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To Vacuum or Not to Vacuum Vacuuming, though tempting, is not advisable. Vacuum cleaners remove wool along with dust and wear away a rug’s fringe (which protects a rug from unraveling). There are a handful of vacuum cleaners specifically designed for Oriental rugs that are safe to use. Rug-safe vacuums may be purchased through Noor. If you insist on vacuuming your rug, the best advice is to set your vacuum on a gentle mode and to vacuum very slowly. Avoid heavy-duty or high pressure vacuum cleaners at all costs. Vacuum your rugs from the center toward the edges (not in rows). Never vacuum from the outside in, as this is a sure way to destroy the fringe. Kilims and old, silk, or fragile rugs should not be vacuumed. Sweeping and Beating Sweeping your rug with a corn broom remains an effective way to remove dust, which, if left to accumulate, may cause several problems. Sweeping is a great way to remove loose ends of pile, as rugs have a tendency to shed. It is recommended to sweep in the same direction as the nap of the rug. The best and most traditional way to remove dust is to beat your rug. This helps to dislodge particles that have become deeply embedded in the pile. Rugs may be beaten and shaken outside, over balconies, or against trees. An annual spring-cleaning beating should be sufficient. Exposure to Sunlight As rugs left in sunny areas of your home will fade, and it is recommended to avoid placing rugs in direct sunlight. Pay attention to how windows allocate sunshine throughout the day, and provide shade for your rugs as necessary. While prolonged exposure to the sun fades a rug, occasionally exposing your rugs to sunlight is a great way to kill moth larvae in your rugs. A large majority of rugs are infested with moth larvae, even if you cannot see them. The caterpillars can destroy a rug by feeding on the wool. When the weather is nice, such as on a particularly hot summer day, it is a good idea to lay your rugs in the hot sun for a couple of days—so long as you can be sure there will be no rain. The heat from the sun will effectively kill the moths, leaving your rug intact. Under Pressure Placing padding under your rugs is very important, as padding absorbs most of the pressure exerted on a rug. Additionally, padding ensures that your rug lies flat, as wrinkled rugs deteriorate quickly. Pads help keep rugs in place, which is safer for you as well. The underlay of rugs should be made of natural ingredients, should be non skid, and should have some body. Thinner padding is better under runners and scatter rugs, as raising smaller rugs would make it more dangerous for walking. You should avoid placing heavy furniture atop a rug as it will tax the wool with pressure, and may dent the rug. It is a good idea to cup the legs of furniture that sits on your rugs. Repositioning your furniture from time to time is recommended. To ensure an even wear of rugs, Noor Oriental Rugs suggests rotating your rugs once a year. Humidity
Excessive humidity or aridity proves detrimental to hand-woven
rugs. Dampness encourages fungi, mold, mildew, and rust that ruin
the cotton foundation and also has a tendency to attract moths that
destroy the wool. Indoor plants can increase humidity, which may be
controlled by strategically placing your plants. On the other end
of the spectrum, extreme aridity may cause a rug’s foundation to
fracture and grow brittle. Temperature is not a factor in the
well-being of rugs. |
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