Persian rugs weigh heavily in a room. They may stand quietly by themselves, but each has its own history, labour, geography, and a person whose hand created it whom you will never meet. Persians rugs are not used as a sofa or a coffee table would be. You live with a Persian rug. On occasion, you may even sit upon it. At times, you will stand nervously near it, especially if you have children or pets, or one of those friends who always carries a glass of red wine.
Some people treat Persian rugs as if they were indestructible floor decorations. Others treat them as museum artefacts and are terrified to even walk upon them. The fact of the matter is that Persian rugs were designed to be lived with; however, they do request a little respect. Respectfully, that is not to say that you should be paranoid, nor fussy. Respectfully, simply pay attention.
Through my association with VIP Carpet Cleaning London, I have found that most damage to Persian rugs occurs through negligence rather than accident. There are no floods. There are no fires. Neglect is gradual. Dust, for example, works its way into fibers of the rug. Sun, while quietly, will gradually bleach colours. The many DIY cleaning attempts which seemed logical at the time, yet later proved to be regretful, are examples of neglect.
This is not an ideal guide, but a practical guide. The type of guide that you will actually use.
Know What You Are Dealing With
Not all Persian rugs are alike, even if they appear to be identical from a distance. Some are wool, while others are silk, and while many are a combination of both materials. Some Persian rugs are older than you would have thought, while others are younger.
Wool rugs are tough and somewhat forgiving, but only to a point. Silk rugs are incredibly beautiful and very intolerant of error. Wool rugs and silk rugs react to moisture, heat, and cleaning agents differently. If you treat all Persian rugs equally, you create problems.
If you are unsure of what type of material your rug is made of, do not do anything to it, except to pause. When in doubt, cease activity. The simple act of pausing will save many rugs.
Vacuuming: Necessary, Yet Gentle
Vacuuming is not the enemy of Persian rugs, aggressive vacuuming is.
Dust accumulates deep within the pile of a Persian rug. Every time you walk across it, that dust acts as sandpaper. Vacuuming regularly is beneficial to the longevity of your rug; however, it is essential to utilize caution.
Only use suction. Avoid using rotating brushes and/or beater bars. Those types of attachments are useful for pulling fibers loose and damaging the fabric of the rug. Vacuum in the direction of the pile of the rug, not against the pile. Make slow, deliberate passes, and avoid rushing.
Turn your rug periodically, and vacuum the bottom of it as well. As with dust accumulation above the pile, dust accumulates beneath the rug as well, quietly.
Weekly vacuuming is required in high-traffic areas. Vacuuming every two to three months is acceptable in low-traffic areas. Regardless of how frequently you use the room, dust does not discriminate.
Spills Happen. Panic Increases Damage
Many people ruin rugs immediately after a spill occurs.
The initial reaction is to scrub. Harshly. Quickly. With the nearest cleaning agent available. This response is understandable and nearly always incorrect.
Blot, do not rub. Utilize plain white paper towels or a clean, damp cloth to blot the spill. Apply gentle pressure and lift. Allow the spill to rise onto the cloth, then repeat.
In many cases, cold water is sufficient at this point. Never, under any circumstances, should you apply hot water to a spill. If the stain remains after attempting to remove it with cold water, discontinue further attempts to clean the stain. Additional cleaning may result in spreading dye and distorting fibers.
I have witnessed a minor coffee spill grow into a substantial, pale discoloration due to an individual’s attempt to chase the stain, rather than contain it.
DIY Cleaning Has Its Limitations
As with any task, there is a point at which home-based cleaning methods end, and risk begins.
Steam cleaners, rental machines, and common supermarket cleaning agents promise convenience and control. Unfortunately, Persian rugs do not respond favourably to either of these options. Dye bleeding can occur as a result of excess moisture, improper drying can lead to unpleasant odors and/or fiber damage, and residue left behind attracts dirt more rapidly than before.
This is why there are professional rug cleaning London services such as VIP Carpet Cleaning London. Rug cleaning in London provide controlled environments. Controlled temperatures of water, proper drying procedures, and knowledge regarding dye behaviour.
If you ever find yourself thinking, “Just a little bit more,” that is generally the moment to stop.
When Professional Cleaning Becomes Non-Negotiable
Regardless of whether you have taken good care of your Persian rug, it will eventually require deep cleaning, typically every few years. Frequent cleaning is required in high-traffic homes.
Embedded debris does not disappear with regular vacuuming. Skin oils and pollutants in the air settle into the fibres of the rug. Colours become less vibrant. The rug begins to feel heavier and duller.
Professional rug cleaning London, such as VIP Carpet Cleaning London, are not only concerned with restoring the appearance of your rug. Rather, they focus on removing what you cannot see. Dirt mites. Pollen. Tiny particles of debris.
Proper cleaning services will initially test dyes. Clean the rug without causing it to become saturated. Thoroughly dry the rug. Return it to you without stiffness or an unpleasant odour. If any of these steps are omitted, subsequent damage will ensue.
Individuals seeking rug cleaning near me often delay cleaning their rugs until they appear to be damaged. The smart alternative is to clean your rug early. Preventative measures are less expensive than repairing damage.
