azerbjaizan regions are works of art requiring careful cleaning and restoration. With over 50 years of experience, Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning can safely clean and repair the most delicate Oriental rugs. For contact information, visit us on the Web or call (703) 241-1111.

 

Common Reasons Why Oriental Rugs Require Repair

The craftsmanship and advanced techniques of ancient civilizations help authentic Oriental rugs last for decades. However, some problems go beyond regular wear and tear and require the assistance of a veteran carpet cleaner:

• Water Damage: With repeat exposure to water, cotton threads can become weakened and rot. Moisture weakens connections between the horizontal and vertical threads that keep the carpet together. Unusual stiffness felt when rolling or folding the carpet is typically a sign that water damage that has already occurred. Homeowners should listen for the snap of brittle fibers that have dried improperly after suffering water damage.

• Pet Attacks: Dogs and pets that habitually scratch are big threats to an Oriental rug. Their sharp and durable claws are capable of slicing and cutting through even the tightest weaves. Pet urine is also a unique challenge for Oriental rugs, as the impacts on fibers are more akin to a chemical spill than simple liquid damage. The extremely high ammonia content in pet urine will chemically bond with the fibers of a rug if left to set. This makes pet urine stains extremely difficult to remove without professional help.

• Insect Invasions: Mysterious cobwebs and sandy debris are two signs that you may have a moth problem. Moths themselves will not eat your carpet, but the hundreds of larvae that lay in your carpet fibers will. An infestation could easily spread to and damage other carpets. Also, watch for signs of carpet beetles whose larvae will similarly target the natural fibers in your rugs. The damage these critters can do to rugs is extensive and will likely require professional restoration services.

 A bit of maintenance and conscious planning can prevent most uneven wear and sun damage. For the repair problems that put your rug at stake, rely on the experience and skill of the carpet-cleaning experts at Hadeed Oriental Rug Cleaning. Call us at (703) 241-1111 today to schedule an appointment.