Oriental rugs and carpet cleaning©

Author: Vartan Khazadian, owner of CleenCarpet®
6/20/2007

If you happen to have the good fortune of owning an original oriental rug, you’re aware that it’s like owning a Mercedes. What does that mean? It means that it must be maintained differently than other products in its category. Just as an exotic foreign car requires specific maintenance parts and service, Oriental rugs require a different kind of carpet cleaning, and that is because the fibers in an Oriental are not synthetic, rather natural. Most often, oriental fibers are made of fine spun silk. There are a few key requirements to keep in mind to own and maintain an original Oriental, for enjoyment and as a long term investment.

To start, you must not vacuum an Oriental as often as you would wall to wall carpeting. This is because over time, the suction can loosen and damage the woven silk strands from the base. I would recommend vacuuming half as much you would vacuum any other area rug or carpeting. Please also keep in mind to set the vacuum on “low” or “high” to reduce the suction. No worries…the intricate and “busy” designs hide dirt and debris far more than one color carpeting.

Any carpet cleaning company worth its salt will not touch an oriental rug with a hot water steam wand. Though it’s tempting, the suction and incorrect chemical compound can damage and discolor the fibers. Instead, Orientals need to be brought to the plant to be delicately “washed” with a low PH balanced cleaner. It’s a gentle cleaning process that takes time to complete, including drying time. Most carpet cleaning companies will offer pick-up and drop-off included in the pricing. They should offer this, because the investment to clean an Oriental is somewhat high.

Lastly, your carpet cleaning company should not recommend cleaning your Oriental more than once per year. Orientals increase in value over the years, much like real estate. If they are maintained properly, they do not depreciate. And because they are a “tight weave,” dirt and debris do not get embedded as much as in a loose wall to wall carpet. Regular light vacuuming will in fact pick up most of that soil and dirt.

Please keep in mind that should a solid or liquid stain land on your carpet, please do not attempt to clean it yourself. Most carpet cleaning companies will offer spot and stain removal separate from carpet cleaning and for a fee. Though it’s tempting to do it yourself, you could very well damage the delicate silk fibers. Invest the $50 or $75 dollars to have it cleaned professionally. You will not regret it.

Just like any other high value investment, Orientals require that same special care and attention. You’ve spent the initial money to purchase that Oriental, please don’t ruin it by cutting corners. You will be happy you didn’t. Enjoy the beauty of your Oriental!