Rug FAQ
- How often should I vacuum my rug?
- Why do I need a rug pad?
- What should I do about a stain on my rug?
- What can damage my rugs and how can I protect them?
- Why is it recommended to rotate an oriental rug?
- Should I be afraid of my child harming my oriental rugs?
- How much is my oriental rug worth?
How often should I vacuum my rug?
Your area oriental rug should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove soil and restore life to the wool fibers. DO NOT vacuum the fringe, as it will cause damage over time. Sweeping with a broom will clean the fringe without wearing any. DO NOT vacuum against the nap of the rug. This actually presses dirt back into the rug. Sweeping your rug with a broom is the best way to remove loose dirt. Bring out the natural sheen of your rug by sweeping at least once a week. Please check the height setting on your vacuum cleaner. It is not necessary to use the lowest setting.
Why do I need a rugpad?
A quality pad will not only keep your rug from slipping, but it will also protect it from dirt and wear. Anabel’s Oriental Rugs can custom size a pad for your rug, whether you are putting it down on hardwood or carpeting.
What should I do about a stain on my rug?
Stains should be dealt with by carefully dabbing and sponging with a wool or silk compatible cleaning solution until much of the substance is removed. The area should then be carefully dried. Never scrub or violently sponge the rug, as this may damage the pile and cause the colors to run. DO NOT use a chemical cleaner used for carpets or other materials. To protect the lanolin in the wool we recommend using water and a light soap.
What can damage my rugs and how can I protect them?
Two big enemies of oriental rugs are moths and water.
Moths are known to lay their eggs on carpets and the larvae feed off of the wool. To avoid this risk you should keep your rug clean by vacuuming and getting it professionally washed at least every two years. If you start to notice an area suffering from moth damage bring in your rug immediately. Anabel’s cleaning and repair department can properly wash the rug to kill the eggs and can reweave the affected area.
Water damage is also something to be aware of. Keep your rugs in an area that remains dry. If flooding occurs you should bring in your rug as soon as possible. To avoid color run, molding, and other damages your rug needs to be attended to before it dries.
Also be aware of placing potted plants on a rug. Their dampness is a common cause for mildew to thrive on the rug’s cotton foundation.
Be extra careful when you are planning to store your rugs. This is when moth and water damage is most commonly seen. At Anabel’s we can prepare your rugs for storage, properly wrapping them with paper, plastic, and moth protection.
Why is it recommended to rotate an oriental rug?
Your oriental area rug should be rotated at least once a year to ensure even wear. In a high traffic area, we recommend every six months. Use shades or curtains to reduce damage caused by direct and indirect sunlight. Keeping your rug from continual exposure to sunlight will protect the rug from fading.
Should I be afraid of my children harming my oriental rug?
Our oriental rugs are all hand knotted and woven with exceptional quality and durability. Soumak rugs are especially known to outlast areas with high traffic.
We understand our clients are looking for pieces that they can actually live on and not fear for damage that children, pets, and other traffic can have on other types of carpets and flooring. These rugs will last for years to come so even your grandchildren will be playing on them!
How much is my oriental rug worth?
The value of an oriental rug depends on a number of factors such as:
Antique rugs are popular among rug collectors who are willing to pay a higher price for aged pieces that are in the proper condition.
Wool is the most common material used in oriental rugs, however, silk can also be incorporated and increase a rug’s value due to its higher expense and delicate matter.
Design elements - Some designs are more commonly used than others. A rugs value can increase when it features elements not seen often.
Colors and dyes used - Rugs with synthetic or chemical dyes have a lower value than colors created with vegetable dyes. The natural characteristic of vegetable dyes extends the life and the color quality of oriental rugs.
Condition - Rugs without damage and are in no need for cleaning, repair, or restoration are worth more.
Knot density- The more knots woven per square inch, the higher the rug’s value because density increases durability.
Bring your rug to our store, schedule an in-home appraisal appointment, or send us pictures of the front and back of your piece and we will provide you with the information you need about your rug in addition to a Certificate of Appraisal to keep for your records.
