Rug Cleaning & Care

For more than 2,500 years, rugs have been used in the East by nomads, villagers and royalty alike to add warmth and beauty to modest homes and sprawling palaces. More recently in the West, these rugs have graced homes with their ancient, artful designs to complement any décor. An Oriental rug will last for many generations when properly maintained. Here is some basic advice to protect and care for your heirloom quality investment:

The Wonders of Wool
Oriental rugs are generally made of wool, an extremely durable fiber that consistently outperforms other materials. Compared to other fibers, wool is much more resilient, cleans better and stays clean longer.

Cleaning
A professional cleaning will enhance your rugs, bringing out the richness of color and the softness of the wool. Depending on the amount of traffic on a rug, a professional cleaning is recommended every one to three years.

Rotation
To ensure even wear, your rug should be rotated every six months to two years, depending on the traffic and location.

Vacuuming
Oriental rugs should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Be sure not to vacuum the fringe.

Padding
A quality pad under your rug helps protect it from dirt, wear and slippage. We carry two different pads and can suggest the appropriate one for your home.

Restoration
Old and antique rugs sometimes need to be restored, and just about any damage can be fixed through professional restoration. Newer rugs are rarely in need of repair. An experienced professional must always be consulted in these matters.

Blotting & Stain Removal
When spills occur, dilute with plenty of water. Next, blot from the edge of the spill toward the center. Avoid rubbing the area. For solid spills, take a spoon and carefully scoop up the material. It is always best to attack the spill immediately. The following information and chart will help you eliminate most stains. For further advice, contact us, we are glad to help.

Stain Removal General Procedure
Always rub or brush lightly from the outer edge toward the center of the stain to prevent spreading or causing “the ring” when using solvents, especially on twist rugs and pile carpets. On old, dry or stubborn stains, saturate, blot and brush. Repeat this as often as necessary to remove the stain completely.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Reference
You must move quickly, so you may wish to keep the following on hand in the event of a spill:

• Clean cloths
• Clothes brush
• Mild detergent (no bleaches or alkalis)
• White vinegar
• Dry cleaning fluid
• Weak Ammonia (7% solution)
• Sponges
• Alcohol
• Glycerin

How to Clean Stains

• Work quickly.
• Blot up excess spills with paper towels. Do not rub.
• Apply antidote(s) as shown on list with a clean cloth working from the edge to the center.
• Do not soak.
• Pat with paper towels. Dry with fan or hair blower.
• Restore pile with clothes brush.

Removing Wax
Put a blotter or brown paper bag over spot. Put hot iron over the blotter. Wait a few minutes until the wax is absorbed into the blotter. Repeat if necessary. Move the iron consistently; do not let it sit in one place.

Removing Ink
Saturate spot with hairspray. Allow it to dry. Brush lightly with a solution of water and vinegar.

Removing Glue
Saturate spot with a cloth soaked in vinegar or alcohol.

Removing Chewing Gum
Press ice cubes against spot. Wait until it becomes brittle and breaks off. Use spot remover to varnish last traces.

Stain Removal Index & Procedure *These cleaning tips are merely suggestions. For professional advice, please contact us.

Acid…………………………..4
Alcoholic Beverages……....1
Ammonia or Alkali………….1
Beer………………………….5
Berries……………………….5
Bleach……………………….1
Blood………………………..4
Butter………………………...2
Candy (sugar)……………….1
Carbon Black………………..2
Charcoal……………………..1
Chocolate, Cocoa………….1
Coffee………………………..4
Cooking Oil………………….2
Cosmetics…………………...2
Crayon……………………….2
Crème de Menthe…………..3
Dye—blue/black…………….3
Dye—red………………….…5
Egg…………………………...2
Excrement…………………...2
Fruit Juice……………………5
Furniture Polish……………..5
Hair Oil……………………….2
Hair Spray…………………...2
Hand Lotion………………....2
Ice Cream……………………2
Ketchup…………………...…2
Lacquer……………………...2
Lard…………………………..4
Lipstick……………………...1
Machine Oil………………….2
Mayonnaise…………………2
Metal Polish………………...1
Milk……………………..……1
Mixed Drinks………………..5
Mud…………………………..1
Mustard……………….……..5
Paint………………………….2
Perfume…………………..….1
Rust…………………………..1
Salad Dressing……………...2
Sauce………………………..1
Shortening……………..……2
Soft Drinks…………………..5
Soy Sauce…………………..2
Starch………………………..2
Tar…………………………....2
Tea…………………………...5
Toothpaste……………….…1
Urine…………………………5
Varnish………………………2
Vaseline………………….….2
Vomit…………………………2
Washable Ink………………..1
Wine………………………….5

Procedure 1 Detergent Blot Vinegar Blot Detergent Blot Water Blot

Procedure 2 Cleaning Fluid Blot Detergent Blot Water Blot Ammonia Blot Detergent Blot Water Blot

Procedure 3 Detergent Blot Vinegar Blot Ammonia Blot Detergent Blot Water Blot

Procedure 4 Detergent Blot Ammonia Blot Detergent Blot Water Blot

Procedure 5 Detergent Blot Ammonia Blot Vinegar Blot Detergent Blot Water Blot