In midcoast Maine we recommend Rite-Way Cleaning Service for professional rug cleaning. Email Rite-way or call (207) 542-4231.
Natural Dyes and Fading
Rugs dyed with natural dyes are generally more fade resistant than rugs made with commercial dyes. Dyes are made from a variety of plants including: madder root for reds, rusts and browns, pomegranate skins for yellow, and Indigo for blues. Chemical dyes and machine spun yarns have been widely used in rug-making since the mid 1800’s. In the 1980s, traditional methods employing hand spinning and natural dyes were revived and our rugs are a result of those efforts.
All dyed fabrics will fade in harsh sunlight. The best way to avoid fading is to minimize direct exposure to intense sunlight or to add ultraviolet coatings to windows. Many new houses along the Maine coast have UV coatings on windows to reduce glare. Large rugs may be turned yearly to even out fading and wear.
Cleaning Tips
Vacuum regularly, but carefully. Use of a vacuum cleaner with a power head on orientals risks pulling the knots out or catching fringe in the roller brush. We recommend canister vacuums with a suction wand. Small rugs may be shaken outside. Spills are best wiped up first, then carefully dabbed with a solution of white vinegar and water, depending on what was spilled. Be sure to let the underside of the rug dry out if soaked through. If the entire carpet needs to be cleaned, we recommend using a professional carpet cleaner.
Traditionally kilims and small rugs can be washed on a driveway with a hose and Woolite, squeegying out the excess water, and leaving the textile to dry flat in the sun. When washing, be sure to check for dye stability in a small area first. Dyes in older rugs such as Hamadans and Kurdi kilims may bleed.
Snow Cleaning
In Maine, folks traditionally use dry snow to brighten up area rugs. The rug is laid out in the snow and then dry snow briskly swept with a stiff broom over the front and back of the rug. This pulls a lot of the dirt from the rug and revives the fibers.
Wool Moths
Rugs that are swept or vacuumed regularly rarely attract moths. Moths prefer undisturbed areas, such as where rugs are under furniture. Heat and cold destroys moths, eggs and larvae. Customers have reported success with putting small pieces in a chest freezer for a few weeks.
Padding
We recommend using a carpet pad under a rug to protect the rug fibers from crushing between shoe and floor and to keep the rug from slipping.
207-563-6611
info@saltbaytrading.com
584 US Route 1, Newcastle, ME 04553