How to Protect Your Rugs From Their Worst Enemies

Oriental rugs are often sentimental pieces because they are the centrepiece of a room. You can use them to define space, improve the ambience of a room, and protect the floors. However, even with the right colours and patterns, lack of proper care can make rugs detract from the beauty and warmth of the living room. Stains and fading can give it a tarnished look.

Despite the excellent strength and durability of your oriental rugs, some issues can affect their colours and fibres. Therefore, you need to keep an eye on the carpets’ worst enemies for the rugs to remain in good condition. If you want to pass along your rugs to the next generation, do not worry, we will share the dangers lurking for your sentimental pieces. We will also give you tips to shield your rugs from their worst enemies.

Moths and carpet beetles are arguably your rugs' worst enemies. What makes them formidable foes? Moths are tiny creatures that are hardly noticeable. While you can see them flying around, you will rarely notice the larvae hiding in the rugs. These insect larvae feed on the fibres and can eat right through the carpet with a wool foundation.

Carpet beetles are small dark brown insects that grow from larvae. While carpet beetles are not harmful to your rugs, the larvae hatched from their eggs thrive on natural fibres like silk, wool, and fur. Larvae can also do severe damage to a carpet with food spillage.

On the bright side, moths and carpet beetles operate in dark areas. They also like their peace and cannot stand disturbances. Therefore, they are likely to infest rugs in storage and those mounted on the walls. However, they can attack carpets underneath the furniture if you rarely vacuum the area.

Some of the signs of the presence of moths include:

To prevent moths from residing in your rug, ensure you regularly vacuum and sweep the carpet. It would be best if you always clean underneath the furniture. Ensure an area does not sit undisturbed for long by cleaning and shining a light on it to minimise the risk of an infestation. If you are storing the carpet, use moths balls and wrap it in a piece of cloth that allows it to breathe. Mildew and musty odours are due to poor storage and draw in moths. If you already have an infestation, look for insecticides or wash the rug to remove the larvae.

Oriental rugs and moisture do not see eye-to-eye. The warp and weft threads in rugs cannot stand humidity. Over time, they absorb the moisture and rot. The mildew formed by the moisture also invites insects. Therefore, you should minimise exposure to water. If you are using water to clean woollen rugs, ensure you thoroughly drip and air dry to prevent mould formation.

Rugs underneath the sink or near the washing machine also tend to have a short lifespan. That is because they absorb moisture that damages the fibres. You should also avoid placing flowerpots on rugs because they drip water on the carpet, degrading the threads. It is hard to notice the damage caused by humidity, but as the rug ages, you will see the changes. Before the carpet rots, the threads dry out and become stiff. However, you do not have to worry about rotting if you keep your rugs dry.

The carpet is made of tough fibres and can take a beating. If you spill water, ensure you squeeze it out, and it will not leave permanent damage. You should also wrap your rugs during storage to prevent damages caused by moisture on the surfaces. Do not store it in a wet basement as the prolonged exposure to humidity can lead to permanent damage.

Rugs are luxurious and valuable pieces of art that can endure elements that cause it harm. The dyes on the rugs are resistant to fading. Besides, the wool has natural oils that prevent the absorption of stains. However, excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause fading. Consistent sunlight exposure can ruin a rug within a month. Even if you do not air the carpet under direct sun, the rays through your window are enough to wreak havoc.

Unless the rug is light coloured, you should keep your curtains closed to minimise exposure. You can also tint your windows or apply a UV reduction film.

We all love our furry friends, but puppies and cats can be your rugs' top enemies. Puppies love to chew anything within reach, and sometimes the carpet will be their target. If your pet dog is teething and chews your carpet, using moth flakes will make them cease. Puppies hate the smell, and some light sprinkling can preserve your rug.

Cats may not chew the rugs, but they can cause severe damage by scratching the carpet. Their sharp claws are no match for your delicate rug. Scratching can be tough to deal with, but with a little help from your vet, you can break the habit.

Failure to train your pets is also detrimental to your oriental rugs. For instance, pet urine can cause irreversible damage by bleaching the dyes. The unpleasant odours are hectic to get rid of, mainly if the fibres absorb them. You can remove the smell of urine with club soda or vinegar. Pour the vinegar on the carpet and use a towel to dry the surface. The best solution is to train your pet to avoid a repeat of such habits.

Stains and spills are inevitable if your rug is in high traffic areas like the living room, foyer, and dining area. Fortunately, stains do not penetrate the rug fibres, thanks to the natural oils in the wool. However, spillage can cause stains on the surfaces and make the rug look tarnished and old. You need to deal with spills from sweet beverages and milk since they attract moths and leave ugly patches. Luckily, dealing with stains is not rocket science. Most of them are removable using regular detergents and brushing. When dealing with such stains, do not use bleach and ensure you clean up the area before the spills dry. Some stains, such as paint spills, require specialised treatment. You can scrape up and use a towel to soak as much paint as possible. Club soda will also come in handy in removing the paint, but you should avoid bleaching agents. If you are unable to get rid of the stains, consult a cleaning professional.

Rugs are popular due to their sheer endurance. However, they should be pampered and well maintained to retain their beauty. Dealing with the above enemies will also prolong their lives.