Fine Rug Cleaning FAQs
As the leading Austin rug cleaning company, and the only full-service cleaner of fine rugs in the city, we often receive inquiries and questions from potential clients about processes, time estimates and more. We compiled this list of common questions and answers to help you better understand what you should expect when hiring someone for Oriental or Persian rug cleaning in Austin. Also, it will help you appreciate the value of choosing a rug cleaning company with a thorough process.
Most rugs should be washed every one to three years depending on a few different factors. These factors include how good the wool is, how much traffic the rug gets, and whether or not the rug is properly vacuumed.
Look on the underside of your rug for signs of moth larvae which look like sticky lint or spiderwebs. You can also check for areas where the wood pile has been eaten away.
Regular vacuuming is the number one thing you can do to protect your rugs from moths and bugs. In addition, you can put your rug out in the sun a couple times each year as bugs typically enjoy the usual darkness underneath rugs. Using a quality pad underneath the rug is a third viable option.
Two common mistakes that rug owners make are not regularly vacuuming their rugs and not having their rugs washed when necessary. These two common mishaps can greatly reduce the lifespan of your rug!
The correct way to vacuum your area rug depends on the type of rug that you have. Rugs with a sturdy thick foundation should be vacuumed sideways across the width of the rug and across the direction of the pile. When vacuuming rugs that have thin foundations with a pile, use an upholstery attachment and vacuum with the direction of the pile only.
Carpeting and rugs may look the same but vary greatly in their construction. For this reason, regular carpet cleaning methods will not work to fully clean you rug and can even damage your rug.
Accidents happen and even the most well-trained pet can have an accident in the home depending on the circumstances. That’s why it is important to have a spot removal plan and to buy rugs that are able to be washed.
On a tufted rug, each loop is created using a tool called a tufting gun. The back of the rug is then coated with a latex glue which holds the tufts in place and usually there is a cloth material sewn onto the back to cover up the glue. Because the construction of tufted rugs differs from that of woven rugs, there are some special cleaning considerations for them as well as some common issues that are unique to them.
White knots in rugs are often used in the foundation of the rug. Over time these foundation knots can become more visible. They can also become more visible from a good washing as dirt can cover up some of the white coloring. There are few different methods of dealing with white knots in your rug including clipping the ends so they are shorter than the pile and hiding them with dye or ink.
Stripes can occur in rugs due to the natural abrash of the rug. Abrash is the natural variations that occur between the various strands of wool used to make the rug.
Tea-washed rugs have special cleaning considerations as they are dyed with a brown or golden dye or treated with a chemical to darken the rug and make it look older. Unfortunately, tea-washing is not a permanent treatment, and when washed incorrectly, it can lead to the tea-washing coming off of the rug in an uneven fashion.
Viscose rugs are rugs made out of artificial or ‘art’ silk. Many rugs on the market today that claim to be made with silk are actually using viscose. Although viscose rugs have a very soft feel, there are some major drawbacks making them a bad choice for every day use.
Protector is a coating that is applied to clean rugs and textiles. Protector interacts with the fibers that make up the rug at a molecular level and helps prevent permanent staining. Although it can’t protect the rug from getting dirty at all, clean up will be much easier and it can make the difference in a rug getting permanently ruined or not.
Hand cleaning and washing rugs will reduce the risk of cross-contamination from machines which many rug cleaners use. By hand washing each rug individually, we ensure your rug doesn’t end up with allergens or any type of contamination from other rugs.
As you may expect, whether or not you should have your rug cleaned or replaced will depend on the condition that the rug is in. Many people are surprised with how effective rug cleaning can be and rugs that they deem unsalvageable can often look very close to new after a thorough washing.
We often have great success with fixing fringe discoloration in oriental rugs! We use special products and washing techniques to ensure your rug’s fringe will look as bright and remove discoloration to the full extent possible.
Often, rug professionals can remove odors and many types of stains. However, the type of rug and type of odor or stain will determine if it is possible to remove. Previous cleaning attempts can also “set the stain,” and will play a factor in the potential success of stain removal.
To avoid damaging your fine rugs and protect your investment, it is best to leave rug cleaning to a professional cleaner. A professional cleaner has the experience and expertise to properly clean each rug based on its particular condition.
Although rugs can be vacuumed in between cleanings, it is not advised to attempt to clean your rug in the home. There are several reasons for this including the risk of damaging flooring below your rug with water, and not having a proper place to dry out the rug after washing to prevent the onset of mildew.
The truth is, not all rug cleaning companies are the same, and it is important to choose one that does not cut corners. Our cleaning process is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Your rug is carefully inspected for its color stability, construction, condition and more. Using those factors, we design a cleaning process and solution that are customized specifically for your rug.
It is unsafe for technicians without the right knowledge to clean fine rugs. Although most companies use machines or special equipment, we clean rugs by hand. Because of this, you can rest assured that there are no rough machine components or harsh chemicals weakening your rug.
When we say that we are a full-service rug cleaning company, it means that we do all the work for you, at no additional charge. We will pick up the rugs from your home and transport them to our rug washing facility. You never have to roll up a dirty rug and lug it to our business. Once at our location, we will clean your rug, first dislodging the deeply impacted dry particulates that vacuuming alone cannot remove.
If there is a lot of foot traffic, you may notice that white specks appear on your rug over time. These are actually white knots. They can also appear after a cleaning or two on some rugs. These knots are places where the rug was tied together on a loom. Since they are important for maintaining the rug’s foundation, they should never be removed. Knots prove that the rug was handmade and add some character to it. Professionals and fine rug connoisseurs often refer to these knots as “freckles” and encourage rug owners to simply appreciate them for enhancing the uniqueness of a rug.
In most cases, the time between rug pickup and delivery is two weeks. Each of the preparatory, cleaning, and drying steps take time. However, if the rug is damaged and needs to have repairs, the time estimate is longer. Once a rug professional sees the extent of damage, it is easier to provide a specific time estimate. This can vary based on the size of the rug, the type of damage and the extent of the damage.
“Art Silk” is another term for artificial silk. This material is commonly used to make beautifully designed rugs, but at a much cheaper rate than traditional silk.
Bamboo Silk is a natural, smooth fiber that is excellent for rug making! However, there are a few caveats with this material that you might want to look out for. If you’re interested in learning whether or not Bamboo Silk is right for your needs, click the link below!
Soya Silk is an organic thread that is made from recycled materials. Though there are many positive qualities of Soya Silk, the environmentally-friendly and cost-effective nature of the materials make it a popular option for rug making!
Cactus Silk rugs are rare and often very valuable, so it’s not unusual that we’re frequently asked about the best way to care for these types of rugs. The best way to ensure that your rug will be properly cleaned and ready for many more years of use, is to have it cleaned by a certified professional – not just a regular cleaning company. At Aegis, our technicians are certified to deal with delicate materials like cactus silk. If you’d like to learn more about these types of rugs, click the link below.
Banana Silk rugs have grown in popularity over the last several years, and for good reason. The material makes beautiful rugs, it’s environmentally-friendly, and naturally harvested. However, as is the case with most natural materials, it’s extremely important to take proper care of them, especially when cleaning. It’s always best to hire a professional who has been trained to safely clean your rug. At Aegis, our technicians are certified to deal with delicate materials like banana silk. If you’d like to learn more about banana silk rugs, and how to clean them, click the link below.
Many people think of Qum Silk rugs as a new and improved version of the timeless Persian Rug. Though Qum Silk came after the Persian Rug, it was developed using new materials and improved techniques. If you’d like to learn more about the history of Qum Silk, and its use in rug making, click the clink below!
Allo silk is a popular option among rug makers not only because of its organic nature, but also because of its durability. There are many different variations of silk that are used for rug making, and it can be complicated to determine which one is best for your needs. If you’d like to learn more about allo silk, click the link below!
When it comes to owning a fine rug, most people worry about their rugs getting damaged. Fine rugs are not only expensive, they’re also very delicate. This is where silk wool blends come into the picture. While silk wool rugs are still expensive, the combination of wool and silk creates a more durable material that can withstand your everyday wear and tear a little better than normal silk. Please keep in mind that this doesn’t mean these rugs are indestructible. With any silk wool rug, you should always make sure to properly care for them, especially during routine cleanings. If you’d like to learn more about wool silk, click the link below!
Viscose rugs are made using a versatile fiber that has the ability to mimic different materials like linen, silk, wool, or even cotton. Because of this, viscose rugs can appeal to a wide variety of styles and applications. However, like any other fine rug, viscose rugs are delicate and should only be cleaned by a certified professional. If you’re interested in learning more about these unique rugs, click the link below!
Tencel rugs are great for anyone looking to buy a low maintenance rug. These rugs are known for being easy to clean, resistant to moisture, and they’re not as prone to developing bacteria as much as other rugs are. If you’d like to learn more about Tencel rugs and the best way to clean them, click the link below!
From an aesthetic standpoint, modal silk is nearly identical to natural silk; however, structurally it is very different. This type of material wears differently than natural silk, and the cleaning process is also quite different. If you’d like to learn more about modal silk and how to properly care for these types of rugs, click the link below!
Lyocell is a special material made from reconstituted pulp. The fibers of this material are very durable and resistant to orders, which makes it exceptionally good for rug making. If you’d like to learn more about lyocell rugs, click the link below!
There are many benefits to owning a rayon rug. They’re extremely soft, durable, and often chosen for their versatility and vibrant colors. However, as with any fine rug, these rugs can be challenging to clean. If you’d like to learn more about our rayon rug cleaning process, click the link below!
Fine rugs are extremely diverse; there are so many colors, styles, materials, and sizes to choose from that choosing the perfect rug for your home can quickly become very overwhelming. After many years in the rug cleaning business, we’ve identified a few factors that we feel all new rug owners should consider before purchasing their next rug. If you’d like to learn more about how to choose the perfect rug for your home, click the link below!
There are many reasons to buy a fine rug over a more traditional rug. Whether it’s for the design, durability, or the investment, fine rugs will always be a great addition to your home. If you’d like to learn more about why you should buy a fine rug, click the link below!
Fine rugs are made of extremely high-quality materials that are not only durable, they’re extremely luxurious. Though these types of rugs are expensive, they’re often viewed as an investment due to their long lasting nature. If you’d like to learn more about the quality of fine rugs, click the link below!
Fine rugs can be considered a long-term investment! Most of these rugs are made from natural silk, a material that is extremely valuable and high-quality. Because of this, fine rugs are often expensive to purchase, but are known to last for many, many years when properly cared for.
Though they’re both great options, natural silk differs from synthetic silk in many ways. The prices are different, the colors and textures are different, they’re even assembled using completely different techniques. Above all, though, the greatest difference between these two materials is the way in which they need to be cleaned and cared for in order to maintain their longevity. If you’re looking for more in-depth information on the differences between these two materials, and how to properly care for them, you can check out our blog post “Natural Vs Synthetic Fibers” by clicking the link below.
Yes, wool rugs are very popular! There are many reasons to buy a wool rug – whether you’re looking for a fine rug that is more durable than traditional silk, wanting a rug that has an array of robust and vibrant colors, or you want to purchase a rug that you know will last for many years, a wool rug is a great option. If you’d like to learn more about the many great qualities of wool rugs, or how to properly care for and maintain a wool rug, click the link below!
There are a few characteristics that a rug must have to be considered Oriental. The first, and arguably the most important, is the geographic region in which these rugs are made – Oriental rugs can only be made in Asian countries. Additionally, all Oriental rugs are handmade using delicate and unique materials such as wool or silk. These types of fine rugs require specific maintenance and cleaning techniques in order to preserve their luxurious luster and design. If you’d like to learn more about Oriental rug cleaning, or if you’d like to learn more general information about Oriental rugs, feel free to read our blog post “The Allure of Oriental Rugs,” the link is below!
Persian rugs, as well as all fine rugs, are constructed by hand using delicate materials. As a result, different cleaning methods must be used in order to properly clean these rugs and avoid causing irreversible damage. The best way to clean a Persian rug, is to have your rug cleaned by a certified professional who has been educated on the proper hand-washing techniques.
We never recommend cleaning silk rugs, or any kind of fine rug, at home. Due to their handmade construction and use of fragile materials, silk rugs are extremely delicate and become damaged when exposed to standard cleaning products and techniques. In order to properly and safely clean these rugs, we always recommend hiring a certified professional.
LEARN MORE ABOUT “SILK RUGS: WHAT THEY ARE AND HOW TO CLEAN THEM”
At Aegis, we specialize in fine rug cleaning. Our rug cleaning specialists use very unique hand-cleaning techniques, along with specially formulated solutions, to get your rug cleaned without causing any damage. These methods are often not necessary for modern rugs. Since modern rugs are usually machine-made, and far less delicate, at home cleaning is usually safe to do, and most people are successful in their efforts. If you have any questions regarding modern rug cleaning, you can visit the link below, or give our office a call!
Purchasing a fine rug is a wonderful option for anyone looking to invest in a timeless decoration for their home. Many of these rugs have a rich history, and when properly cared for, will last for many, many years. There are some downsides to fine rugs, though. Most notably, these rugs can be very expensive to buy. In addition, they’re also extremely delicate and cannot be cleaned using traditional methods. If you want to learn more about choosing the right rug for your home, visit the link below!
Abadeh rugs are handwoven fine rugs from the tribal region of south-central Iran. These rugs are generally made from a combination of wool and cotton, and have similar design characteristics as Persian and Oriental rugs. If you’d like to learn more about Abadeh rugs, you can read our blog post linked below.
LEARN MORE ABOUT “WHY ABADEH RUGS ARE A GOOD CHOICE FOR YOUR HOME”
Bakhtiari Rugs are handwoven Persian rugs made by the Bakhtiari tribe. These rugs are extremely well designed and are constructed using only high-quality wool. Bakhtiari rugs come in a variety of colors and styles, are very durable, and can usually be purchased in a number of different sizes. If you’d like to learn more about Bakhtiari rugs, click the link below!
Gabbeh Rugs are hand-spun rugs which are made from sheep’s wool. The wool that is used is typically higher quality and comes from the neck area of locally bred sheep. The long fibers inherent in Gabbeh Rugs makes them extremely soft and comfortable, which is one of their most well known attributes. However, one caveat of Gabbeh Rugs is that they often demand regular cleaning. These rugs should never be cleaned at home; in fact, doing so can potentially cause irreversible damage. If you have a Gabbeh Rug that needs to be cleaned, we encourage you to always hire a certified professional.
Yes, there is! Fine rugs should never be cleaned in the same manner as your generic machine-made rugs. This is because fine rugs are woven together by hand using delicate and rare fabrics, which can be easily damaged if they’re put through a washing machine with harsh chemicals. The best way to clean a fine is to have a certified professional wash your rug by hand. If you’d like to learn more about how to properly care for your Oriental rug, Persian rug, or any other kind of fine rug, we invite you to read our blog post linked below!
Yes, we specialize in hand-washing all kinds of fine rugs including Kerman Rugs. As is the case with most fine rugs, Kerman Rugs are made using very delicate materials (usually wool, silk, or a combination of the two). As a result, hand-washing is imperative if you wish to preserve your rug’s luster and beauty. If you’d like to learn more about how Kerman Rugs are made, check out our blog post below!
Bokara Rugs are a rare type of fine rug that was originally created by nomadic tribes. Later on, the craft of creating these fine rugs settled in Pakistan and Northern India. Despite being named after a prominent town in Turkestan, these rugs are not from there and have seldom to do with the Bokara area. You can learn more about Bokara Rugs by reading our blog post: “Should You Buy A Bokara Rug For Your Home?”
Absolutely! We clean fine rugs from all around the world, including Bijar Rugs. Like most other high-end rugs, the materials used to craft Bijar rugs are very delicate and can be easily damaged if proper cleaning techniques and precautions are not used. If you’d like to learn more about Bijar Rugs and our rug cleaning process, we invite you to read the blog post below.
Absolutely! Aegis cleans all kinds of high-end rugs, including wool rugs. Like any other high-end rug, it’s important to have your cleaned properly in order to avoid causing any damage. You can learn more about wool rug cleaning by clicking the link below.
Wool floor coverings are known for their timeless elegance and fine details, and when cared for properly they can retain their strength and condition for decades. At Aegis, you can trust our rug cleaning processes to keep your wool rugs in pristine condition, preserving their durability for years to come.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: “Wool Rug Durability and Care in Austin, TX”
Real wool rugs are meticulously made from 100% real sheep’s wool, and need to be cared for properly. At Aegis, we have the highest standards of care for your wool rugs.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: “Wool Rug Processing and Care in Austin, TX”
At first glance, one would think that the inexpensive synthetic rugs were the most economical choice. However, there are hidden life cycle costs that make these rugs unsustainable in the long term. Wool rugs, on the other hand, use all-natural raw materials. You don’t need to worry about toxic chemicals that cost money up front to formulate and cause adverse health reactions in the long term.
Actually, recent research shows that wool’s environmental footprint is low when it comes to the consumption of energy and water during the consumer use phase, making it more sustainable than other fibers.
Not when done correctly! At Aegis, we clean all kinds of high-end rugs, including wool rugs. Like any other high-end rug, it’s important to have your cleaned properly in order to preserve the wool’s natural properties. You can learn more about how we preserve the properties of wool rugs by clicking the link below.
Not only is true rug fringe part of the rug itself (as opposed to sewn on), but at Aegis, we take extra care when cleaning and handling your rug to ensure that the fringe on your rug remains intact while still thoroughly removing soils.
Absolutely! Not only does it serve as the foundation of the rug, in which the rest of the fibers are woven into, but it can help determine and authentic hand woven rug.
Not only does the fringe of your rug serve a valuable purpose, but there are a variety of types of fringe. Whenever we clean a rug, we know how to properly maintain the original fringe while doing so.
The selvedge of a rug is where the weft threads reach the end of a rug, turn around and re-enter the rug. Since we are experts in fine rugs, we can assess the fringe technique used on your rug as an indicator of the rugs origin.
Tied rug fringes are where two or more warp strands are tied together across the entire rug, whereas plaited rug fringes, also known as known as kilim fringe, resemble braids at the end of the rug.
LEARN MORE ABOUT: “Braided vs. Plaited Rug Fringe in Austin, TX”
The selvedge of a rug is where the weft threads reach the end of a rug, turn around and re-enter the rug, but there are many other options.
Severely worn fringe can be a sign of overly aggressive vacuuming of the fringe, so it’s best to trust this type of care to a professional.
The Persian rug is more than a home decor item; it’s a symbolic piece that holds a great deal of history, and are beloved for their beauty, softness, high quality and investment value.
An authentic Persian rug is a handmade product with a much higher quality than any machine-produced product. That also means that the price of a real Persian carpet is generally considerably higher than the price of other products
The symbolism in the rugs are typically handed down generation after generation. Rug weavers believed that the symbols protected the rug’s owner from bad luck and misfortune.
Not only are city rugs typically larger than tribal rugs, but city rugs are often made from a sketch or a template.
The Persian knot, which involves wrapping one end of the thread snugly around the warp fiber and leaving the other end loose, creates an asymmetric result. These knots can be packed tightly together, creating dense piles with intricate designs. Persian knots are typically used in rugs made in India, Pakistan & eastern Iran.
Turkish knots involve double-wrapping the thread around the adjacent warp fibers. This creates a plush, consistent pile and is still used in Turkey, NW Iran, Azerbaijan & Kurdistan.
Find out more about the history of these rugs and the techniques used to produce them on our Blog Post About Hand-Knotted Rugs.
The production of Persian rugs reached a peak in the 16th century. At this time, the Safavid Empire was located at the center of ancient trade routes and exported some of the finest rugs ever made.
Around 1722 Isfahan, the capital of the Safavid Empire, which produced the finest Persian Rugs, was destroyed after having been conquered by the Ghilzay Afghans. This brought an end to their localized carpet artistry which had been flourishing.
Oriental rugs are made by tying threads or spun yarn around a framework of warp and weft fibers. The materials used for the warp and weft are typically wool or cotton. Learn more in our Blog “Tying of Rugs”.
The vibrant colors of traditional rugs come from natural plant and animal dyes. The most common natural dyes in Persia came from runas, which is a plant that contains pigment in the roots. Learn more on our blog.
Franchises don’t have the expertise needed to deliver cleaning services that treat each fiber differently. In comparison, our owner-operated niche rug cleaning business knows how to perform the professional rug cleaning required to restore the appearance and quality of your rugs because of the 40 years of fine rug cleaning experience we have here at Aegis.
Rug cleaning is a challenging and time-consuming task that requires comprehensive knowledge of how different fibers work and what substances can be used to clean them. Every fiber and rug is different, which is why our services are highly recommended. We always use the chemicals, techniques, and equipment that are best suited to the specific rug we’re cleaning, which allows us to achieve excellent results that others cannot imitate. Learn more.
Did you know that handmade Chinese rugs have been around for thousands of years? Although one of the earliest surviving rugs is from 500 BCE and came from an area that was Persia, which is modern-day Iran. Handmade rugs were used in several parts of the world and held different significances. Although handmade Chinese rugs do not have as long of a documented history as those from some other countries do, their story is also interesting. Learn More.
With so many resources, people often wonder why China was not one of the earlier countries to craft these rugs and document them. Wool was scarcer in some regions of China in ancient times and in more recent centuries. While silk was also available, it was still a luxury. There is a legend that China was a leader in cultivating the silkworm from 2640 to 2650 BCE. Learn More.
In 1900, the well-known Boxer Rebellion occurred in China. The purpose of the uprising was to drive out foreigners and colonists. During that time, many wealthy residences and palaces were raided and looted. Exporting capabilities were also increasing in China then, and looters sold their spoils to be distributed abroad. Learn More.
In the early 1900s, American buyers were eager to own rare treasures, and new sources of economic wealth gave many the ability to pay for such status symbols. Therefore, there were greater efforts to turn the handicraft cottage industry into large-scale rug-weaving concerns in China. Read More.
The earlier rugs in China reflected the religious culture of the country for the time. Many earlier Chinese handmade rugs had Buddhist symbols and depictions. For example, many had dragons that looked off the rug. Several designs also showed Taoist influences. Past centuries of culture were linked to nature, which is why many rugs were made with flowers, animals, and other natural imagery. Read more.
One of the earliest rug styles is the Ningxia style. During an emperor’s trip to the Ningxia area of China, he discovered this style being made there. Read More.
Preserving a Chinese rug is important to maintain its beauty and help it retain its value. The rugs are made well and designed to last a long time if they are properly cared for. Learn More.
It’s important to clean your rug regularly in order to keep it looking its best, but you should never attempt to do this yourself! It’s best to seek out help from an expert who knows how to properly care for these delicate pieces without damaging them further – improper cleaning techniques can lead to discoloration or even permanent damage if not done correctly! Read More.
Improper cleaning is the number one way most natural fiber rugs are damaged. Luxurious antique, oriental and Persian rugs are most commonly made from wool, silk or a combination of the two, and those fibers are easily damaged by automatic cleaning machines, rotating brushes and stiff-bristled brushes. Learn More.
Heavy furniture can leave indentations in your rug. This compresses and mats the fibers. In some instances, this damage may become so severe that the fibers cannot be straightened. Additionally, if your furniture is not properly secured, it can move, and when the furniture on your rug shifts, it can cause the fibers to stretch and distort. Read More.
When you think of dry rot, you probably relate it to rubber belts and the tires on your car after they’ve been in use for many years. However, wool, Persian, and oriental rugs are also susceptible to dry rot, which is a condition that occurs when the fibers of a material encounter prolonged exposure to moisture, heat and/or sunlight. When this happens to natural fiber rugs, they can become brittle and eventually disintegrate. In order to prevent dry rot in your luxury rugs, it’s essential to keep them clean and dry and avoid prolonged exposure to heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. Read More.
prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause Persian, oriental, antique, or contemporary rugs to fade. Learn More.
Leaving stains, spills and food particles for an extended period of time on your rug can make them harder to remove. This is because they become embedded in the fibers. When this happens, you may notice the fibers becoming discolored and stiff. Read More.
To store your rug correctly, you should roll it loosely against the grain (as if petting a cat from its tail to its head) and store it in a climate-controlled environment. This will lessen the likelihood of insects or other critters getting to your rugs, or your rugs will collect moisture and develop mold or mildew over time. Read More.