If you have a Persian rug at your home, then you are in possession of anitem that is cultural, traditional, and has the utmost value. It’s not just a piece of furniture but a timeless décor that enhances the beauty of your home with its intricate designs in vibrant hues. Similarly, vibrant Kilim rugs also offer a unique aesthetic with their bold patterns and colours, complementing the luxurious feel of Persian rugs.
Having a Persian rug symbolizes luxury and it elevates your prestige in front of your guests and relatives. You can show off your elegant taste in the rugs by owning a Persian as their beauty is classic and makes you feel like royalty. Though they are worth a thousand dollars, the vibrancy and vigour of traditional rugs outmatch the present-day rugs.
While Persian rugs are worth talking about, their beauty is preserved only when they are maintained properly. If you are thinking of passing the rug down the generations, then you must follow a care routine so that their grace can be witnessed by your children.
Let’s see how you can properly maintain a Persian rug:
- Regular vacuuming
All traditional rugs are hand-made and their fibres can become stiff if there is heavy foot traffic. Moreover, the dirt and dust can also damage the rug fibres. You have to make sure to vacuum the rug to remove the dust regularly.
Before vacuuming, try flipping out the rug and beating it down gently. It will loosen up the dirt and bring out the dust from the innermost fabric. It also ensures that most of the dust present in the upper layers is removed without any hassle.
Then you can perform vacuuming after flipping it again. Don’t keep the pressure too high as the force can damage the fibres. When you do regular vacuuming, the dust is also removed ensuring the rug is not damaged by external germs and insects.
- Don’t keep the rug damp
Dampness and moisture in any rug will lead to the growth of mould and mildew polluting the air and harmful to breathe. Moreover, woollenfibres start to shrink if they are wet for too long. To preserve the fabric’s strength, make sure to dry the rug in the sunlight. Exposure to heat will kill many germs, bacteria and fungi that are otherwise responsible for many diseases and respiratory illnesses. And not to mention the damage they do to the rug fibres.
- Place under-rug padding
Under-rug padding has many advantages. It protects the underside of the rug, prevents dust build-up and also makes sure the rug stays in one place no matter the amount of foot traffic. It’s one of the effective tips to consider when choosing a rug for a high-traffic area. It not only protects the integrity of the rug but also adds practicality to the rug usage.
- Rotate the rug occasionally
Placing the rug too long at the same position will give rise to uneven wear and tear, especially if there is high foot traffic. You will want to change the position once in a few months to make sure the rug is evenly used and maintained. Frequent rotating will also save your rug (antique or modern rugs) from colour-fading and excess fabric worn out. This simple trick will help you prolong the life of your Persian rug.
- Don’t expose to too much sunlight
Sunlight is essential to kill germs, however, too much heat and light can make the rug fade and weaken the fibres. A little exposure to sunlight will make the rug uniformly fade and aid to the appearance of antique while too much can make the fibres prone to damage.
Also, where you are placing the rug will make a huge difference. For instance, if your living room receives heavy sunlight, then you might want to change the position of the Persian rug to a shaded area. Or you can use curtains and rollers to block the intense sunlight. Learn here living room dos and don’ts when placing a rug to avoid unnecessary damage to the rug.
- Clean spills and stains immediately
One of the considerable cons of using antique rugs is that they can retain the colour of the stain if they are ignored for too long. It can make the rug lose its grace and authenticity and you will always find yourself staring at the stain. To avoid this, you have to clean the spills immediately.
Just after you notice the spill, take several paper napkins and dab them onto the stain. It will absorb most of the liquid preventing it from seeping to the inner layers. Use white napkins to prevent dye absorption and make sure to scoop out food particles. Never brush or scrub the stain as it can further push the stain and damage the fabric.
- Ensure the pets stay away from the rug
You don’t want your pets, especially puppies and kittens near your expensive Persian rug. They can chew the rug and make it a place as their potty. If you have a pet, make sure it’s potty trained and receives sufficient exercise to change its attention from chewing away your expensive Persian rug. If you have pets, then read here what to consider when choosing a living room rug to avoid mishaps and accidents on your new and pricey rugs.
- Deep-clean the rug by professionals
To prolong the life of any rug, seek help from professionals and deep clean your rug annually or twice a year. Deep cleaning will remove the unseen bacteria and viruses and give a new shine to your rug. It restores the glory of your antique rug and makes it look as good as new. Companies like The Red Carpet Australia and other notable businesses take good care of your rug as they have proper equipment and well-informed staff.
Conclusion
Some other tips like properly storing the rug and not placing heavy furniture on a large Persian rug will keep the fibres safe and healthy for many years to come. No matter what kind of rug you have, proper and regular maintenance will keep its lifespan intact.