Some people think rug maintenance is the work of specialized professionals and it is best to leave it to them. While that is partly true, there are several DIY measures that you can undertake to extend the life of your rug and keep it looking good for a longer time. Oriental rugs can look beautiful for a long time only with the proper maintenance and care to make it last through the years.

The main enemies of rugs include general wear and tear, moisture, grit, moths and insects. The following tips will help you care and maintain your rug by combating these elements and will give your rug a longer usable life. Many are simple and practical; some may require a small additional investment, while others are to be performed by professionals.

Oriental rugs must be rotated - If your rugs are in an area with a lot of traffic, you must rotate them often, at least once a year. Walking on them over and over in the same area will create a worn path of wear if it isn't rotated regularly. This will insure even wear. It must be rotated if it is exposed to the sunrays which can fade the color.

Oriental rugs need to be vacuumed often - Dirt and grime is held in the fibers of the oriental rugs which causes wear. Walking on the rugs can in bed the fibers together which causes it to wear faster. This can ruin the rug if not vacuumed out regularly. The fibers of the rug are removed also. Caution should be taken not to over do the vacuuming.

To find the direction of the pile of the rug, run your hand across and see which direction is the shiny side. Vacuum the front, then back, and again along the front of the pile.

Watch For Insects - Regular examinations of the back side of your rug will prevent damage from these insects. Early detection of the moths and carpet beetles that invade the foundation and fibers can prevent damage. They are there to destroy your rug before you may be aware of their existence.

Have the professionals clean it - For a good thorough cleaning, take it to the professionals to clean it for you. This should be done every year or up to three, depending on the area it is used. Damage from dirt and dust vacuuming cannot remove will cause your rug to slowly deteriorate. Professional cleaning will remove this left-in and embedded dirt.

Store it Right- Roll the rug in paper if you are going to be storing it for a few months. Avoid using plastic to wrap your rugs. Plastic does not let the rug fibers breathe so moisture might form causing mildew to grow and damage it. To prevent mildew from forming avoid storing your rug in humid places or high moisture condition

Water and Fire Will Damage Your Rug - If you have a fire or flood, clean them immediately. Professional cleaning is best. The water will cause your rug to mildew, so drying immediately is essential. Natural fibers or wool in the rug will be damaged by the acid in the soot. Cleaning immediately will prevent damage.

Accidental Spills- Clean off stains as soon as possible, removing solid matter with a spoon or spatula and tamping the rug with some absorbent material to remove spilled liquids. Have it cleaned as soon as possible.

The above tips will help you to keep your rug beautiful and insure a longer lasting life.

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