Turkish Rug Cleaning – Hand Wash Expert Process
Cleanliness is the major factor needed in the preservation of a Turkish rug. It is the best damage defense. Every carpet is different, and each household has a different amount of exposure to dirt and water.
Regular brushing with a broom having natural bristles is recommended. It is important to brush the carpet underlay and the floor beneath the carpet. It is also acceptable to use a vacuum cleaner with a nozzle attachment. Do not use the revolving brush attachment.
Water spilled on a Turkish rug is not an uncommon occurrence. When that happens, react immediately. Using a white cloth, absorb as much water as possible. Place material underneath the rug to help with absorption. Do not try to wring the rug dry. A hair dryer, set on moderate heat, is likely the best drying implement available.
How Often Should a Turkish Rug Be Cleaned?
How often a rug needs to be washed or cleaned depends on the type of carpet and the amount of traffic it is subjected to. The interlude can vary from six months to two years. Light colored patterns need to be sent out for cleaning more often than darker patterns.
Intrinsically patterned or dark colored rugs will be less obvious as to the need for attention. The feel of the pile is an indicator that a Turkish rug needs to be cleaned. It will feel harsh and coarse instead of smooth and velvety.
Another test is to raise a corner of the rug and tap the back of the rug over the palm of your hand. A fine powder of loose fibers, grit, and dust means it’s time to clean the rug. Cleaning a Turkish rug at home is a time-consuming process that is better left to expert technicians.
Why Should I Take a Turkish Rug to a Professional?
Technicians pay attention to color details. Preparation is essential in the washing process. A test is conducted on an inconspicuous spot for colorfastness. The rug will be examined thoroughly to make sure no area is in need of repair.
Turkish rugs are slightly more fragile when wet. Therefore, repairs should be made before washing. Before a rug is washed, a process is used to remove as much loose debris as possible. Dirt and dust cause more damage when they are wet than when they are dry.
Professionals know the proper equipment and cleaning agents to use. Soap and detergent selection can be tricky. Inorganic substances may harm organic fibers such as wool.
A gentle touch is needed. Vigorous scrubbing will not thoroughly clean a Turkish rug, but it can damage the rug when it is in a vulnerable wet state. The rug must be handled as carefully as possible due to the fragility that wet rugs present. They can easily be damaged.
What could happen if I try to clean a Turkish rug on my own?
Never use washers and dryers on Turkish rugs. Harsh detergents, water temperature, and vibration cause irreparable damage. Eastern weavers wash rugs in rivers and streams. This practice has led to a false assumption that the completely soaking a rug is permissible. That process is used only on new rugs that are quickly placed, in the baking sun, to dry.
Please avoid taking a Turkish rug to a dry-cleaning facility. They are fine for machine made rugs. Turkish masterpieces should not be subjected to the harsh chemicals dry-cleaners use. The damage may not be immediately apparent. When it presents itself, it is often irreparable.