Do you think a handmade rug is used only for covering floors? No, it is also a living art that shows its connection from history. Whether it's an oriental or kilim, all handmade rugs are loved for their ageless beauty. And if homeowners want them to keep them for generations, they need to follow proper care to maintain their originality. With proper care, handmade rugs can easily last for decades and become a valued treasure that you love.
To enjoy the best return on investment in these handmade rugs, try the following care tips discussed in this guide. So, make sure to read till the end.
Understand the Right Way to Vacuum Handmade Rugs
Dust and dirt often get deep into the rugs and can damage them if not cleaned for a long time. To keep them new and fresh, regular yet soft cleaning is required. Many people use a rotating brush vacuum, which can loosen threads. A soft cleaning method is generally considered safe.
- Stick to the vacuum with suction to avoid harm to threads.
- Clean both the front and back sides of the rugs often.
- Make a frequent vacuuming routine to protect delicate fibers.
- Smaller rugs should be shaken outside to free hidden dust.
These methods preserve rug colors, safeguard the pile quality, and retain rug life for a longer time.
Rotate Rugs Occasionally to Extend Life
We all have some spots in our homes where the rugs face heavy footsteps and strong sunlight exposure. And as the time passed, they started to fade their colors, their pile started to flatten, and they developed visible patches that became hard to fix. To refrain from this problem, the least you can do is to rotate the rugs many times a year, which spreads pressure in balance, so every part of the rug never faces weak patches.
Let’s understand it like this, suppose you place your rugs near a window, rotating them frequently prevents one side of the rug from fading. If you embrace this simple habit, it will lead your rug to have more years.
Protect Them By Cleaning Stains Quickly
Accidents are something that can happen any time, and if this happens to your rug, you don’t need to panic; instead to handle the spills quickly and safely. When food and liquid spill on a handmade rug, the weave absorbs faster than you think and makes clean up more difficult.
Tap lightly with a dry cloth over the stain and never try to rub because rubbing will spread it deeper. Don’t use harsh chemicals or any type of bleach, which can weaken rug dyes. You can use lukewarm water with a mild soap on the fresh spills, but remember to try this solution on a small, hidden spot before applying it. If the spill is big and cannot be washed by yourself, it is recommended to take a professional cleaner to help with this.
Expert Cleaning for Handmade Rugs
Even if you do the best care of your rug, professional rug cleaning is a must at least twice a year. It also depends on your rug's age and where you have placed it. Professional rug cleaners use safer methods that are designed specifically for the handmade rugs, which is far better than machine washing.
Store and Protect Rugs Properly
If the rug is not in your use, it's better to store it,but you have to do this in the correct way. The handmade rugs are very sensitive to moisture or pests. Carefully maintained rugs can also bear damage if the rug storage is poor.
- Roll the rug to protect from creases
- Always wrap them in muslin or cotton and never use plastic.
- Keep the rug away from sunlight exposure.
- Use any natural repellent to safeguard from moths.
If you are storing them for a long time, it is recommended to check them after every few months. By doing this, you can save your rug from big damage.
Timely Restore and Repair Rugs
A handmade rug is made strong, but it can also lose thread over time like any other fabric. Ignoring these small damages can become expensive. Early repair and restoration can save you money.
Expert repair services can restore its old beauty. No matter which antique piece you own, timely detection can make all the difference by weaving it that way.
Caring for Oriental Handmade Rugs
Antique rugs, like Afghanistan kilim rugs require more care. The handwoven fibers and dyes are vulnerable to damage from light, moisture, or even chemical substances. Do not use machine washing, strong soaps, and steam cleaners. Mild vacuuming and professional cleaning are enough.
Taking care of these rugs is not just about maintenance, it is also about celebrating the hard work of centuries. Many of these rugs reflect their tradition through their designs.
Conclusion: Handmade Rugs, Cherished for Years
A handmade rug brings old heritage and timeless artistry with it, and to value every rug, these tips are necessary to follow to keep your rugs lively and vibrant. Protecting, repairing, or storing can help your rug to never lose its aura and warmth.
If you still don’t have a handmade rug for your home, and if you want to choose the right handmade rug along with handmade cushions to make your room breathe, Imaco Rugs brings you the widest and finest collection. Explore our range of handmade rugs and cushions and take home your perfect piece.
