You've made a significant investment in a thing of beauty when you buy your first Persian rug. Of course, the whole reason for buying one of these rugs is to enjoy it as well as show it off to your friends and neighbours. This means that it will become vulnerable to damage or wear and tear as a consequence of daily life. What do you need to think about when it comes to caring for your investment?
Two Crucial Things to Remember
Two of the most important things to consider when it comes to preserving the long-term value and appearance of your Persian rug are fairly easy to remember. Firstly, you need to closely inspect on a regular basis so that you can identify any damage that may be difficult to see from a distance. This can include the odd stain here or there, but may also include damage from biting insects. Otherwise, you may not notice until these problems have developed into a bigger issue. Secondly, you must avoid a situation where the rug is exposed to damp conditions on a regular basis. While this may seem to be common sense, you should also avoid placing any live plants on top of the rug with no protection underneath. When you water these plants dampness can seep through.
Be Careful about Dust
Over time, dust will build up within the fibres of the rug. These particles of dust can damage the body of the rug, as they can penetrate the fibres when they are compressed. Therefore, at least once a week, you should aim to thoroughly vacuum the top surface. A couple of times a year you should also vacuum the underside, and this is also a good time to rotate it. This will help to ensure even wear over its lifetime.
Dealing with Stains
If you do happen to get some stains on the rug from liquid spills, act fast. Get a kitchen towel and mop up as much of the liquid as you can. Note that these towels should be white and not coloured, as otherwise some colouration could be transferred back to the rug. Another tip is to use an iron on a low setting to dry the moisture as quickly as possible.
Use a small amount of household dish soap and cold water, together with a sponge. You can put a bit of vinegar into the mixture to help maintain the colouring, but you should also avoid using too much water. Once you've done this, again use a white household towel to absorb excess water.
Professional Cleaning
One of the worst stains can of course be caused by pet urine. You should go through the same procedure to get rid of this. Unfortunately, the smell can linger. If this is the case, or if any other stain is quite serious, then you should aim to get the rug washed professionally as soon as possible.
Share