Oriental rugs are handmade carpets from the Far and Middle East countries like Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, and India. Their materials, construction methods, designs, and cultural significance differ from regular machine-made carpets.
This article by Rug Cleaning Orlando aims to guide you in finding quality professional Oriental rug cleaning services in Orlando, Florida, area.
As investment pieces and works of art, Oriental rugs require expertise to properly clean without causing damage or fading.
We’ll overview what makes for a reputable rug cleaning service, questions to ask cleaners, expected costs, and how to care for Oriental rugs after they’ve been professionally cleaned.
With the right cleaning methods, your handmade Oriental rugs can last for decades while maintaining their beauty and value.
Many of the dyes used in oriental rugs are sensitive to light and moisture. Using excess water or harsh chemicals when cleaning can cause the dyes to fade, dulling the rug’s vibrant colors.
Wool and silk fibers are prone to shrinkage when exposed to high heat during cleaning. Aggressive scrubbing and improper drying can also cause the fibers to shrink or mat, changing the rug’s dimensions.
The delicate pile of oriental rugs can become crushed, matted, or frayed if improper tools or excessive friction are used when cleaning. This can permanently damage the rug’s texture and sheen.
Some cleaning solutions and improper drying methods can loosen or remove dyes from oriental rugs. This causes color loss and bleeding into other areas of the rug.
Leaving an oriental rug damp for too long after cleaning encourages mildew and mold growth in the fibers. This causes permanent staining, rug odor issues, and potential health hazards.
Proper cleaning by a professional rug cleaner is essential to avoid these issues and extend the life of valuable oriental rugs. They use specialized methods that clean thoroughly while preserving the rug’s colors, fibers, and structure.
It’s essential to choose a company that has expertise specifically with Oriental rugs. The dyes, fibers, and weaving methods used in Oriental rugs differ from machine-made carpets. They’ll be familiar with handling the common materials like wool, silk, and cotton used in Oriental rugs.
A quality Oriental rug cleaner won’t use harsh chemicals or excessively wet cleaning methods on your rugs. Their methods will be customized based on each rug’s origins and materials. Trustworthy cleaners use gentle techniques like dusting, mild detergents, and low-moisture systems. Aggressive scrubbing or soaking could loosen the rug’s dyes and foundation.
Choose a rug cleaning company that also provides expert repair services. Over time, Oriental rugs commonly develop worn areas, holes, frayed edges, or missing fringes. A full-service cleaner will be able to expertly repair any damage to restore your rug’s beauty.
Reputable cleaners will be licensed, bonded, and insured. This protects you if your rug is damaged during the cleaning process. Confirm they carry liability insurance and workers’ compensation for their staff. This shows they are a professional company you can trust with your valuable Oriental rugs.
Oriental rugs require specialized cleaning to protect their delicate fibers and intricate designs.
When researching rug cleaning services, look for companies that offer the following methods:
Hand washing is the gold standard for cleaning oriental rugs. Trained specialists use mild, pH-balanced soaps to wash rugs by hand gently. This protects the fibers and preserves the rug’s colors. Hand washing allows cleaners to treat each rug individually based on its needs.
Look for low-moisture cleaning methods like encapsulation. This method uses a dry compound that crystallizes dirt so it can be vacuumed away without using large amounts of water. Low-moisture cleaning is essential for preserving oriental rugs.
A quality rug cleaning service will never use harsh chemicals or bleaches on oriental rugs. These can damage or fade delicate dyes and fibers. Mild plant-based soaps are ideal.
Reputable cleaners offer sanitization treatments to eliminate dust mites, allergens, and odors from rugs. This is especially important for rugs in homes with pets. Treatment options may include steam cleaning, UV light, or low-moisture sanitizers.
For rugs to be free of mold and mildew, they must be thoroughly dried. Look for companies that air dry rugs naturally and use fans to speed up drying time. Never choose a cleaner that soaks rugs in harsh chemicals and damps them.
When researching oriental rug cleaning services, vet their methods carefully. Hand washing, low moisture cleaning, mild soaps, sanitizing, and thorough drying are must-haves for safely cleaning these delicate rugs. Trusting the wrong company can permanently damage your investment.
Oriental rugs require special care during the cleaning process to avoid damage. Here’s what you can expect when getting your precious rugs professionally cleaned:
A reputable cleaner will first thoroughly inspect your rug onsite and provide a written quote for cleaning. They’ll check for any pre-existing damage or issues needing repair. The quote should detail the services to be performed and the fees.
The cleaner will carefully roll up and pad your rug to transport it to their professional cleaning facility. This avoids any mess or hassle of cleaning in your home.
Your rug will be thoroughly washed by hand or custom cleaned at the facility, depending on its origins and materials. Most cleaners use specialized, non-toxic solutions. Your rug will then be rinsed thoroughly and dried flat or hung to maintain its shape.
Qualified cleaners can perform minor repairs during cleaning at an additional cost, such as re-sewing loose edges called “fringes.” You may need to go to a specialty rug repair expert for more extensive repairs.
Once fully cleaned and dried, your rug will be carefully packaged and returned to your home. The cleaner should unroll it and ensure proper placement.
Reputable professional cleaners take great care to thoroughly clean your investment rug while protecting its quality and value. Trusting your oriental treasure to the experts ensures it receives the specialized handling it deserves.
Oriental rugs are works of art that deserve special care and maintenance.
After your rug has been professionally cleaned, there are several things you can do to keep it looking beautiful:
Every three to six months, turn your oriental carpets to avoid uneven wear and fading. This ensures even foot traffic distribution across the entire rug. Alternate which side faces upwards or switch to a different room.
A quality pad underneath your oriental rug helps prevent slipping, adds cushioning, and protects your floor. Look for a pad specifically designed for delicate rugs that allow air circulation. Avoid rubber or plastic pads that could discolor the rug’s backing.
Don’t let stains set on your oriental rug. Wipe up spilled liquid as soon as possible using a fresh cloth. For food or grease stains, gently scrape off any solids before blotting. Avoid harsh scrubbing and use a mild detergent and cool water to remove the stain.
Vacuum your oriental rug once a week to remove dirt and dust before they accumulate and damage the fibers. Use a vacuum with adjustable height and suction. Go slowly and gently in the direction of the pile to avoid snags.
Even with regular care, oriental rugs should be professionally cleaned every 2-3 years. Proper submersion washing or steam cleaning will remove embedded dirt while preserving dyes and delicate fibers. Trust your investment only to rug cleaning experts.
There are a few important things you should ask when choosing an Oriental rug cleaning service to make sure you pick a reliable, competent business. Some important questions include:
You’ll want to choose a cleaner with extensive experience, specifically with Oriental rugs. These require specialized knowledge and handling compared to regular carpet cleaning. Look for a company with 5+ years focused solely on Oriental rug cleaning.
The cleaning method is critical. Wet cleaning and steam cleaning can permanently damage the dyes and fibers of Oriental rugs. Ensure they use gentle hand washing or advanced dry cleaning methods without excessive moisture. Avoid cleaners that only offer heavy steam cleaning.
Over time, even quality Oriental rugs can develop holes, fraying, or loose threads. Choose a cleaner that can expertly repair any damage during cleaning to restore your rug’s original beauty.
Reputable cleaners will be fully insured if any accidental damage occurs during cleaning. Ensure they carry liability insurance and coverage for your rugs while in their possession. Ask for proof of active insurance.
You may securely clean and safeguard your investment by choosing the most skilled and experienced Oriental rug cleaning service by asking yourself these important questions.
With proper maintenance and professional cleaning, your oriental rug can stay beautiful and vibrant for decades. Follow these care tips to protect its quality and value. Get in touch with Rug cleaning Orlando to receive the highest quality of rug cleaning services at the Orlando.