Preserving the Beauty of Persian and Oriental Rugs
Whether you own a Persian carpet or an Oriental rug, both represent a significant investment that requires specialized care and attention. Protecting your investment while maintaining the innate beauty of these statement pieces is essential.
Understanding Persian and Oriental Rugs
An authentic Persian carpet is distinguished by its unique weaving technique, high-quality materials, artistic design, and a rich array of colors and patterns. The history of these rugs dates back to 400 BC, with the earliest literary references highlighting their luxury and prestige, notably by Greek author and philosopher Xenophon.
Today, Persian rugs are highly sought after for their beauty and craftsmanship, with genuine pieces commanding substantial price tags. The key distinction between Persian and Oriental rugs lies in their origin; genuine Persian rugs originate from Iran (formerly known as Persia), while Oriental rugs come from regions such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, or India.
Rug Placement and Positioning
When bringing your new rug home, the placement will significantly influence your cleaning regimen. Direct sunlight can fade colors over time, so consider positioning your carpet in a protected area to maintain its vibrancy.
The level of foot traffic across the rug will also dictate your care routine. If you place furniture on your Oriental rug, regularly moving the legs can prevent permanent indentations.
Persian Carpet Care Routine
For rugs in moderate to heavy traffic areas, vacuuming with a gentle brush once a week is advisable. For longer pile rugs, taking them outside and gently beating them on the back can help remove trapped dirt.
If your Persian or Oriental rug is an antique, use a gentle carpet sweeper or brush, ensuring you pay attention to the grain of the fibers. Avoid vigorous shaking or beating, as this can damage delicate antique rugs.
Spills and Colorfastness
Understanding the fiber content and colorfastness of your carpet is crucial. Persian and Oriental rugs may be made from wool or silk, each requiring different care. Additionally, many of these rugs are not constructed with colorfast dyes, making them more susceptible to fading.
In the event of a spill, your first priority should be to remove the food or liquid. Consulting a professional carpet cleaner is highly recommended, as incorrect cleaning methods can lead to permanent damage, color bleeding, or weakening of delicate fibers.
When mopping up a spill, avoid rubbing or agitating the fibers. Instead, use a clean white cloth to gently press the area, repeating with another clean cloth as necessary. Placing a towel or old linen under the rug can help protect it from color transfer.
Professional Persian Carpet Cleaning Services
If spills are not adequately treated, they can result in irreversible damage to Persian and Oriental rugs. To ensure the longevity of your investment, contact a professional carpet cleaning company experienced in handling these premium items. They can also arrange for an annual cleaning of your Persian rug, as well as other carpets, mattresses, and soft furnishings in a single visit.
At Elite Maintenance, we adhere to IICRC standards, ensuring that our cleaning methods are compliant and effective. Our team is trained to provide the highest level of care for your valuable rugs.
If you require professional assistance, please call us on 131580 or contact us for more information.