Oriental Rugs are not only a work of art but also an
investment, and with proper care, can last for generations.
Oriental rugs are generally made of wool. They are more
durable, resilient and stay cleaner than rugs made from
other fibers. By following these simple suggestions your
Oriental rug will provide you with many years of utility and
satisfaction. Beating is the traditional and the best method for cleaning a rug. The rug should be hung
outside in dry weather and beaten several times on each side with a paddle or beater. This dislodges any fine grit embedded in the rug.
Rotation. A rug should be rotated once every year or two
to ensure even wear. In higher traffic areas rotation should
be more frequent. Continual direct exposure to sunlight will
damage a rug, so frequent rotation of a rug will equalize the
effect of the sun. Use window shades, shutters or curtains
as often as possible to protect your rug from damaging ultra-violet rays.
This will also protect the colors from fading.
Padding. It is recommended to use a quality area rug padding under your rugs.
This will help protect them from dirt, wear and slippage, especially in heavy traffic
areas. The life of an Oriental rug can be doubled with the use of a good-quality padding.
Please contact Connoisseur with questions or to find out where to purchase quality area rug padding.
Vacuuming. Oriental rugs should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and grit that may damage the fibers and foundation of the rug. Vacuuming helps prevent dirt on the surface of the rug from filtering down into the pile where it can accumulate and cause increased
wear. Be careful with a vacuum equipped with a very stiff
power brush (Dyson in particular) as they create a raking effect on the pile and
can eventually weaken the knots or bloom the fiber. Be very careful with the
fringes as they can get caught and chewed up by the
rotating mechanism of the brush.  Never vacuum against
the nap, as this presses dirt back into the rug.
Occasionally vacuum the back of the rug to remove the
fine grit that may damage the foundation of the rug.
Cleaning. Oriental rugs should be professionally
cleaned every one to two years, depending on the amount of traffic your rug
experiences. This will bring out the vibrancy and richness of color as well as the softness of the wool. You may wish to have seriously dirt embedded rugs brought to our plant for a mechanical dusting
Moth Protection. Moths can cause extensive damage to Oriental rugs by attacking the pile, fringes and the knots on the back of the rugs. Moths are especially attracted to areas under furniture that remain relatively undisturbed. Frequent rotation and regular exposure to light and air
will keep moths away. If your rugs are rarely used you
can safeguard against moths by having them professionally
cleaned and sprayed with a moth deterrent.
Storage. To store a rug, wrap it in fabric rather than
plastic. Fabric will allow it to breathe which prevents rot
or mildew. Placing the wrapped rug in a chest with a
moth deterrent is the ideal storage. A rug stored in a
damp or humid area will mildew, which will weaken and
discolor the fibers. Hot, poorly ventilated storage areas
will dry out the base of the rug, making it brittle, which
destroys the rug’s strength and durability. Remember to
inspect your area rugs regularly. If a your rug is under your regular dining room table or in your TV room it would probably be best for all involved to have us give it a onlocation cleaning at least once a year and a in plant cleaning every few years.