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Another helpful tip is to rotate your rug at least once a year. This will ensure even wear. In higher traffic areas, rotation should be more frequent. Continual direct exposure to sunlight will damage a rug, and the frequent rotation will equalize the effect of the sun. Use window shades, shutters, or curtains as often as possible to protect your rug from damaging ultra-violet rays. This will also protect the colors from fading.

Now that you have invested in a treasured piece of art for your home, you must learn how to care for it. Oriental rugs will last a very long time if you take precautionary steps to protect them from premature wear and the most common kinds of damage.

The number one thing to ensure rug integrity is vacuuming. Oriental rugs should be vacuumed regularly to remove dirt and grit that may damage the fibers and foundation of the rug. Vacuuming helps prevent dirt on the surface of the rug from filtering down into the pile where it can accumulate and cause increased wear. Be careful with a vacuum equipped with a power brush, as this creates a raking effect on the pile and can eventually weaken the knots. Also be very careful with the fringes, because they can get caught and chewed up by the rotating mechanism of the brush. For routine cleaning, just use the plain vacuum nozzle. Never vacuum against the nap, as this presses dirt back into the rug. Occasionally, vacuum the back of the rug to remove the fine grit that may damage the foundation of the rug.

A good quality pad can extend the life of your rug. A pad will help protect your rug from dirt, wear, and slippage, especially in heavy traffic areas. Pads should be about an inch smaller than the rug all the way around (not counting the fringe) so that the pad will not show beneath the rug. Ask your rug dealer for the best padding choices to fit your rug.

Lastly, be aware of an invisible enemy that could be destroying your rug. Moths can cause extensive damage to Oriental rugs by attacking the pile, fringes, and the knots on the back of the rug.

Flying clothes moths do not eat your rugs, but their eggs hatch into larvae that consume wool, fur, feather, and silk fibers. Moths and their larvae thrive in dark, undisturbed areas where a rug gets little traffic and is not often vacuumed. A bad infestation sometimes leaves a cobweb-like blanket in the area of the damage, along with fine, sand-like debris.

Frequent rotation, vacuuming, and regular exposure to light and air will keep moths away. If your rug is rarely used, you can safeguard against moths by spraying the front and back of your carpet every six to eight months with a moth deterrent or insecticide.

To store your rug, wrap it in a breathable fabric. Do not use plastic, as it can rot or mildew. Placing the wrapped rug in a chest with a moth deterrent is the ideal storage. A rug stored in a damp or humid area will mildew, which will weaken and discolor the fibers. Hot and poorly ventilated storage areas will dry out the base of the rug, making it brittle, and consequently destroying the rug’s strength and durability. Remember to inspect the rug often.

Even though day-to-day maintenance will keep your rug looking wonderful, inevitably, some dirt and grit will escape the vacuum and work its way deep into the nap of the rug. This is when a professional washing is in order. This should be done every few years and must be done only by a professional with proper cleaning and drying facilities. Your rug dealer can recommend someone with the proper experience and equipment.