Oriental Rug Cleaning in Houston, TX
Oriental Rug Cleaning in Houston That Respects the Craftsmanship in Every Knot
An oriental rug is not built the same as most rugs. These rugs are hand knotted over many months using natural fibers and the techniques that have been developed and passed along from generation to generation within the weaving communities. These factors are both related to the significant value of these rugs, and why they cannot be cleaned in the same manners as some of the mass produced rugs that are available today.
Raj Oriental Rug Cleaners has built its oriental rug cleaning service with an understanding of these differences in rugs. Each rug that comes to our shop is assessed to determine its composition and how it should be cleaned accordingly.
What Makes an Oriental Rug Different From a Standard Rug
Oriental rugs are typically hand knotted onto a foundation of cotton or wool, and possess a pile that is made of wool, silk, or a combination of both. The dyes used in these rugs are typically natural dyes and those that have been used throughout history to create those rugs, rather than synthetic dyes that are common in modern rugs.
While the use of natural dyes and fibers is admired in the creation of Oriental rugs, it also presents some challenges to the rug. Wool and silk fibers react to heat and moisture differently than synthetic rug fibers. The dyes may bleed with the use of the wrong types of cleaning agents. Additionally, the hand knotted fibers can be damaged by the use of strong scrubbers or equipment to clean the rug. Contact us now for oriental rug cleaning in Houston, TX.
Why Standard Cleaning Methods Fall Short
Most general oriental rug cleaning in Houston methods are based on the idea of synthetic carpet fibers. These methods use high heat, strong detergents, and fast drying agents to preserve the carpet.
Unfortunately, these methods can cause further issues for oriental rugs when used. The dyes can bleed out and affect the surrounding areas of the rug. The wool and silk fibers can become brittle. The fringe can start to fray or change color. Furthermore, too much saturated water can cause mildew to grow on the rug. All of these issues are not immediately apparent to the viewer, which is one of the reasons that the incorrect oriental rug cleaning in Houston method can cause lasting damage to the rug before anyone realizes.
How We Determine What Each Rug Needs
We take time to understand the rug prior to cleaning. Rug fibers must be identified, dyes determined for safety, and the rug inspected for any existing wear to its foundation, fringe, or edges. Each rug will react differently to the oriental rug cleaning in Houston process. By determining how the rug’s fibers will react to the process, we can ensure that the rug will be treated in a way that minimizes the risks of damage. Skipping this step in the care for a rug is how oriental rug cleaning in Houston can become damaging to the rug.
A Careful, Fiber Appropriate Cleaning Process
Once we have determined the rug’s fibers and how they will react to the oriental rug cleaning in Houston process, we can begin the rug cleaning process itself. Deep dusting comes first to protect the rug’s fibers from wear caused by the sandpaper effect of grit trapped within the rug’s fibers. Removing this grit prior to washing the rug ensures the protection of its fibers.
From there, the rug is cleaned using a method that is appropriate for the materials that make up the rug. For instance, each rug will have different requirements as to how hot the water should be, what chemicals should be used, and how much agitation the rug can take during the oriental rug cleaning in Houston process. After the rug is cleaned, it must be rinsed to remove any chemicals that may otherwise attract dirt to the rug and otherwise dull its appearance.
Finally, the rug must be dried appropriately. Wool and silk rugs will hold moisture longer than rugs with synthetic fibers. Therefore, both of these rug types can be damaged if they are allowed to dry too quickly or too slowly. Thus, the rug will be dried in a way that ensures it is completely dry before it is placed back into use.
Raj Oriental Rug Cleaners brought my grandmother’s rug back to life. Their service was exceptional!
Nelson Hicks
Protecting Fringe, Edges, and Foundation
Often the fringe on an oriental rug is both original and more delicate than the rug’s remaining pile. Such a fringe necessitates its own degree of consideration during the oriental rug cleaning in Houston process.
The same is true of the rug’s edge binding and its foundation. These components of an oriental rug hold the rug together, and protecting them during the rug’s cleaning process is essential for preserving the rug and preventing it from unraveling over time.
Caring for Antique and Heirloom Pieces
Antique rugs require extra consideration during the cleaning process. Due to the age of the rug, the dyes and fibers are more fragile than those on a newer rug. The way in which we clean rugs that exhibit signs of age is with extra care and consideration during the process.
These rugs often have the most sentimental value to the customer, as they are typically rugs that have been passed down from generation to generation over the years.
Why This Matters for Houston Rug Owners
Houston’s humidity and the amount of pollen in the air can be challenging for oriental rugs. Because the natural fibers in these rugs readily take in moisture, the rugs can develop odors or mildew if they are not properly cleaned and dried. Additionally, fine dust particles that are in the air tend to settle into the hand-knotted rugs deeper into the fibers than they would in a machine-made rug.
What a Proper Cleaning Actually Restores
A proper rug cleaning restores the rug to its original state. The colors will regain their original strength and the fibers will regain their original softness. The air in the area will also be restored as the allergens and debris will be removed from the rug.
Most importantly, the rug will be protected for continued use instead of being worn down from the dirt that acts against it every day.
Ready for a Rug That Actually Feels Clean?
See how one of our rug cleaners can help your rug feel as clean as it can feel!