Antique rugs

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Care and Cleaning of Antique Rugs
Antique rugs can add a touch of style and colour
to any room, but how do you keep rugs clean,
fresh and looking as good as the day you got it?
We look into a few carpet cleaning methods that
are safe for your rugs. Feeling a sumptuous rug
underfoot is one of life's pleasures, and welcome
warmth in a home with bare floors. We love
restored floorboards, oiled parquet or flagstone
flooring, but equally we adore the contrast of
colourful rugs styled throughout a room! Opting
for a carpet free area is often about
practicality as much as it is about style, so
it's important to know how to keep rugs just as
clean as your floor. Our collection of vintage
oriental rugs feature many intricately hand woven
wool rugs that will last for many years to come.
Taking a little time to maintain your rugs will
ensure they are enjoyed for many years to
come. Keep rugs dust free Keeping your rug dust
free is the easiest way to keep it looking it's
best, whether in a hallway or tucked away in a
rarely used room, dust will settle among the
fibres. Rug fibres can house pollen and dust
mites but hoovering several times a week will
pick up the majority of this.
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When hoovering the top of the rug, always turn
off the rotating brush or beater bar to avoid
catching the rug - use hoover suction only. Flip
the rug over several times to loosen and shake
out any deep seated grit, which will damage the
rug over time. Use the suction tool to hoover
the fringes and edges. If you'd rather use a
traditional rug cleaning method, we'd recommend
finding a vintage rug beater and a good carpet
brush. Hang the rug over your washing line or
wall and beat the dirt out, and enjoy relieving
some stress at the same time! Use a stiff carpet
brush afterwards to lift the fibres. How to
clean up spills on rugs Whether its an antique
runner rug in the hallway or a persian rug under
a coffee table, busy family homes can lead to
accidents. So how do you clean up spills on
rugs? Speed is of the essence and cleaning liquid
spills quickly will prevent unnecessary damage
being done. Our top tip with antique rug
cleaning is to blot not rub! Using a cloth, blot
from the outside of the spill to prevent it from
spreading further and scoop up anything sitting
on top of the rug.
How to spot clean a rug Always start with water,
particularly if it's a water-based mark. It's
surprising how many stains will lift with some
water, blot a little water on, blot off with a
dry cloth or towel. Repeat a few times without
getting your rug too wet and let it air dry.
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For most everyday stains, you shouldn't need to
buy any special rug cleaning products, you'll be
able to use what you have in your cupboards
already. You can have this mixture ready to go -
fill a spray bottle with a small amount of mild
detergent and water, spray this onto a cloth (not
directly onto the stain), blot and repeat to
lift the stain. Tougher stains might need some
extra oomph, but there are still natural methods
that can be used such as vinegar and detergent
with water blotted onto the area, and blotted
off again with water and finally with a dry
cloth. You might need to use a specially
formulated carpet cleaner, especially with pet
urine. Find a product that contains enzymes that
works against odour causing bacteria, as this
may prevent pets from going back to the same
place. You should always test products and other
methods in an inconspicuous place before using.
Different types of rugs such a jute or sisal may
need to be cleaned using different methods. How
to freshen up rugs naturally Smells settle in
fabrics and rugs are no different to your
curtains. A cheap and natural method that we
highly recommend to freshen up your rug is
bicarbonate of soda. Sprinkle lightly over the
entire rug and work in gently with a soft brush
to penetrate the fibres. Leave this natural
deodoriser to work for up to 24 hours and
hoover! There are lots of products such a shakes
and sprays that can be applied to your rug, but
please test these before using on an antique rug
to prevent future damage or colour loss.
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Professional rug cleaning In the event that you
can't clean a stain, or you have inherited a rug
that needs a little more TLC than you can give
it, please look at professional rug
cleaning. Deep cleaning rugs is best to be
carried out by experts in the field who
will handle your rug carefully whilst cleaning it
in the most suitable way. They use a variety of
methods such a steam cleaning, dry cleaning or
hand washing, which is generally reserved for
the most expensive hand woven rugs. Charges are
usually calculated by the square foot. Look for
good reviews from past customers! 'I always
begin a room with a the rug it is literally the
foundation of the space' - Lee Radizwill,
American socialite and interior designer. Finding
antiques near me Based in enigmatic Cornwall,
Kernow Furniture is home to an enormous range of
antique furniture and vintage homeware. Offering
flat rate national delivery throughout the UK
and free delivery on much of our antique stock,
you can furnish your home with the safety of a
30 day returns policy.