Different types of area rugs we clean:

Wool is a complex fiber that has evolved over thousands of years with the sheep who produce it, to protect them over a wide range of climatic conditions. 

Wool cells come in two different types: the paracortex and the orthcortex, which lie on opposite sides of the fiber and grow at slightly different rates. This causes a three-dimensional corkscrew pattern of coiled springs much like shock absorbers, giving wool high elasticity and a "memory" that allows the fibers to recover and resume normal dimensions. Wool fibers can be stretched up to 30 percent without rupturing and still bounce back. 

Wool is also soil resistant - releasing soil up to 25 percent more readily than synthetic fibers. The cuticle, or outer layer of the wool fiber, has a finely waxed surface with overlapping scales to keep soil in the upper area of the t, where it is easily removed. 

The protective membrane on the cuticle also prevents water from readily penetrating the individual wool fibers. This same waterproof membrane allows the fiber to absorb moisture in vapor form. 

Water vapors coming through the cuticle pores bond with amino acids in the cortex - the main bulk of the fiber. This lets wool absorb up to one third of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it resistant to static electricity. This moisture absorption property also helps wool recover from pressure marks. 

Wool's high moisture content and protein constituents provide natural flame resistance. 

Proper cleaning is important to maintain a wool carpet's original appearance. A planned maintenance program should take into account the likely level of soiling and cleaning costs. Facts to be considered include: traffic patterns; type of soiling, such as street grime near entrances or food and drink in refreshment areas; cleaning schedules; and personnel, equipment and resources available. 

It has been said that an oriental rug doesn't wear out; instead, it is more likely that a rug may "wear out" several generations! With proper care and maintenance, you can pretty much guarantee that your oriental rug will become a cherished family heirloom. Oriental Rugs made of wool are easily maintained, are extremely durable and consistently out- perform other materials. Unlike other fibers, wool is much more resilient, cleans better and stays clean longer, under similar conditions. For regular care, following these simple steps is recommended: 
 

CLEANING 

The beauty and life of Oriental rugs are vitally dependent on their cleanliness. Lack of maintenance will contribute to loss in the potential investment. 

For best results, always use an experienced professional cleaning service that specializes in hand-made oriental rugs. You should never use products that are designed to clean nylon carpet on a wool rug. Most have a higher pH and will damage your wool rug.

Sweeping the rug with a broom at least once a week removes loose soil and brings out its natural sheen. 

BEATING

Beating is one of the best methods for cleaning a rug.  It should be beaten several times on each side, always in dry weather. Some rugs you will not be able to do this. Therefore you should have a professional do this.

VACUUMING

Your oriental rug doesn't need special pampering. But it does need the same care and attention you would give any fine possession. 

An oriental rug's greatest defense against wear and tear is the very substance of the rug itself: wool. Wool fibers tend to keep everyday dirt particles toward the surface. As you walk on the rug, however, these dirt particles can be forced down into the nap of the wool and begin to cut into the wool strands, where the harshest damage occurs. Regular, weekly vacuuming removes surface dirt before it settles into the rug. 

Never vacuum against the nap, as this presses dirt back into the rug.  Vacuum in the direction of the rug's pile. (You can determine the direction of the pile by running your hand across the rug: it will feel smooth direction and upbraid in the other. Vacuum in the smooth directions.) Do not vacuum the fringes. The suction of a vacuum cleaner can tear the fringe. Use a low suction level and a new bag. Use a vacuum that has a good beater bar, as this removes more dirt than a regular canister vacuum. 

If your rug is new, you expect some shedding at first. This is natural, and you need not be alarmed. Shedding will subside after a few months of regular use and care. 

You should vacuum your rug often both front and back sides, and turn it end-for-end once in a while. Although many kinds of damage can be repaired, prevention is much easier (and cheaper) than repair, so avoid placing potted plants on the rug, and keep an eye on your pets. Inspect the entire rug periodically for signs of wear or damage. Have your rug cleaned only when it really is dirty.  When you see something wrong with your rug that is beyond your ability to rectify, don't hesitate to call a reputable Oriental rug cleaner for advice. That company would be us. With just a bit of care your Oriental rug will provide many years of utility and pride of ownership. 

Remember that your oriental rug is a valuable work of art and deserves the care and attention you give any fine possession. With the minimum maintenance outlined above, your rug will provide years and years of beauty and durability. 

A Clean & Tidy Carpet Cleaner specifically disclaims any and all liability from the use of the above methods. The recipient of this brochure acknowledges full responsibility for any and all damages or problems caused by the use of the above methods. 
 

CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

An Oriental rug is a purchase for a lifetime and when properly maintained will last for generations. 

Oriental rugs are very easy to maintain. A little simple care will go a long way in ensuring the life of the rug. 

The best way to keep a rug clean is to keep it from getting dirty in the first place. Removing outdoor shoes when entering the house (as people do in most rug weaving countries) is a good idea if this accords with your lifestyle. Bare-foot or sock-foot traffic is much gentler to a rug than a hard outdoor-shoe sole (or spike heel), and leaving your outdoor shoes at the entrance to the house tracks in much less dirt.

Have your rug cleaned only when it really needs it. For rugs in some areas this will mean a yearly cleaning. Rugs in other areas can go several years and more without needing professional cleaning. 

To judge how dirty a rug is, try one of these methods: 

• Pick up a corner of the rug and while holding it, kick the back of the rug sharply. If a cloud of dirt flies out of the pile, the rug is dirty and needs cleaning. NOTE: some dust and wool fibers is normal! 
• Kneel down on the rug and rub the pile vigorously with your hand in a short arc for 5 to 10 seconds. Look at your fingers and palm: if your hand is dirty, the rug needs cleaning. 
• With the pile facing UP fold part of the rug back upon itself so that the pile opens along a line of knots. Look down into the base of the pile at the foundation of the rug. If the warp and weft looks dirty, there is dirt deep in the pile where a home vacuum cleaner cannot reach it. The rug needs cleaning. 

Rugs that are heavily soiled should be washed with soap and lots of water. This work is best left to the professional rug cleaner who will pick up the rug from your home and return it once it has been cleaned. As most rugs are made of wool, they do tend to wash well. While it is possible to steam clean the rug in your home, a more thorough cleaning will be done at our plant. This is not the best way as the process will leave a lot of soap residue behind and the rug will soon lose it's luster and will attract dirt. We also do not recommend dry cleaning an Oriental rug unless it is dictated by the cleaner. Call at professional at 770-929-TIDY.

MOTHS

Moths can cause extensive damage to Oriental rugs, however, a carpet in use is rarely in danger from moths.  Frequent rotation and regular exposure to light and air keeps moths at bay.  Not only do moths eat the pile, but they can also eat the knots on the back of a rug. Moths are especially attracted to areas under furniture that remain relatively undisturbed.  It is quite simple to eliminate these pests and safeguard against their return by spraying the front and back of a carpet every six months with moth spray. 

Flying clothes moths do not eat your rugs, but the females do lay hundreds of eggs each, and the 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 veil in the area of the damage, along with fine, snakelike debris. An infestation often involves more than one rug, and can spread to (or from) woolens or furs hanging in a closet or sweaters stored in a drawer. A rug damaged by moths is not difficult to repair, but reweaving a large area of the rug can be expensive. 

To identify the presence of moths, look for one or more of these signs: 

flying moths -- the common clothing moth (tineola biosatellite) is the villain. It's small, 3/8" long or less, and is usually silvery tan or soft brown in color. This moth flies slowly but with a rapid flutter of small wings. If you try to snatch one out of the air, the clothes moth folds its wings and drops to the floor. 

bare spots in the pile -- often moth larvae will prefer the taste of one color yarn over another, and so the bare spots may involve some specific colors but not others. 

webs -- white gossamer filaments covering a patch of the rug's pile (often only present with a bad infestation). 

cocoons -- 1/8" diameter x 1/2" long slightly fuzzy cylinders usually the same color as the rug's pile (larvae camouflage their cocoons to blend in with the color of the wool that surrounds them). 

larvae in the pile -- slender, white, worm like moth larvae about 3/8" long can sometimes be seen just after hatching, before they've constructed cocoons. It is the larvae that actually eat the wool. 

sand-like particles down in the pile of the rug -- this material, often tan or brown in color, regular in size, and granular in look, is the excretion of the larvae. 

broken/loose plies -- where the larvae have chewed through yarn overcastings or bindings.
 

Animal stains

These accidents should be dealt with as fast as possible! Soak up liquids and remove solids. The area should be treated with a light alkaline solution such as club soda to remove the acidity that discolors the wool. It is also a good idea to use a deodorant type spray to discourage a repeat performance! 
 

Pet urine

Of the most common spills, urine presents the most severe problem. It can cause severe color run in the rug, and the odor can be very hard to remove or disguise. Urine can also chemically damage the structure of a rug by making the foundation hard and less supple. Repeated wettings can cause the foundation of the rug to loose mechanical strength to the point where the rug cracks and breaks when rolled or folded.

In case of urine on a rug, the problem is much more easily handled if the spot is treated promptly, before the spill is allowed to dry. Blot up as much liquid as possible with paper towels or a clean, white cloth. Try to rinse out as much of the spill as possible. 

A smaller rug can be taken outside and rinsed with a hose and cool water (try not to saturate the whole rug--it will take much longer to dry if you do). With a larger carpet, the corner or edge can be laid in a plastic dishpan and saturated with cool water or a bucket or plastic garbage can can be placed under the wet area of the carpet and cool water poured through the rug (make a hollow in the carpet over the container before you pour, and don't exceed the capacity of the container under the rug!). Add about 1 cup of white vinegar per gallon to the rinse water--vinegar helps prevent colors from running and will help neutralize the urine odor. 

After the rug has been rinsed, blot dry and sponge with rug shampoo or with the solution given below. Let dry thoroughly (drying a wet area of a larger carpet can be hastened by arranging the carpet so that air can circulate both top and bottom--drape the end of the carpet across a lawn chair, or put a sawhorse or painted bench under the rug in the area of the wet spot). 

Pet stool, regurgitation 

If a pet regurgitates on a rug, you are faced with removing a complex mixture of foodstuffs, saliva, and stomach acids. Depending on the foods involved, this mixture can actually work as a dilute dye to stain the pile a different hue. If a pet regurgitates or defecates on a rug, clean the area immediately by picking up as much material as possible with paper towels or with a clean, white cloth. If necessary, use a tablespoon to scrape up all the foreign material. Blot the area dry and immediately sponge several times with rug shampoo or with the cleaning solution listed below. Don't scrub hard--too much manipulation of the pile may make the stain worse. Sponge in the direction of the nap. If you are in doubt of how to take care of this problems, call us at 770-929-TIDY or bring your rug to our plant at 1100 West Ave., Conyers, GA 30012 for cleaning.

All statements pertaining to rug care and stain removal are of a general nature only. A Clean & Tidy Carpet Cleaner specifically disclaims any and all liability from the use of the above methods. The recipient of this brochure acknowledges full responsibility for any and all damages or problems caused by the use of the above methods.

Commonly Asked Questions

How should I measure my area rug to figure the cleaning price?

The entire length and width of the area rug should be measured including the fringed area to determine the exact size of the rug to be cleaned. (Feet and inches should be used to determine the total square footage).

How long will it take to clean my area rugs?

You should plan on being without your area rugs for 1-2 weeks. This will enable us the time to clean the rug a second time if it requires doing so. The fringe sometimes also requires a little extra cleaning time.

What is protector, and why would I want it applied?

The protector we apply to your cleaned area rugs is a unique and innovative development in fabric protection. It protects your area rug fibers against oil and water based spills with a solvent carried fluoroprotector for a stain and soil resistant treatment.

The purpose we apply protectors is not only to protect your area rugs against accidental spills, but also to coat the rug fibers to prevent the "grinding effect" that normal soiling can cause when our shoes continuously agitate against the rug fibers. Routine vacuuming also becomes much more effective when a protector is applied. Previous protectors will be removed.

Does protector get removed after a thorough cleaning?

Yes, protector will be removed after a couple of thorough deep cleanings and should be re-applied at that time. Routine walking on the protected area rug will also break-down some of the protector's capability over a period of time.

Will applying the pet odor control treatment guarantee that all pet odors will be removed?

Unfortunately, no one can guarantee complete odor removal from your area rugs. We have had great success in the past removing pet odors or greatly reducing them. (If the pet urine has penetrated the rug backing, it is sometimes impossible to completely remove all pet odors.)

What is General Deodorization?

General Deodorization helps to eliminate odors associated with: Smoke and cooking odors (garlic, fish, onions, etc.), beverage smells, urine, vomit, smoke and mildew.

We understand many times when you purchase area rugs you may never receive a proper care guide. We do have at our office a complete care guide that covers topics such as characteristics of wool, proper care, how to protect from fumes and dampness, wear and tear, padding, cleaning, common damages, rug storage, water damage, moths and insects damage, how to prevent insect damage, chemical damage, how to prevent sun damage. This spotting guide includes tips you may do yourself to remove basically anything.

If you would like information regarding our spot cleaning products safe for wool rugs or would like to receive our complete care guide for oriental area rugs, please call us at 770-929-8439.

<top of page>