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10 tips for maintaining Oriental rugs

Oriental rugs create an atmosphere of upscale beauty, artistry and elegance in your home that can't be achieved with the average rug. Although these rugs set a high aesthetic standard, they also require a high standard of maintenance.

If you have been looking for ways to better maintain your Oriental rug, consider the following helpful tips:

1. Rotate regularly
Although some experts claim that you only need to rotate your rug every one to two years, it is usually best to shoot for rotating every one to two months, if the rug is located in a high traffic area. Doing so will allow for more evenly distributed wear, which will give your rug a more uniform look that will help maintain both appearance and value.

2. Block sunlight
Over time, sunlight can cause the dye in your Oriental rug to fade dramatically. To prevent premature fading, you should always block sunlight from hitting the rug as often as you can. If this measure is impossible, you should make sure to rotate your rug as frequently as possible to ensure more uniform fading.

3. Flip the rug
Most Oriental rugs have fringes on the end that can become twisted and tangled very easily. It's important that you avoid combing the fringe to release these tangles, since this can cause damage to the natural fibers of the fringe. Instead, flip the rug end over end to allow the fringe to straighten out more naturally.

This can be done by grabbing one end of the carpet and walking it over the other end. In addition to this process, you should also shake the rug gently to help straighten out the fringe.

4. Vacuum
Although all rugs will require vacuuming, it's especially important that you regularly vacuum your Oriental rug to prevent the natural fibers from becoming packed down by excess traffic. It is usually best to turn off the beater bar when vacuuming your Oriental rug to prevent runs or tears in the delicate fibers.

5. Spot clean
Stains can easily develop if you don't immediately spot clean a spill once it occurs. First, you should dab the stain with a dry cloth to soak up all excess liquid. Do not use soap, bleach, or other common cleaning products on your Oriental rug, since this can damage the fibers.

Instead, use only water to cleanse the stain. If water doesn't remove the stain completely, it is best to consult a professional who specializes in cleaning Oriental rugs to ensure safe and effective removal of the stain.

6. Utilize padding
When you place padding beneath your Oriental rug, it helps to keep it stabilized, protect the shape of the rug, and reduce wrinkling. This not only enhances the value of the rug, but also makes them safer and more comfortable to walk on.

7. Change the pathway
To prevent overly wearing down one region of the rug, you should rearrange your furniture to create new pathways every six months or so. This will allow for more even wear, increasing the lifespan of the rug.

8. Wipe down
As a safer alternative to beating the rug, you can re-fresh the surface by wiping the rug down with a cloth or sponge that has been dampened with cold water. This will help remove any surface dust and restore the rug fibers for a freshly cleaned look.

9. Professional washing

Experts recommend having your Oriental rug professionally washed every three to five years to prevent dirt and soil buildup and to fully restore the rug's natural fibers. With the help of a professional rug cleaner, you can extend the life of the rug and enjoy better comfort and quality throughout your use.

In the New York City tri-state area, you can find NYC carpet cleaners who specialize in Oriental rug care and cleaning by searching Angie's List.

10. Air it out
Moisture buildup on your rug can have devastating effects in the form of mold and mildew growth. To prevent buildup and reduce the presence of odor, hang your Oriental rug out to dry outside for a few hours every six months, or every time your rug comes in contact with moisture.