Cleaning Rugs
Follow these tips to entend your rug's life:
Routine Cleaning: Vacuuming
Three main points to note when vacuuming a kilim or handknotted pile rug are:- Don't use high suction settings,
- Vacuum on both sides
- Don't vacuum the fringe since with repeated applications some of the fringe may be torn off.
Long Term Cleaning: Professional Cleaners
- Have your kilim or hand-knotted rug cleaned professionally by services specializing in this type of work, but not dry cleaners or general cleaning companies who often use chemicals that can cause damage.
- Never wash your hand-knotted rug, kilim rug or pillow case in a washing machine! These two simply do not mix and can cause permanent damage.
First Aid
Immediate response is the key to the prevention of stains which may result from an accidental spill. First, if there are any solids in the spill, scoop these up with a spoon before blotting to avoid pressing them into the fabric. Then right away blot (soak up) as much of the spilt liquid as possible using absorbent paper towels, toilet paper, sponge or hand towels, blotting toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading. Also blot the floor on which the kilim rug is laid. When blotting is completed, place a shallow container (such as a tray with a low lip) under the stained area and dilute the remaining stain by passing some clean water through it. Then remove the tray, dispose of the contents and blot up the liquid from the kilim area rug, repeating this procedure as often as needed to remove the stain completely.
Stubborn Stains, Pesky Problems
There may be occasions when your first-aid efforts to avert stains from spills are not fully successful, in which case we recommend that you use the services of professional rug cleaners without delay. Don't put it off, because once a stain sets in it becomes that much harder to remove. Some compendiums of 'household tips' advise that you stock up with a closetful of various cleaning aids, like ammonia, alcohol, glycerin, white vinegar, dry-cleaning fluid, etc., and apply these in accordance with their directions. We are reluctant to subscribe to these suggestions, mainly because we believe that there are so many variables involved that it is impractical (if not impossible) to prescribe a precise, effective method for each individual case without concern that it may turn out to be counterproductive. Not only is the use of even commonplace chemicals risky, their mistaken application may result in more harm than good, so we stand by our recommendation of calling on professional help.
Rug Cleaners with Great Reviews
www.costikyan.com Long Island City, NY and East Rutherford, NJ
Widely considered an excellent, premier rug cleaner for high-end, antique, and delicate oriental rugs, backed by a history dating back to 1886.
www.megerianrugcleaners.com Brooklyn, NY
A highly reputable choice, especially for high-end, antique, or delicate handwoven rugs. Operating for over a century, they specialize in traditional and organic care that protects fine textiles.
www.rugchick.com San Diego CA
A popular educational blog and advisory resource run by rug expert and master cleaner Lisa Wagner. "Rug Chick" provides consumer protection advice, cleaning insights, and critical evaluations of retail rug manufacturing flaws, fiber scams, and industry practices. Her family-owned business operating in San Diego receives stellar customer reviews for handling high-value, delicate, and antique wool rugs.
