Persian Area Rugs
1. Authentic handmade Persian rugs have the durability, originality, and investment value that machine-made rugs lack. Examine the back of the rug; if the design is as prominent on the back as it is on the front, and if the roots of the single Persian Senneth knot are visible when the back of the rug is bent, then it is a handmade Persian rug.
2. Because of marketability and durability, dyed and spun wool from sheep is the most common fiber used in Persian rugs. Sheep that are raised in the coldest mountain climates produce wool with fibers that are longer and finer than the wool of sheep raised in more moderate climates.
3. Natural silk fibers harvested from silkworm cocoons produces the strongest and most beautiful Persian rugs. Because of extreme costs, silk is often blended with fibers like wool to provide rich, lustrous, and distinct colors and patterns at a more reasonable price.
4. The designs of each Persian rug tell a story through symbolic meanings: the tree of life represents eternal life; the weeping willow represents sorrow and death; the medallion design is regarded as sacred, and its center represents the eye of a divine being; the vase shape represents immortality.
5. By using a soft white cloth, a neutral PH detergent or gentle non-perfumed soap, and cold water, most spills on Persian rugs can be removed before fibers are permanently stained. Make sure to rinse away all soap residue, blot the area dry with a separate clean, white cloth, and promote drying by using the cool setting of a hairdryer or a fan.
Oriental Rugs
1. Most Oriental rugs have a cotton warp and weft or foundation where knots are tied to create the pile. Repeated exposure to water causes the rug's foundation to become stiff and the warp and weft to crack; if pulled by hand, the foundation can separate into chunks.
2. One female moth can lay hundreds of eggs that hatch into larvae; given the opportunity, larvae will thrive in dark, out-of-the-way, seldom-vacuumed areas of Oriental rugs, quickly devouring the wool. Routine vacuuming of the entire rug, including under furniture, best prevents moths and larvae from causing permanent damage.
3. With time, dirt can work into the pile of Oriental rugs and cause them to wear unevenly; weekly vacuuming with a plain vacuum nozzle removes dirt and extends the life of area rugs. Vacuums with power brushes and beaters rake over the surface of the Oriental rug, damaging pile and fringes.
4. Although most Oriental rugs contain dyes that resist fading, prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause fading. Protect your investment by using window shades or drapes to block the sun, and turn rugs every six months to guarantee even exposure and wear.
5. Large Oriental rugs can be difficult to move, and pulling and forcing them in place can cause damage. Pick up one end of the rug and use a ripple effect to send a wave of air underneath the rug, making it easier to move.
