Oriental rugs add an exotic touch to any home or apartment. Adding an oriental rug to a room changes its atmosphere and personality. Oriental rugs are produced in Iran, Turkey, India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. At the beginning these rugs were only imported, while today their production also takes place in countries other than those of origin. Once you have purchased a stunning oriental rug, you will want to keep it clean and well preserved.
Steps
Step 1. Act immediately when it stains
You will save yourself a lot of effort and hassle if you work on the spots as they form. By preventing the stains from setting, you will not cause permanent damage to the carpet and you will not have to resort to a (expensive) professional cleaning. You should clean the carpet once a month; Regardless of how clean you think it is, carpets collect a lot of dust every day. Turn the rug regularly to prevent some areas from being worn or sun-discolored more than others.
Step 2. Vacuum both top and bottom
The first thing to do during an oriental carpet cleaning routine is to get rid of all dirt and dust. Lift a corner and shake it. If you notice a cloud of dust rising, your carpet is in urgent need of cleaning. Thoroughly vacuum one side of the carpet before turning it over and wiping it on the other.
Step 3. Make a solution of cold water and white vinegar
- Mix three parts of water and one part of vinegar. Better not to overdo it with vinegar, given its intense smell.
- Never use soap or other harsh chemicals on an oriental rug. In general, oriental rugs are made with vegetable (natural) dyes, which discolour easily. Aggressive detergents accelerate the fading process. Soap, on the other hand, is better not to use it because it is impossible to remove 100% without using water, which could discolor the carpet or stain it. Vinegar is an ancient remedy used to clean and refresh an oriental carpet in a natural way; the colors will be more vibrant and the fabric will be clean.
Step 4. Put the solution in a spray bottle and spray it evenly all over the carpet, letting it dry
Step 5. Use the same solution for the carpet fringes
You can also help yourself with a comb to distribute it over the fringes, proceeding as if they were hair.
If the fringes are white, or if they are cotton, put less vinegar and help yourself with a fan to make it dry faster. Otherwise white cotton risks yellowing
Step 6. Use a fan to make the carpet dry faster
Better not leave it wet on the floor for too long, otherwise it risks moldy.
