Rug Cleaning FAQ

The recommended method for cleaning natural fiber rugs (wool, cotton and silk) is a full immersion wet wash. Dusting and thorough rinsing are the two most important steps in the rug cleaning process, and both are not possible with an in-home surface cleaning method.

In-home cleaning can lead to "soapy mud" being left in the foundation of the rug, because the soap mixes with foundation dirt and lack of thorough rinsing leaves this behind. This can cause:

• The rug develops a sticky feel afterwards, which attracts dirt more quickly
• Premature sun fade and fiber wear
• Soap residue left in the foundation that damages fibers over time

If cleaning a rug in-home is the only option available, you must locate a cleaner that is a specialist in handling wool rugs and natural fiber Oriental Rugs.

Oriental rugs and Persian rugs have been wet washed for as long as rugs have been woven. The preferred method for cleaning natural fiber rugs (recommended by Wools of New Zealand and the Association of Specialists in Cleaning and Restoration) is an immersion wet wash, because it is gentle, and thorough rinsing removes residue from the fibers.

Most rugs are ready for pick up after 10 business days, allowing for the extra time needed for rug repairs and backlogs during the holidays.

For your convenience, we will be happy to schedule a delivery date and time when we pick up your rug. We offer FREE pickup and delivery throughout Chicago and the North Shore suburbs!

Yes! Vacuuming is the most important thing you can do for your area rugs and Oriental rugs. Here are our expert tips:

• If vacuuming weekly, use a non-beater bar vacuum or handheld upholstery attachment to run over the top of the fibers
• If using a beater bar vacuum, set it on the highest level setting and run strokes from side to side (to avoid sucking up rug fringes—our #1 repair)
• 1-2 times a year, turn your rug face down on a smooth surface and vacuum the back slowly—the vibrations will shake out deep-down dirt and dust

Rugs should always be stored cleaned and mothproofed if going into long-term rug storage (longer than 6 months). Here's our expert guide:

• Wool rugs and cotton rugs: Roll with fibers facing inward
• Silk rugs: Roll with fibers facing outward
• Blankets and flatweaves: Can be folded
• Wrap items in Tyvek or acid-free paper, NOT plastic (plastic traps moisture)
• Elevate items off the floor (protection against water damage and flooding)
• Don't stack heavy items on top to prevent fiber crushing

There are many interpretations of "value" regarding a rug. What it would cost to buy another handmade rug in a retail store and what someone would be willing to pay you for it can be two very different amounts.

A rug that you grew up with may make it very valuable to you, but an rug appraiser may say that same rug has a very low market value.

If you have no attachment to the rug, and it can easily be replaced for less than the cost of rug repair services, then make the decision you feel is wisest.

One of the benefits of doing hand rug repair work is that the needle and thread can be wrapped around the warps and wefts, so there is no structural alteration of the rug itself. This is purely a cosmetic repair, making the rug "look" better.

At Premier Rug Cleaning, we offer multiple fringe repair options:

• Hand-sewn fringe replacement (best for handmade rugs)
• Machine-made fringe as a cost-effective second option
• Fringe tucking underneath to protect damaged fringes

Learn more about our professional rug repair services.

In most cases, the rug fringe has absolutely no effect on the value of a rug—it is just a byproduct of the rug weaving process. So cutting it off (as long as it is not so short that knots begin slipping off), or putting on a new fringe by hand, will not affect the rug's value positively or negatively.

The exception would be some weaving countries that incorporate elaborate embroidery or kilim designs in the fringe base. In these cases, it is obvious that time to weave in designs has been invested, and we would not recommend removing it.

Tea Washed Rugs are rugs that have been over-dyed with a brown or golden dye to darken the rug's look to make it appear to have the look of an "older" antique rug. Also referred to as "Henna Washed" or "Antiqued rugs."

The tell-tale signs of "Tea Wash" are cotton fringes that are brown or golden instead of white. Usually you can untwist a single tassel and discover the "white" underneath.

Afghan rugs are weavings from Afghanistan, typically wool knots woven on a wool or flax foundation. Due to tribal weaving characteristics, they may not lie perfectly flat and can have noticeable asymmetry.

Key points about Afghan rug cleaning:

• The first wash will release a sizeable amount of natural dye into the water
• Shape may change due to variance in wool twists and tensions in the foundation
• We use a vinegar soak to "set" the dyes and prevent color bleeding
• Rug stretching afterwards helps lessen shape changes
• Corners may be curled upward with noticeable asymmetry (normal for tribal rugs)

We require written authorization before cleaning Afghan rugs. Contact us to discuss your handwoven Afghan rug.

Rug soil is more than just dirt and grime. It is a wide variety of contaminants including:

• Car exhaust and smoke particles
• Mold spores and allergens
• Dust mites and cooking odors
• Aerosol chemical sprays
• Bacteria and germs that affect indoor air quality

Heavy soil can contribute to rug discoloration, attract carpet beetles and moths, and cover up pre-existing conditions we need to identify before rug cleaning.

Contact us about your heavily soiled rug for a free assessment.