While the price point and convenience of available mass-produced rugs are appealing, there’s something about the charm of antique rugs that can’t be replicated. Besides, these rugs are the easiest way to add character to your living space. The only issue is that caring for them may seem like a daunting task.
Unlike other rugs, antique rugs aren’t easy to replace. So, learning to take care of them is crucial to maintaining their value and overall condition. To start, understand more about the top questions rug cleaners get asked. This will give you an idea about how to care for antique rugs effectively. Also, include the following tips:
Opt For Professional Cleaning
While you can clean your antique rugs without professional assistance, you must remember that they’re delicate because they often have fragile fibers and dyes. For this reason, they can become damaged when the wrong treatments are used. As a solution, avoid a do-it-yourself (DIY) approach and hire professional rug cleaning services instead.
The best rug cleaners know the basics of handling antique rugs, suitable techniques, and safe cleaning products to keep your rugs damage-free. Typically, the process involves testing the dyes for stability. It’s because some antique rugs may use vegetable dyes and similar that may not stand up to modern and rigorous washing techniques. Professional cleaners may also evaluate the state of your rugs and whether it’s safe to clean or can be cleaned.
In addition, professionals who offer rug cleaning services use specialized machines that carefully wring the excess moisture out of your rugs without causing damage. They also have separate drying rooms to let rugs dry entirely before you can use them again. Like other rugs, antique rugs must be dried well to avoid the risk of mold growth or dry rot.
Know Your Rug’s Origin And Material
How you care for your antique rugs will depend on what material it’s made from and how it was made. The majority of antique rugs are made of wool. However, the type of weave may also determine how to clean a rug properly and how much press you may use for cleaning it.
If you acquired antique rugs without knowing where they come from or how old they are, let the experts help you. Professional rug cleaners who’ve been in the industry for several years can pinpoint the material used and recommend the right cleaning methods.
Blot Liquid Spills
One of the first things you should do when something’s spilled on your antique rugs is blot the excess liquid. Never let the stains set and be sure to act quickly. Blotting typically involves gently tapping the liquid using a towel or any clean piece of cloth.
It’s essential not to scrub or rub the stain or liquid spills. It may not only drive the stains deeper into the fibers, but it may also cause damage to old and fragile antique rugs. Moreover, it may cause the rug’s colors to fade.
Avoid Using Off-The-Shelf Products
Once you go shopping or watch television, countless products claim to make miracles on your antique rugs. However, some off-the-shelf products may wreak havoc on rugs.
More often than not, off-the-shelf cleaning products contain chemical and harsh compounds that are corrosive, causing damage to colors and fibers. When used for antique rugs, such products can be damaging, leaving your rugs in irreparable condition.
It’s crucial never to risk using off-the-shelf cleaning products on your antique rugs, not even to spot clean. These chemicals may remain in the fibers even after using the product. It sometimes causes further damage and spreads through some parts of your rug. So, if you don’t want to damage your antique rugs, avoid using off-the-shelf products and look for the best carpet cleaning service near you instead.
Don’t Over-Vacuum
Over-vacuuming will deteriorate and loosen the delicate fibers that make up antique rugs. Moreover, you must keep your vacuum in a low setting to avoid damaging the fibers. Even if you have pets that often shed, avoid the urge to over-vacuum and keep your pets away from your rugs.
The rotating brushes of modern vacuums aren’t recommended for antique rugs. Instead, opt for a different attachment nozzle. If your rug is small, you may take it outside and beat the dirt and dust out of it on the clothesline.
You can vacuum antique rugs once or twice every month. Remember to vacuum them while upside down to remove dirt and dust altogether.
Conclusion
With the unique style of antique rugs, learning how to take care of them can make a difference in preserving their original condition. By following the above tips, you can guarantee that your antique rugs will stay damage-free. Just make sure to hire the best rug cleaner in your area to ensure your antique rug’s value is protected.
