Rug Cleaning Henley

Persian and Oriental rugs can be constructed in a number of fibres including wool, silk and cotton.  The majority of rugs are woven using wool due to its hard wearing nature and its soft feel.  Wool is also an environmentally friendly product as it occurs naturally.  It also is warming in winter and can help keep you cool in summer.  The woollen fibres are generally woven on to a cotton foundation, which means the rug’s fringes will be cotton. However, many tribal rugs will have a woollen foundation. The finer Persian carpets will be woven completely with silk or sometimes wool and silk.  Silk can be used to pick out detail within a rug’s floral design, giving the outline of motifs a sheen.  Over time the sparkle of the silk will diminish due to the fibres becoming soiled.  This is the time to get the rug professionally cleaned.  During the washing process the soiling will be removed and the silk will be restored to its former glory, shining once again.  The restoration of silk fibres should never be performed in the home as this may result in permanent damage.

TIP – If you spill something on silk then absorb all moisture using plenty of kitchen towel.  Apply water to dilute and staining and continue to absorb.  Brush the silk in the direction of the nap – never rub against the pile.  Place many layers of kitchen towel over the area and cover with a flat weighted object, replacing the kitchen towel twice daily until dry.  Once the silk is dry brush against the pile to restore the softness and feel of thew silk.

As with all hand knotted and machine made rugs, cleaning should never be attempted in the home using detergent based solutions which could compromise the dyes.  Professional cleaning would be recommended to prolong the life and maintain the appearance of these wonderful pieces of floor art.

If you have a machine made rug that would benefit from a spa treatment, then why not give us a call on 01276 423 150 to get a quote and advice.