Oriental & Area Rug Cleaning Services

Design is only one component used to identify Oriental rugs. A technical analysis of the rug’s materials, construction, dyes and design is the method used to identify rugs.

Most post-World War II rugs do not appreciate in value, nor will most rugs purchased new today appreciate in value. Consumers most likely paid more for some rugs in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s than they are worth today.

Condition is important when determining value. An old rug in poor condition is just an old rug. An old rug in good condition may also be without value if it lacks artistic merit. However, some old rugs are worth repairing and their value will increase with proper restoration.

Some older, traditional Persian rugs (pre-WWII), such as Ferahan Sarouk, Motashem Kashan, Tahriz, Bijar and Heriz tribal pieces, and other noteworthy examples will always have a market in the right conditions. Since the fall of the Shah in 1979 and the embargo on Persian goods in 1987 (lifted March 1999), other countries have improved and increased their output of rugs. The quality of Persian rugs since the 1960’s has gradually deteriorated. It is my opinion that the quality will return slowly in smaller quantities and higher prices. They have a lot of catching up to do.

About eighty percent of soil in rugs is dry particulate matter. It acts as sandpaper and wears out the rug. Because some rugs are thick, if they are not regularly vacuumed and cleaned, the soil will become so embedded that it is impossible to remove all of it. Beware of anyone selling rugs who say they should not be cleaned. What they really mean is the rug will not withstand cleaning due to condition, foundation painting, or some other hidden defect.

The value of only a few traditional Persian rugs is partially determined by knot count. Examples are Nain and Isfahan. The value of silk rugs is also partially based on knot count. New, mass produced rugs from China, India, and Pakistan come in a variety of qualities and designs. Generally speaking, the more knots per square inch, the higher the price per square foot. Once these mass-produced rugs are used, their value in the secondary market is not based on knot count.

Never clean rugs on location in the customer’s home unless there are extenuating circumstances such as size, weight or furniture that makes bringing the rug in for cleaning in a plant difficult. In-home cleaning is much cheaper but leaves soap and dirt residue in the rug that causes the rug to re-soil quickly. On location, the fringe cannot be cleaned and the rug may mildew on the floor because of inadequate drying. Always have your area rugs taken out of the home and cleaned by a professional company that specializes in Oriental rug cleaning. If the company does not know what type of rug you have or the fiber content, they probably know very little about cleaning area rugs.

The Oriental Rug Importers of America recommends that hand-made rugs be cleaned every 2 – 4 years. Rugs used in heavily trafficked areas such as an entry hall, may need to be cleaned every year. Because some rugs are so thick, waiting too long between cleanings makes the deeply embedded soil impossible to remove completely. Moths can be found in rooms that are seldom used, in dark spaces under furniture and are more likely to attack wool rugs that are dirty.

Vacuum Rugs Regularly. 80% of soil in rugs is dry particulate matter. It acts as sandpaper and wears out the rug.

Beware of any rug seller who says the rug you have just bought from then should not be cleaned. What this really means is the rug will not withstand cleaning due to condition, foundation “painting”. or other hidden defects.

Help Protect Your Wool Rugs from stains and soil. Wool rugs are generally sold without any type of stain protection. Our Supershield® fabric protector is Woolsafe® approved.

Spills and Accidents should be addressed immediately. Over-the-counter spotters found in drug, grocery and home improvement stores are a No-No! These spotters are too aggressive and can leave irreversibly discolored areas. Cold water or club soda work best as an emergency measure until the rug can be cleaned by a professional.

Rug Padding provides a protective layer between your rug and floor. It helps minimize slippage, increase the life of the rug, makes the rug feel thicker and more luxurious, smoothes out irregularities in the floor and absorbs noise. All pads are not created equal. The best pads for hardwood floors have a layer of synthetic felted material with a rubber coating. The surface that the pad will be used on determines the type of pad we recommend. To determine what size pad you need, measure the length and width of the rug, not including the fringe. The pad should be cut 2 inches shorter than the length and width of the rug.