Antique and delicate oriental rugs, like all art objects, require proper care. Preservation is more important than ever, but know that maintaining antique rugs is not difficult, and Figalli Oriental Rugs is with you every step of the way.

Like any valuable art object, an antique rug needs periodic care to ensure its beauty and value. Taking some simple precautions allows your carpet to be preserved in good condition for a long time.

Stains

The best antique rugs are made with lanolin-rich wool, which has incredible stain-repelling properties.

If any substance that falls on the carpet is treated immediately, it can often be quickly eliminated before it stains the rug. Use a clean, damp cloth to dry the edges towards the centre of the stain. If using soap, opt for hair shampoo, as wool protein is similar to human hair. Do not rub, as this will cause the stain to penetrate deeper into the wool. Then, elevate the damp area of the rug on a stool or box so that it dries quickly. Avoid leaving the carpet wet for a long time, as this can rot its cotton base.

Never use homemade solutions and chemicals for stain removal. If the above method is ineffective, consult an antique rug cleaning specialist.

Plant pots should never be placed on top of the rug, even if they have a basin under the bank, for moisture does not infiltrate the carpet, causing irreversible mould damage.

Red wine stains can usually be removed. First, blot the excess liquid with dry towels without rubbing. Then, make a solution of one litre of water with only 2-3 drops of neutral, colourless, and unscented detergent and 1-2 teaspoons of pure white vinegar (do not use apple cider vinegar). Rinse lightly with this solution. Then, dry again with dry towels. Rinse only with water, if necessary. Elevate the damp area of the rug and let it dry with the help of a fan for 24-48 hours. Ensure the carpet is dry to the touch and its base and weft are equally dry.

Rugs that have been accidentally soaked with water need to be dried immediately. Smaller rugs can be taken to an open area, placed on a lawn, or hung on a rack to dry in the sun. More oversized rugs can be dried with a water vacuum, followed by a hairdryer. Again, the carpet should be dry, front and back. Often, the rug should be professionally washed and dried.

Cleaning

The wool of the antique rug is lustrous, durable, and rich in natural lanolin. It is best to interfere as little as possible with this natural protection. Therefore, avoid waterproofing, dry cleaning, or steam cleaning. Instead, antique rugs should be hand-washed by an oriental rug specialist every four to six years or sooner if necessary.

Daily or weekly cleaning should be done with a broom instead of a vacuum cleaner for rugs with short piles. Brooms are very effective in cleaning the rugs’ surface and enhancing the wool’s shine. Vacuum cleaners should never be used on antique rugs, as their high rotation can undo the knots and fray the rug’s borders.

Rug care guide

We recommend using quality protection under your antique rug, whether placed on a wooden, stone, or carpeted floor. A firm felt pad extends its lifespan by cushioning it underneath and preventing slippage, wrinkling, stretching, and potential holes caused by heavy furniture feet. A rug with protection underneath is also more comfortable underfoot and provides better sound absorption.

Protection against sunlight

The natural dyes in antique rugs are high quality and resistant to extreme fading. However, precautions should be taken against prolonged daily exposure to strong, direct sunlight. If closing the curtains during periods of high solar incidence interferes with the view or the lighting effect you want to create in your environment, we recommend protecting your windows with a transparent film. These products are effective in eliminating the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays. In addition, we advise rotating your rug 180 degrees annually or semi-annually to equalize the natural result of sunlight and the gradual wear from foot traffic.

Moths

Regularly sweeping carpets is the best guarantee against moth damage. Moths are generally not attracted to a clean, in-use rug. It must include periodic cleaning under or behind furniture, as moths prefer dimly lit and quieter areas. Rugs hung on the wall should be removed and cleaned at least three times a year. Chemical moth repellents are not recommended.

Using cedar chips or a cedar-lined cabinet is practical for short-term storage. Rugs that are stored longer should be professionally packed to avoid moth and mould damage.

Furniture on the Rug

Supposing you use heavy furniture on your rug, place protection under the furniture’s feet to prevent the rug’s pile from being crushed. Furniture can also be regularly moved a few inches forward, backwards, or side to side to minimize wear on the same rug. Avoid dragging heavy furniture over a carpet. They can damage the pile or even tear the rug.

Storing a Rug

Hand wash rugs through an antique rug professional before storing them. Moths are less attracted to clean carpets.

Do not wrap rugs in plastic. Rolling a carpet in plastic can create condensation and moisture, which can cause mould. Instead, move the rug into a tube shape or fold the carpet vertically and then wrap it in Tyvek paper, which is moisture-resistant, acid-free, and bacteria-free. If the carpet is well covered, it will hardly suffer damage caused by moths.

Mothballs can be placed in a cloth, similar to a sachet, and put in areas where moths can enter: at the ends of the roll and along the centre of the rug if it is folded.

The biggest problem comes from moisture. Try to elevate the rug off the floor. Do not store in places where temperatures can be very high. Look for a stable temperature environment.

We do not recommend pesticide sprays because they are toxic, acidic, and can harm rugs.