Vintage and antique rugs are an artform of their own. Though nice to look at, these pieces are meant to add warmth to a space and most importantly, to be lived in. Whether your rug is aged 30 to 100s of years, they have a history of longevity, thanks to its handmade looms of natural wool. The natural oil found in wool is called lanolin and acts as a natural stain repellent. Lanolin on its own, is a strong barrier for accidental spills on your Turkish or Persian rug. Through the years of collecting these pieces, we have gained knowledge on caring for these rugs and created this list on maintaining and cleaning your new piece of history.
Limit the use of outdoor footwear
First things first, try to avoid your day to day footwear indoors to avoid any unwanted dirt or stains. In many cultures, this is the first step in maintaining and caring for your rug and even floors.
Shake it like you mean it
Just as you would with your laundry (we’re looking at you, pet hair) take your rug outside and shake any dirt or debris collected in your rug. Only if absolutely necessary, use a traditional rug beater to gently beat the debris off.
Vacuum on the lowest setting
After you have shaken your rug, we recommend gently vacuuming. Whether this is the wood floor setting or the lowest setting of your vacuum, the key is to avoid using a rotary vacuum, as its bristles will tug and loosen the fibers of the rug. Remember to always vacuum along the direction of the fibers (never against them) and repeat this at least twice. Depending on the foot traffic of your rug, we recommend a good vacuum one to two times a month. Overtime, dust and debris can also collect at the bottom, so vacuum the backside every few months.
Don’t forget the fringe! If there is fringe at the edges of your rug, be very careful when vacuuming. These fringes can get sucked up and damaged, so be mindful and take care of the fringe too.
Spot cleaning is your go-to
Act quickly - you’ve heard about the 15 minute rule and it applies here too. Do not let any spill settle and only use a colorless cloth to gently dab and absorb the spill. No matter how big of a mess you are facing, do not apply too much pressure when dabbing the spill and never scrub the area. This will prevent the spill from spreading and any damage to the natural fibers. Turn the cloth over to a clean section and dab the area again, repeating until the spill is absorbed.
Accidentally spilled coffee, tea or wine? While spot cleaning, prevent pouring cleaning liquid directly on the rug, which can collect at the bottom of the fibers and turn into mold. Do not in any circumstance, use harsh chemicals, which will harm and break down the wool. Instead, use the dabbing method, with a dampened cloth, using a 50/50 distilled vinegar and cold water solution. This is by far our favorite solution to clean most spills. If you are still having trouble removing the stain, mix a tablespoon of natural and colorless dish soap with a tablespoon of cold water instead.
If there is a food spill, we recommend applying baking soda to the affected area and letting it sit. Once the oil of the food is absorbed, remove the baking soda with a vacuum on the lowest setting. Then, clean it with a colorless cloth using distilled vinegar solution and make sure it is thoroughly dried, using a hair dryer if you are in a hurry.
Getting rid of unpleasant odors
Sprinkle baking soda across your rug and let it sit overnight to let it work its magic. Be careful to not step on the rug when it is covered with this powder, to prevent any unintentional rubbing. After letting it sit, just vacuum the baking soda and you will be left with a fresh scent.
Professional deep cleaning
Even the most approved DIY cleaning method has its limits. Longevity is the goal for these heirloom pieces and we must admit when it is best to leave it to the professionals. We recommend getting your rug deep cleaned every 2 to 4 years. Simply search your nearest and experienced antique rug cleaners near you. Remember to mention the condition and details of your rug, including the type of rug and age for the best care.
Rotate for even wear
When rearranging furniture, you’ve probably witnessed the marks left behind on your rug. Other factors (like lighting and traffic) in your space can add to the wear of your rug as well. We greatly recommend rotating your rug once a year for an even wear. Take the extra step while you’re at it and add protective pads to the bottom of your furniture to further prevent damage to your rug.
Fixing loose yarns
If you notice yarns that have come undone, refrain from pulling on them. Use scissors to cut them and even the yarns out with the rest of the fibers. You can use a soft bristled brush to do so, like a toothbrush.
Each of our vintage pieces are handmade and one of a kind, and must be cared for accordingly to add to its longevity. Our proven methods will not only prevent any damage but will rid your rug of pesky stains and pet hair. If you still need help or have questions regarding the care of your rug, please contact us at info@cazirhome.com.
