Oriental rugs offer your home a unique and exotic elegance. Their beautiful and luscious colors and patterns are very pleasing to the eyes. Many owners, however, find themselves intimidated by the intricate knotting or weaving when it comes to caring for the rug and performing simply cleaning. Fortunately, these rugs have the capacity to last for a number of years with proper care. Here are some tips for caring for your Oriental rug and how to prevent common sources of damage.

How to Vacuum

Regular vacuuming is a good step in Oriental rug cleaning, since dirt and insects lead to faster deterioration. It is important to be careful, however, with a vacuum made with a power brush. While they are effective on typical carpets and rugs, they can cause a ‘raking effect’ on an Oriental rug. Prevent this by only vacuuming occasionally with the full vacuum and using the vacuum nozzle for routine cleaning.

Preventing Water Damage

It is common for people to rest indoor potted plants on their Oriental rugs or to have them on display in a basement. Both situations can lead to water damage. Prevent this by elevating your potted plants with a small stool to let the area underneath dry properly in case of leaks. If the rug gets wet from a flood, remove it quickly. Proper area rug cleaning and drying can prevent damage. Do not use oriental rugs on bare concrete floors, which are often damp.

Preventing Sun Damage

Although rugs should be able to withstand normal sun exposure, years of use in a very sunny area can cause premature damage. Use curtains in rooms with Oriental rugs to prevent overexposure.

Preventing Insect Damage

Two common causes of Oriental rug damage come from moths or carpet beetles. Owners can prevent infestations from both pests by regularly caring for their rugs with vacuuming, avoiding moth balls (which are ineffective on carpets), and using properly labeled insecticides on areas difficult to reach with a vacuum.

Storage

Occasionally people need to store their rugs for a period of time. Be sure go through proper Oriental rug cleaning processes, spray the rug with insecticide, and wrap it tightly in protective plastic. Do not use common wrapping paper because it does not protect against moisture or insects. It is also a good idea to inspect the rug regularly.

With good care, your Oriental rug should be around to please you and your family for years to come. Keep these tips in mind to help keep your rug in peak condition.