Frequently Asked Questions:

QUESTION: How often should oriental rugs or carpets be cleaned?
ANSWER: While the proper answer to this question depends on many variables, such as the type and durability of the respective rugs or carpets, you might wish to clean durable rugs or carpets being used in very high traffic areas every year or two. Durable rugs or carpets used in moderate traffic areas should perhaps cleaned every three to seven years or so. Even those rugs or carpets used in areas with light traffic should be cleaned every seven to ten years or so to remove accumulated dust and grit, which can act as an abrasive. Very rare and delicate pieces should be cleaned with greater care, generally by hand and not by even a small rotary machine but, that said, they should still be kept clean, both to enhance their beauty, and to protect them from environmental factors.

QUESTION: What is the best method for cleaning oriental rugs or carpets?
ANSWER: This, to a large degree, depends on the type of carpet; i.e., how dense and durable the fabric is; how dirty the carpet is, etc. It also depends on the materials used (for example, silk rugs are quite difficult to clean properly); as well as the steadfastness of the dyes. A carpet woven exclusively with natural dyes and wool pile can generally be safely soak washed. Certain soaps are considered more safe, and gentle, both for the carpet and for people who will, over time, come in contact with the carpet. A skilled, professional cleaner can generally safely soak the carpet, scrub both the back and front, rinse and the remove excess water. The carpet can then either be suspended or left flat to dry. Some rugs, especially those woven using wool foundations, might then require blocking to get them to stay flatter on the floor. A high quality rug pad helps in that case, as well. Needless to say, a proper cleaning environment and experience will generally render a superior result. In other words: kids, don't try this at home. Seek out a knowledgeable and experienced oriental rug cleaning specialist. Many top galleries will offer this as a service. Do not use commercial, on-site cleaners who clean broadloom. Please remember, many oriental rugs, especially antique pieces, need to be treated with care and respect. Amortized over several years, the cleaning expense is minimal, and it will both help conserve the rug as art and as an item of economic value.

QUESTION: When should one use a pad under a rug?
ANSWER: Essentially, always. It both protects the rug and individuals who walk on it. The most notable exception to this rule might be when an oriental rug is used on top of wall to wall carpeting. While pads are made for this scenario, it is still generally a challenge to get the oriental rugs to lie flat when walked on. The more flex to the wall to wall, and the padding under it, will generally increase the ripple effect of the oriental rug placed on top of the broadloom. It can be a great look; just be prepared to straighten the rugs more often.

QUESTION: What is the difference between an oriental "RUG" and an oriental "CARPET"?
ANSWER: We tend to use the nomenclature that prevails in England, where a "RUG" is smaller than 6 feet by 9 feet, and a "CARPET" is larger than 6 feet by 9 feet. Many people use the terms interchangeably, which really is quite fine. Please see our glossary page, where we try to more fully elucidate the terminology often used in reference to rugs of certain sizes.