Caring for an Oriental Rug
Beating - Beating is the traditional and the best method for cleaning a rug. The rug should be hung outside in dry weather and beaten several times on each side with a paddle or beater.
Rotation - A rug should be rotated once every year or two so as to ensure even wear.
Padding - It is recommended to use a quality padding under your rug. This will help protect it from dirt, wear and slippage, especially in heavily trafficked areas. The life of an Oriental rug can be doubled with the use of good-quality padding.
Vacuuming - Oriental rugs should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and grit that may damage the fibers and foundation of the rug. Vacuuming helps prevent dirt on the surface of the rug from filtering down into the pile where it can accumulate and cause increased wear. Be careful with a cleaner equipped with a power brush as they create a raking effect on the pile and can eventually weaken the knots. Be very careful with the fringes as they get caught and chewed up by the rotating mechanism of the brush.
Professional Cleaning - Cleaning by a professional Oriental rug cleaner is recommended every one to two years, depending on the amount of traffic your rug experiences. This will bring out the vibrancy and richness of color as well as the softness of the wool.
Moth Protection - Moths can cause extensive damage to Oriental rugs by attacking the pile, fringes and the knots on the back of the rug. If your rug is rarely used you can safeguard against them by spraying the front and back of your carpet every six to eight months with a moth deterrent
