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Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning – What are the options available?
Authentic oriental rugs or carpets are a prized possession, the value of which goes way beyond money. When you buy traditionally made, hand-knotted Oriental rugs and carpets, you obviously invest a tidy sum, but it is not just about the money. Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning – What Are the Options Available. Possession of an oriental carpet is a matter of immense pride for a family and creates a tremendous sense of achievement.
However, you cannot simply buy Oriental rugs online and be done with it. This piece of art requires constant care and must be cleaned and maintained regularly. While it is unfathomable to imagine that Oriental carpets can be cleaned at home, it is also not a great idea to trust your local carpet cleaning service to handle this piece of art. Arming yourself with reliable information about the right way of cleaning Oriental carpets and rugs can help you manage the cleaning and maintenance of your priced possession better.
The purpose of this article is to provide our readers with well-researched and detailed information about cleaning the best traditional rugs. By the end of this article, you will be a bit wiser about carpet composition and cleaning and in a position to make the best decisions involving cleaning of your carpets.
On-Location Cleaning:
Large rugs displayed vertically, or those with heavy furnishings placed on top, may be difficult to remove for cleaning. Also, most clients would prefer getting their precious carpets and rugs cleaned in their home from a security and careful handling point of view. In some instances, the right transportation facilities might not be available. Also, the construction of an antique rug may not make it ideal for automated immersion and cleaning.
There are highly sophisticated oriental carpet cleaning devices and systems available for removing dirt, grime, stains, and other forms of accumulations from carpets. While some experts are of the opinion that automated systems are good for carpet cleaning, others suggest using the traditional way of cleaning carpets.
There are a few benefits of on-location cleaning of carpets but in-plant cleaning can be used for specific types of woolen rugs. There are benefits of in-plant cleaning:
- The carpets are cleaned in a highly controlled environment
- Comprehensive cleaning can be done using a variety of tools and processes which might not be possible for on-site cleaning
- Excellent cleaning and drying facilities are available in a professionally managed carpet cleaning service which can prove beneficial for carpet owners
Pre-Cleaning Inspection – How To Do It Right
For Installed Carpets:
Installed wool carpets account for a small percentage of the total carpet market globally. It must be noted that carpets manufactured using different methods react differently to the presence of dirt and moisture.
The Carpet Inspection Involves These Steps:
- The carpet is turned back at one corner to identify the construction and backing material. This will help understand how to deal with potential problems such as browning and shrinkage.
- Pre-existing conditions such as spots, stains, and blemishes are checked thoroughly to identify the cause of stains. While most stains are easily removed by simply using a mild detergent and water, some stains may require special attention and treatment.
- The carpets must be secured to the subfloor before the cleaning process begins. Unsecured carpets may result in shrinkage and damage.
- Seams are also double-checked for any loose threads or damage. Poorly constructed seams can be pulled apart by shrinking forces during cleaning.
- If there is more than one color on the carpet, a check must be conducted for any pre-existing bleeding or the potential for the colors to crock.
How To Check for Potential Bleeding.
A dye test is done to check for potential bleeding of colors on carpets and rugs. There are several ways in which this test can be done.
A clean spotting cloth is moistened using a cleaning solution and applied to the backside of the carpet on each type of dye. A weight is placed on the cloth and allowed to remain there till it dries. If there is any color bleeding, it will be visible as a spot on the Turkish carpet pattern.
Check for any color transfer to the cloth.
Checks must also include the detection of spots affected by the urine of pets.
Pre-testing also includes looking for any potential challenges that might spring up during the cleaning process. They are:
- Any previous color bleeding or spread of colors
- Minute holes or small tears
- Damage caused by moth or insects
- Any variation of color on the face and the back of the carpet could indicate the use of a chemical treatment that has caused some damage to the dyes and/or fibers. This must be factored in while taking precautions for the next carpet wash.
- Look for tea wash signs. It is a process for muting bright colors to make the rug look older than it really is, so that a premium price can be quoted. The tea wash dye will wash off during the cleaning process and may change the appearance of the carpet significantly in some cases.
The appropriate workspace must be selected before you initiate the oriental carpet cleaning process. Choose a clean and airy space where there is enough ventilation. If the carpet cleaning is being done within your home, driveways, patios, and garage floors can be the ideal spaces if they are free from grease, grime, oil, and dirt.
Carpet cleaning requires space that’s free from stuff that can be accidentally knocked down and damaged. Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning, there must be enough space for manoeuvring the carpet as well as the vacuum hose. Keep enough clean towels within reach so that any overspill or overspray of cleaning solutions on other surfaces can be quickly removed.
Before you start the modern carpets and rugs cleaning process, check the place for airflow, water drainage, and ventilation. Check whether the carpet can be put up for drying at the same place or needs to be taken elsewhere. Some carpets can become extremely heavy after washing and may require special arrangements to move. Also, the carpet drying must be done in a secluded place as far as possible. Pets and children must not have access to the drying area until the carpet has completely dried.
Contact us or call at our respective showroom locations for any area rugs-related inquiries.
Berkeley: 510-848-9999 San Rafael: 628-253-5454
General Cleaning And Maintenance Ideas For Your Oriental Rug
General cleaning and maintenance of oriental rugs involve some gentle brushing and vacuuming. Vacuum cleaners are very useful in getting rid of loosely attached dirt on the carpet. With a vacuum cleaner, you are spared the hassle of having to move the rug around to clean it. Also, it takes less effort and the cleaning can be completed pretty quickly as well.
However, the choice and use of a vacuum cleaner must be done very carefully, as it can damage the gentle and sensitive threads of your rug. If the machine is pressed too hard against the carpet, it can harm the fibers and wear them out. The vacuum cleaning must be done using a gentle pressing process. A soft-bristled brush or comb must be used to tidy up the fibers of your rug for a fuller appearance.
The smaller oriental rugs can be cleaned at home with the aid of gentle detergent. Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning, make sure the detergents you are using are free from chemicals and harmful bleaching agents, as they can cause permanent damage to the carpet or rug. If you are using a new brand of cleaning solution, use it first on a non-visible part of the carpet so that any adverse impact can be easily made inconspicuous.
Regular cleaning and maintenance is the best way of ensuring that the carpets and rugs look fresh and new at all times. Carpets with their network of fine and intricate layers of fibers can attract dirt and grime quickly and in greater numbers too. This can make the carpet look dull and also create health hazards around it.
Cleaning Oriental Carpets And Rugs At Home
While experts are of the opinion that cleaning Oriental rugs at home is not the best way of maintaining their look and health, you must have a careful approach if you don’t have an option. Cotton and blended wool carpets can be cleaned at home but it is advisable to get high-end and expensive silk rug made of silk and pure wool cleaned by a professional and reputed carpet cleaning service.
Begin with carefully reading the manual on carpet cleaning that must have come with the purchase package. Check if there are any special instructions and follow them as accurately as possible.
These carpet cleaning steps are recommended for Oriental carpets made of wool.
Step 1: Removing The Loose Dirt And Grime From Carpet Top And Back:
This is done through vacuuming. Begin by cleaning the top part of the carpet using a hand attachment only for mild suction. Next, clean the backside of the carpet by turning it around. This step must be done at least once in two months, depending on the kind of footfalls the carpet attracts. This will prevent dirt from penetrating and settling on the deeper layers of the carpet.
Step 2: Do Not Vacuum The Fringes:
There are fringes on the edges of all Oriental carpets. When you vacuum clean the top, make sure the fringes are left alone as the bristles of the cleaning machine may damage the soft fibres of the fringes. Cleaning Oriental Carpet and Rug tuck them under the rug before you start vacuuming the top of the carpet.
Step 3 – Dusting The Rug
Dusting is an important part of the antique oriental carpets cleaning process and must be done by hoisting the carpet in a vertical position if possible for the best results. Use a soft broom or a mop handle to gently tap and beat the carpet to dislodge the accumulated dust. If you are cleaning the carpet for the first time and there has been a gap of a few months from its purchase, it would have collected a substantial quantity of dirt and dust. Do this step outdoors and wear a mask or some protective cover for your nose and eyes, as a lot of dust will be emitted during this step.
Step 4 – Post-Dusting Vacuum
This is necessary to trap and remove any residual and trapped dirt that had come loose during step 3. Simply follow the procedure mentioned in step 1 again.
Step 5 – Prepping The Cleaning Area:
The cleaning area must be prepared for the process by removing dirt, oil, grime, and dust from the surfaces. As far as possible using a surface with a slant to prevent flooding and ensure that excess water flows away to a safe drain.
Step 6 – Dampening The Carpet
Place the carpet face down (the reverse side facing up) for dampening. Then use cold running water in the direction of the pile using a hose with extendable pipes for better reach. Soak the carpet thoroughly and uniformly.
Step 7 – Shampooing The Carpet
Fill a bucket with mild liquid detergent and water and test on one end of the carpet. If the foaming is good, spread on the entire length, or else add more detergent to achieve the desired level of foaming. Use a brush with soft bristles to clean the rug but desist from putting too much pressure and do not rub vigorously as it can damage the fine fibers. Rub in an up-down-back-forth motion to maximize the shampooing effect. Then rinse the carpet. The shampooing and rinsing process must be repeated until all the detergent suds are removed from the carpet.
Step 8 – Drying The Carpet
When your Oriental carpet is free from the last bubble and drop of detergent suds, the excess water must be removed using a gentle squeezer. Alternately, place some tick dried towels on the carpet and walk on them to help absorb the moisture trapped in the threads. Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning, the next step is to put it out to dry in a place where there is ample air circulation. Your garage can be the ideal place for drying the oriental carpet.
- The drying process can be accelerated using a fan, but it is best to let the carpet dry naturally.
- Do not use high wattage lamps or heaters to dry out the carpet as it can become warped and stiff.
- Avoid leaving the carpet in the line of the sun’s direct heat as it may result in the fading of the dark, bright colors of the thread.
To check if the carpet is completely dry, run your hand over it. If there are no signs of dampness, the carpet cleaning process is complete and your shiny, new-looking, thoroughly cleaned carpet is ready for use again.
Removing Stains From Oriental Rugs
You can assemble this handy kit and use them whenever there is an accidental spill on the Oriental carpet
- Soft and clean cloths
- Paper towels and blotter paper
- Brown paper bags (They are useful for removing wax)
- A soft brush
- Mild detergent that’s free of any type of bleach
- White vinegar
- Hairspray
- Dry cleaning fluid
- Household ammonia
- Sponges, natural or synthetic.
- Alcohol (Isopropyl)
- A clean container for water
How To Cleaning Stains On Fine Rugs
Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning, It is imperative that you act quickly and if possible take assistance from helping hands so that the damage caused by the spill is contained to the smallest area possible. Use the white paper to blot the stain but do not rub on the stain as it can spread quickly. Use new fibers if needed but do not over soak old ones.
This step should help remove the most damaging part of the stain. Now, attack the remaining part of the stain from the outer edges and move towards the center to prevent its spread. Try cleaning with plain water. If that doesn’t succeed, use the stain remover from your kit. Make sure you use a clean cloth for the task. Repeat the process several times till there is a visible dilution of the stain.
Allow the stained and treated spot to dry. You may use the fan to fasten the drying process. This should help you get rid of common and gentle stains from your Oriental carpet.
Here are a few powerful and tested tips for removing various types of stains from your Oriental carpet and rug.
Candle Wax:
Apply ice cubes on the candle wax spill to freeze them on the carpet. Gently tug at the frozen wax to remove as much of the spill as possible. Take care not to tug at the fine threads.
Next, place blotter paper, or a brown paper bag, or a paper towel over the wax. Cleaning Oriental Carpet and Rug use a slightly hot iron to press on the brown paper or towel to melt the wax. Keep running the iron in a constant motion to absorb the melted wax completely and get rid of the wax stains.
Ink Stains:
Use the hairspray from your kit to saturate the ink spot on the rug. Allow the hair spray to dry and use a solution of water and vinegar to brush the affected area. The stains will disappear.
Chewing Gum:
This can be a nightmare for oriental carpet and rug owners. However, if you know the right trick, removing chewing gum wads from carpets is easy. Press some ice cubes on the gum. It will turn brittle after some time. You can remove the wads by breaking it into small pieces. Cleaning Oriental Carpet and Rug take care while removing the gum wads so that no fine threads are pulled along with the wads accidentally.
Wine, Chocolate, Ice Cream:
Blot the stain caused by these items using a paper towel or a soft cloth. Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap using a clean cloth or a sponge. Dab it liberally on the stain. Use clean water to remove the suds. Repeat the process till the stain disappears completely.
Always Buy Oriental Rugs From A Trusted Supplier
Istanbul Rug is one of the most reputed and trusted names when it comes to stocking, distributing, and retailing Oriental rugs and carpets. Istanbul Rug is a brand name synonymous with authenticity, reliability, and quality. Various experts and customers recommend this company for buying authentic and high-quality Oriental rugs and carpets. Istanbul Rug is headquartered in Berkeley in California. Oriental Carpets and Rugs Cleaning and showcase our wide collection of Oriental rugs and carpets at their San Rafael showroom in CL.
Contact us or call at our respective showroom locations for any area rugs-related inquiries.
Berkeley: 510-848-9999 San Rafael: 628-253-5454
The Floor Color:
It is important to take into account the color of the flooring of the room before selecting the right carpet. There is a debate on whether to go for complementing or contrasting shades. Both approaches work well if the contemporary carpet or rug chosen has some matching design elements. Many experts are of the opinion that wood color works best on any kind of flooring. You can go for natural wood-colored rugs or ones with similar tones such as walnut or oak. If your floor color has shades of grey or blue, carpets with warmer tones will create a better effect.
The Desired Effect And Finish
Homeowners and designers use rugs and carpets to create a unique impact and give an enhanced look to the room. The end result will obviously vary according to individual tastes and desires. What is your purpose for using contemporary carpets and rugs? Do you want to create a different kind of mood in the room? Do you want designing to help you connect with the rich ancient culture? Or do you simply want to make a statement?
Regardless of the purpose for which you are planning the use of carpets and rugs, the choice must match the intent. If you want to create a cozy and intimate setting, a dark color rug with rich patterns can do the trick. Want a more energized environment in the room? Choose some bright colored rugs to make your wish come true. A soothing and calming setting can be achieved by using rugs with pale neutral colors. Designers recommend such rugs primarily for bedrooms and study rooms.
Choosing Contemporary Rugs Of The Right Design:
Leading interior designers believe that rugs and carpets are the perfect designing materials for the modern home because it can work at many levels and can satisfy almost all types of designing demands. However, not all homeowners are willing to try carpets as designing elements because they feel that it will overshadow everything else and become the dominating figure in the room.
The fear is highly misplaced because designers have successfully proved in several projects that carpets can actually work in perfect synchrony with other furnishings in any setting. You just have to make sure you choose the right ones for your home from the endless range of carpets and rugs available.
Do Not Combine Carpets Of The Same Scale
There are some basic thumb rules to be followed while choosing carpets and rugs for home interiors. The most important rule is to never combine two carpets of the same scale. This can create some confusion of sorts as one design can easily get lost in the other and the impact will be lost. The purpose of using carpets for designing will not be achieved.
Take Existing Designs And Patterns Into Account
You can repeat specific design types throughout the room if you like it. In fact, experts say no rule stops you from repeating designs provided it does not end up creating a jarring look. However, care should be taken to contrast contemporary rugs with patterns that do not get lost in the whole design. To make the picture clearer, a decorative design can be paired with a rug with clean patterns to make the whole design stand out.
Consider The Bigger Picture:
Your interiors may be expansive and could have either diverse decorative elements or a common theme running throughout. A well-chosen contemporary rug can still help in binding all those elements together and create a grand canvas of attractive designs that can inspire awe.
A designer rug can be the decisive factor in determining the overall character of a room. You can make it appear modern, joyful, serious, or sophisticated by your choice of carpets and rugs.
The type of room in which the rug is to be placed will be a deciding factor in the kind of rug design you want. Modern contemporary rugs, you can experiment with designs and colors in the living room, whereas there is limited scope for experimenting with creativity in a smaller area such as a bedroom or a study room.
As halls and living rooms will be hosting visitors most of the time, the contemporary rugs used here must have a bold pattern, vibrant colors, and an influential design. Rugs with patterns can look good in halls, while plain ones are better suited for low traffic areas.
Now that you know a great deal about contemporary rugs and how to use the right carpets and rugs in the right place, let’s go behind the scenes to gain some technical knowledge about these rugs.
Modern Rugs Weaving Techniques:
While rug weaving is an ancient art, and antique rugs are still in enormous demand from customers all over the world, there is a growing interest in contemporary carpets and rugs. Contrary to popular thinking, modern rugs are not cheap imitations of ancient antique rugs. Of course, modern contemporary rugs such a category of rugs exists and are available on the market. Modern rugs are created by today’s artisans using present-day techniques combined with knowledge gained from the rug-making techniques of yesteryears.
When you research the market for contemporary rugs, you will come across many varieties such as:
- High/Low pile rugs
- Cut and loop rugs
- Rugs created using varying rod heights
High/low pile rugs are created using a combination of high piles and low piles, with the rugs having multiple levels of thickness. This helps weavers create a three-dimensional design. These rugs are designed using multiple materials and have great texture and appearance.
Cut and Loop rugs, on the other hand, are created using loops and cuts to craft a number of piles of the same size. In some rugs, the loops are not cut, which creates a unique texture. These rugs stand apart because of their geometric and abstract patterns. Cut and loop rugs were a rage in the 70s and 80s but went out of style. They are becoming popular again among designers who prefer using geometric patterns to create stunning interiors.
Rugs Created Using Rod Of Different Sizes
In the hand-weaving method of rug making, the artisans use a rod to ensure consistency in pile heights. Modern artisans achieve a variety of designs by varying the size of the rod. It helps them create innovative designs that can be the ideal fit for modern homes.
Modern rug weaving techniques are useful as they can help create more diverse and unique designs at a faster pace. Weavers can create bolder patterns and attractive textures to generate more demand for contemporary rugs and carpets.
Where To Find Your Perfect Contemporary Rug:
Regardless of whether you prefer antique styles or modern designs in your carpets and rugs, it is important to buy them from reliable and modern contemporary rugs. Istanbul Rug has become the trusted source for buying all types of carpets and rugs including Oriental, Modern, or French. Istanbul Rug is one of the leading manufacturers and distributors of rugs and carpets in San Francisco and offers one of the widest collections of all types of carpets and rugs including contemporary and traditional.
The premier rug store in Berkeley is the preferred place for global customers shopping for authentic carpets at the right price. The store offers the support of an experienced staff well-versed in every aspect of carpet buying and helps customers in making the best buying decision based on their needs, preferences, and budget.
We are the premier source of luxurious handmade area rugs. Our exquisite showrooms located in San Rafael & Berkeley, carry the largest collection of Modern, Oriental & Traditional Rugs in the San Francisco Bay Area and Marin County. Contact us or call at our respective showroom locations for any area rugs-related inquiries. Berkeley: 510-848-9999 San Rafael: 628-253-5454