Oriental rugs are much liked for the detailed design, the variety of colors, and the luxurious feeling that they give, which is why they are the focal point of many homes. To keep their beauty and prolong their life, these rugs are required to have the appropriate care and cleaning. Nevertheless, many homeowners are not sure about the frequency they should have their oriental rugs cleaned. Today, we shall dig into the determining factors and cleaning intervals of keeping your oriental rug in mint condition.
Factors That Influence Rug Cleaning Frequency
Before deciding how often to have your oriental rugs cleaned, consider these variables that can influence the ideal cleaning schedule.
Foot Traffic
The more foot traffic your rug experiences, the more frequently it will need cleaning. High-traffic areas like hallways, living rooms, or entryways can collect dirt, dust, and stains more quickly.
- Light Traffic: Rugs in low-traffic areas (e.g., bedrooms) may only need cleaning once a year.
- High Traffic: Rugs in high-traffic zones (e.g., living rooms) should be cleaned every 6 to 12 months.
Location of the Rug
Where the rug is placed in your home will play a role in how often it needs cleaning. Rugs near windows or in kitchens can become dirty faster due to dust, sunlight, and cooking odors.
- Near Windows: Exposure to sunlight can fade the rug’s colors, and dust build-up can also be higher.
- In the Kitchen: Grease, food, and spills make this a challenging location for your rug. You might need more frequent cleanings.
Type of Use
If your rug is used more often for activities like eating, playing, or entertaining, it may need cleaning more often to remove stains or embedded dirt.
- Normal Use: Occasional foot traffic and light use (e.g., placing furniture) will require cleaning every 6 to 12 months.
- Heavy Use: If your rug serves as a focal point for social activities, more frequent cleaning every 4 to 6 months might be necessary.
Presence of Pets or Children
Pets and children can bring more mess into your rug. Pets shed fur, track in dirt, and occasionally have accidents. Children can spill food, drinks, or even create art on the rug.
- Pets: Rugs in homes with pets should be cleaned more often, ideally every 6 months or as soon as stains are noticed.
- Children: With kids, you might need to clean more frequently, especially in the first few years, when accidents are more likely.
Allergies and Air Quality
Dust, pollen, and other allergens can get collected in your rug, affecting the air quality in your home. If you or anyone in your family has allergies, regular cleaning can help reduce allergens.
- Allergy Sufferers: Rugs should be cleaned every 4 to 6 months to prevent allergens from building up.
- General Air Quality: In areas with poor air quality, such as urban environments, cleaning may need to be more frequent.
How Often Should You Professionally Clean Your Oriental Rug?
While regular cleaning is important, the question remains: how often should you hire a professional to clean your rug? Here are some guidelines:
Annual Professional Cleaning
At least once a year, you should have your oriental rugs cleaned by a professional. Even if your rug looks clean, deep cleaning helps remove embedded dirt and prevents the build-up of dust mites and other allergens.
- Preventive Maintenance: Annual cleaning makes sure that your rug remains colorful, free of odors, and in good condition.
- Deep Cleaning: Professional cleaners use special techniques to clean and restore the colors, texture, and fibers of your rug.
Every 2 to 3 Years for Heavily Used Rugs
If your rug is in a high-traffic area or has faced significant wear and tear, you may want to schedule a professional cleaning every 2 to 3 years. This will help remove dirt and grime that standard cleaning methods might not fully address.
- Restoring Luster: Professional cleaners can restore the shine and softness of the rug, making it look brand new again.
As Needed for Stains or Damage
If you notice specific stains or damage, it is important to get professional help immediately. Attempting to clean certain stains yourself can worsen the problem, especially on delicate wool or silk fibers.
- Stains and Spills: If you spill something on your rug, blot it immediately and call a professional cleaning service if necessary.
- Wear and Tear: If you notice fraying or other forms of damage, professionals can assess the issue and provide repairs while cleaning.
How Often Should You Clean Your Oriental Rug at Home?
In addition to professional cleaning, routine maintenance at home can prolong the life of your Oriental rug. Here is how often you should do it:
Vacuum Regularly
Vacuuming is one of the best ways to keep your rug clean. However, it is important to use the right vacuum settings to avoid damaging the fibers.
- Frequency: Vacuum your Oriental rug at least once a week, or more if it is in a high-traffic area.
- Vacuum Settings: Use a vacuum with adjustable height settings to avoid crushing the fibers. Consider using a suction-only setting for delicate rugs.
Spot Clean Spills Immediately
Accidents happen, but how you react can make a big difference. Spills should be cleaned immediately to prevent them from soaking into the fibers and causing stains.
- Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a clean cloth to blot the spill, working from the outer edges towards the center to avoid spreading the stain.
- Use Gentle Cleaners: For stains, use a gentle cleaning solution specifically designed for Oriental rugs to avoid damage.
Rotate Your Rug
Regularly rotating your rug (every 6 months) makes sure of even wear. This is important if one side of the rug is exposed to more sunlight or foot traffic.
- Keep Wear Even: Rotating helps maintain the rug’s appearance and makes sure that no side becomes more worn out than the other.
