Cuba, Northwest Persia, mid-19th Century rug.
–photo courtesy
Boft Fine Rugs
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by Sarah Jacobs
Some people think of Persian and Oriental rugs as delicate and difficult to maintain, but the truth is that a good quality rug is about the best floor covering you can have. These rugs clean easily, are resistant to staining and wear beautifully.
There are two categories of care when it comes to Persian and Oriental rugs.
One relates to cleaning and the other to inspection.
Tips and Tricks for Cleaning:
For the majority of Persian and Oriental rugs, vacuuming on a regular basis is the key to keeping your carpet clean. Most carpets will be unharmed by a vacuum powerhead attachment or beater bar, but judge for yourself based on the age of your rug and the condition of the pile.
Avoid sucking in the fringes as this can harm your carpet.
Spills and accidents are a part of life, but don’t worry when they happen. It’s best if you can get to the mess before it dries; then you need only spot clean with cold water and, if necessary, a mild soap.
In addition to regular vacuuming, some tricks for regular cleaning and maintenance include a vinegar wash and snow cleaning (details available at
www.boftfinerugs.com).
Inspection: Moths, Carpet Beetles, and Lockstitching:
Apart from cleaning, it is important to regularly examine your carpet for any signs of moths, carpet beetles, or damage to the selvedges or lockstitching. Your rug is finished with a lockstitch, visible at the base of the fringes and along the sides of the carpet.
It is a good idea to periodically check that these selvedge ends are in good repair and have not unravelled or opened up. If you do find any problem areas, have them seen to quickly. Fixing up worn selvedges is a common and inexpensive repair.
If you follow the steps outlined here, your rug will stay beautiful for many years. Depending on the traffic your carpet gets, it will eventually need a professional cold water hand-wash (perhaps every 5-10 years). At that point, contact a Persian and Oriental rug cleaning professional, such as myself,
Sarah Jacobs, co-owner of Boft Fine Rugs Gallery in Calgary, AB. Visit
www.boftfinerugs.com.
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