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How to clean and care for Oriental rugs

Written by Posted On Monday, 14 January 2019 02:49
How to clean and care for Oriental rugs

Rugs can really transform the look of any room in a property, making it seem more stylish and cosy. Of all rug types, the Orientals appear to be favoured by many and there are good reasons for that. The combination of various colours in interesting patterns are quite impressive and the soft fabric creates a feeling of warmth and comfort. The specific textile, however, is what makes the cleaning and maintenance of Oriental rugs quite challenging. They may be pretty, but also demanding and the secret to protecting and prolonging their lifespan lies in the proper care.

Know Your Oriental Rugs

Due to similarities in manufacturing process and used materials, Oriental and Persian rugs are often mistaken to be identical. However, the country of origin is considered to be the main difference. Persian rugs are identified with Persia (nowadays Iran) while all others produced in countries like Turkey, China, India, Egypt etc., could be categorised as Orientals.

 

Of course, different other factors also reflect on the price and quality of the item, like whether the piece has been hand knotted or not, the type of material that’s been used and more. When it comes to authentication, a real Oriental rug is most commonly created from wool or silk. The fringes, along with any other elements, are visibly part of the rug’s structure and are not simply glued on.

Home cleaning remedies for Oriental rugs

Staining is among the toughest problems with carpets and rugs in general. Things get even more complicated when the affected areas are not treated on time and in an appropriate manner. There are specifics to every substance, so here is how some of the most common stains could be treated:

Getting rid of odorous pet urine stains

Given how delicate an Oriental rug’s fabric could be, especially the silk ones, forget about any strong chemical products like bleach. There is a better chance of protecting the rug with an emergency vinegar and baking soda treatment.

 

  1. 1. First, absorb as much of the liquid as possible, so it does not penetrate deeply into the plush fabric.
  2. 2. Follow up with white vinegar and cold water treatment, as equal amounts of the two need to be combined in a spray bottle. Adding detergent can also strengthen the cleaner’s effectiveness.
  3. 3. Cover the whole stain, put on rubber gloves and gently rub the solution into the fabric without pressing too hard.
  4. 4. Scrubbing is not recommended, as this will only spread the stain. Just blot with an old towel or cloth until the area looks dry.
  5. 5. Finally, sprinkle baking soda on top for beating the powerful odour and leave it on for at least several hours.

 

Stains that had some time to settle into the rug will be more resistant and, therefore, effectively removed only with the right professional cleaning treatment. Any excessive cleaning or improper use of cleaning products could lead to damaging and fading of the fabric.

Removing red wine spots

Salt could help in case the stain is still fresh but is still not the most effective solution. It is better to use a mixture of white vinegar, water and soap. Spray it onto the stain or directly take a sponge and apply it on. Scrubbing is off the limits once more or there will be a bigger red stain to clean. Blot again until you begin to see the original fabric colour. Then absorb some of the liquid with a towel you don’t plan on using again and rinse with cold water. If drying is an issue, then use a hair dryer for eliminating the moisture.

Coffee stains that don't want to go away

A mixture of lukewarm water and shampoo or a gentler laundry detergent can tackle the nasty coffee stains. The cleaning process is pretty much the same as the mentioned above. There is also the alternative of using 3 % Hydrogen peroxide and water blend. The product is known to have a bleaching effect, though, which makes it suitable only for light-coloured cotton Oriental rugs. It is still best to test the blend’s effect on the fabric in one of the corners prior to applying it on the stain.

Remove wax stains in minutes

The simplest trick involves iron and heat. Cover the spot with a damp cloth, preferably white and made from a fast-absorbing material. Now roll up your sleeves and start ironing. If you don't have an iron at the moment, hair dryer could work as well, but will probably take longer. You should be able to see how stains appear on the cloth as the wax is getting absorbed. Repeat until all of it is transferred to the cloth. You can then rinse with water and soap to try and eliminate any dye left from the candle.

 

Tackling stubborn stains is only part of the maintenance process. Oriental rugs are prone to detaining more dust and particles, due to the structure of their fabric. That is why regular cleaning will be most beneficial for keeping them fresh and germ-free. This could include washing with water and milder shampoo, as well as taking advantage of specialised carpet cleaning services every few months.

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Marieta Ivanova

Hi! My name is Marieta and I am passionate about writing, especially when it comes to home organisation, cleaning and eco-friendly living. I like learning new hacks and sharing what I know, which is why I am currently a blogger, covering everything related to home improvement for a leading cleaning company in Brisbane. 

https://fantasticcleaners.com.au/brisbane/

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