Caring for your rugs is not difficult but does require knowledge of what is best under the circumstances. Regular cleaning using the correct procedure will prolong the life of your rugs and assure many years of enjoyment.

Normal Rug Care

Clean traffic lanes and in front of chairs periodically with Capture absorbent powder. Capture is an amazing product that’s specially engineered to clean carpets without wetting.

Occasionally, a loose end of yarn may rise above the surface level of the pile. Using scissors, simply snip it even with the other yarns. Do not pull out these loose ends. If the pile becomes indented or crushed by heavy furniture, it can usually be restored by brushing the area lightly with a soft brush, moistening the area lightly with water (a garden mister is perfect), then brushing it again and allowing it to dry thoroughly.

From time to time, you’ll want to professionally clean your Hand-Made rugs. We suggest you use a reputable cleaner in your area experienced with Oriental Rugs. Tears and holes can usually be repaired by a professional rug service and should be repaired promptly to avoid further damage. Ragged fringes or loose binding along the sides of the rug can also be mended by a professional service.

For European imported Rugs woven of wool, we recommend professional dry cleaning to remove soil build-up or deep stains. Do not get these carpets excessively wet and dry them very quickly. Rugs which remain wet for a long time may result in some dye movement in the colors.

Emergency Care

The key to removal of spills is acting quickly. Also, it is a good idea to have some emergency supplies on hand for quick response to spills and accidents. In addition to white paper towels, you’ll need the items listed for use with the Spot Removal Guide below.

The recommended method is to blot up liquids with a white paper towel or absorbent cloth. Keep turning the towel to always blot with a dry surface. Do not rub or brush a stained area vigorously as this action tends to distort the pile, and even if the spill is removed, the disturbed pile may appear as a stain.

Scoop up solids with the end of a knife or spoon. Treat the area according to the Spot Removal Guide.

Removal of Spots

Apply the recommended removal agent to a clean towel or cloth, not directly to the spot. Use small quantities at a time. Always work inward from the edges to prevent spreading. Do not rub because this may cause the spot to spread or distort the pile. Try not to overwet the carpet pile. Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with a clean towel.

SPOT REMOVAL GUIDE

You will need the following items for spot cleaning. The numbers are keyed to the stain, and all should be used in the recommended sequence. Some stains may require professional cleaning based on the age of the stain.

Types of treatment:

  1. Cold water.
  2. Detergent solution. Mix one teaspoon of clear dishwashing liquid with a cup of warm (not hot) water.
  3. Ammonia solution. Mix one tablespoon of clear household ammonia (3% solution) with 1/2 cup of water.
  4. Solvent. A dry cleaning solvent (available at grocery, drug and hardware stores).
  5. Ice. Chill with ice cubes in a plastic bag. Shatter residue, pick or scrape off and vacuum.
  6. Vinegar solution. Mix 1/3 cup of white vinegar with 2/3 cup of water.
  7. Warm water (not hot).
  8. Clear nail polish remover (preferably acetone).
  9. Alcohol or methylated spirits mineral turpentine.
  10. Rust remover.
  11. Absorbent powder (e.g. salt, talc or commercial absorbent powders).
  12. Absorbent cleaner (Capture).

Stain

Order of Treatment

Alcoholic Beverages12-
Bleach13-
Blood12-
Butter42-
Candle Wax54-
Chewing Gum54-
Chocolate236
Coffee124
Colas and Soft Drinks72-
Cooking Oils42-
Cream24-
Egg2--
Felt Tip Pen728
Floor Wax4--
Fruit Juice12-
Furniture Polish423
Gravy and Sauces72-
Ink (fountain pen)12-
Ink (ball point)492
Ketchup72-
Lipstick42-
Mercurochrome236
Milk742
Mustard2--
Nail Polish84-
Oil and Grease42-
Paint (latex)234
Paint (oil)942
Rust4210
Salad Dressing24-
Shoe Polish42-
Soot423
Tar4--
Tea124
Urine (fresh)12-
Urine (old)236
Vomit2--
Wine1112
Unknown material4122

Stain Protection

Protect your rugs from coffee, wine or food spills by applying a treatment of Rug Shield. Rug Shield puts an invisible shield around each fiber and most spills simply bead on the surface. If you act quickly, it can be blotted up with a paper towel.