Oriental Rugs
Persian rugs are renown for their longevity. Durable and resilient, they resist years of use. While it is common knowledge that age often makes fine rugs more beautiful, it is the responsibility of the owner to maintain their fine quality with proper care and attention - which includes a thorough cleaning performed on a regular basis.
The best way to keep a rug clean is to keep it from getting dirty in the first place. Removing outdoor shoes when entering the house (as people do in most rug-weaving countries) is a good idea if this accords with your lifestyle. Bare-foot or sock-foot traffic is much gentler to a rug than a hard outdoor-shoe sole (or spike heel), and leaving your outdoor shoes at the entrance to the house tracks in much less dirt.
Have your rug cleaned only when it really needs it. For rugs in some areas this will mean a yearly cleaning. Rugs in other areas can go several years and more without needing professional cleaning.
To judge how dirty a rug is, try one of these methods:
- Pick up a corner of the rug and, while holding it, kick the back of the rug sharply. If a cloud of dirt flies out of the pile, the rug is dirty and needs cleaning.
NOTE: some dust and wool fibers are normal! - Kneel down on the rug and rub the pile vigorously with your hand in a short arc for 5 to 10 seconds. Look at your fingers and palm: if your hand is dirty, the rug needs cleaning.
- With the pile facing UP fold part of the rug back upon itself so that the pile opens along a line of knots. Look down into the base of the pile at the foundation of the rug. If the warp and weft look dirty, there is dirt deep in the pile where a home vacuum cleaner cannot reach it. The rug needs cleaning.
Steam Canada's first and foremost priority is fibre preservation. Every rug has its own unique characteristics and qualities that contribute to its overall aesthetic appeal and functionality. A rug which is antique or modern, Tabriz or Tibetan, and wool or silk require different cleaning methods and agents in order to not only avoid inflicting damage, but also to preserve longevity. With an all-encompassing knowledge of Persian rugs, Steam Canada's expert Persian rug cleaners examine each item they receive prior to cleaning to determine specific requirements and necessities.