It has been said that an oriental rug doesn't wear out; instead, it is more likely that a rug may "wear out" several generations! With proper care and maintenance, you can pretty much guarantee that your oriental rug will become a cherished family heirloom.

Padding Is a Must

The first step in caring for your oriental rug is installing proper padding. Padding muffles the sound of footsteps and prevents the rug from sliding on smooth flooring.

More importantly, padding helps protect your rug from incessant crushing between shoe heels and flooring. The proper padding is no more than one-half inch thick and is just smaller than the rug itself. Types of padding available include rubber, high-density foam, needle-punch poly-propylene and rubberized hair/jute.

Regular Maintenance

An oriental rug's greatest defense against wear and tear is the very substance of the rug itself: wool. Wool fibers tend to keep everyday dirt particles toward the surface. As you walk on the rug, however, these dirt particles can be forced down into the nap of the wool and begin to cut into the wool strands. Regular, weekly vacuuming removes surface dirt before it settles into the rug. Vacuum in the direction of the rug's pile (By running your hand across the rug: it will feel smooth in one direction and coarse in the other. Vacuum in the smooth direction.). If your rug is new, you can expect some shedding at first. This is natural, and you need not be alarmed. Shedding will subside after a few months of regular use and care.

You can also extend the life of your oriental rug by rotating it 180 degrees every year or two. This helps to even out the effects of traffic and sunlight.

Washing

Inevitably, some dirt and grit will escape the vacuum and work its way deep into the nap of the rug. Every few years, a thorough and professional washing is in order. This involves total immersion and can correctly be done only by a professional with proper cleaning and drying facilities. Your rug dealer can recommend someone with the proper experience and equipment.

Spills and Stains

It's bound to happen, but again the qualities of the wool will protect the rug from spills. After running for paper towels to soak up any liquid, treat the spot according to the cleaning instruction chart below. Finally, blot up excess liquid and elevate the dampened spot to allow air circulation. Clean any stain from the outer edges inward to avoid spreading the stain. If you are unsuccessful, do see a professional Oriental Rug cleaner. Remember that your oriental rug is a valuable work of art and deserves the care and attention you give any fine possession. With the minimum maintenance outlined above, your rug will provide years of beauty and durability.

Spot Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
Blood 1 2 -
Chocolate 2 3 5
Coffee 1 2 4
Colas 1 2 -
Fruit Juice 1 2 -
Ink (Fountain Pen) 1 2 -
Ink (Ball Point) 4 8 2
Ink (Felt Tip) 6 2 7
Lipstick 4 2 -
Oil & Grease 4 2 -
Paint (Latex) 1 2 4
Paint (Oil) 8 4 2
Shoe Polish 4 2 -
Tea 1 2 4
Urine (Fresh) 1 2 -
Urine (Old) 2 3 5
Vomit 2 - -
Wine 9 1 2