Vacuuming and Your Fine Handmade Rug

Caring for your fine handmade rug doesn’t have to be difficult, but it is important you do so properly. You need to approach cleaning armed with knowledge about your rug. Depending on the age and materials your rug is made of, you may or may not be able to vacuum your rug with the beater brush.

For example, an antique rug should never be vacuumed with the beater brush in almost any circumstance. However, if your rug is fairly new and has a dense, thick pile, the beater brush setting may be okay. In fact, it may even buff your rug and give it more shine. But choosing to use the beater brush must be done carefully and knowledgeably.

Wool is one of the materials that may become more lustrous with vacuuming. However, not all wool rugs should be vacuumed with the beater brush. Wool rugs should be gently vacuumed two to four times a month, as these rugs can shed easily.

If you have a silk rug, in most cases you should vacuum without the beater brush. Silk fibers are the most delicate of rug materials and can be damaged if you use a beater or roller brush.…

Rug Massage and Your Fine Rug

At Behnam Rugs, we employ hand washing techniques passed down for generations from Old Persia. These techniques are gentle enough for even antique pieces.

Rug massage is a key part of our cleaning method. This technique loosens buildup in the pile of your rug that can cause odors and potentially damage the fibers of your rug.

So, what is rug massage? The process entails stomping on the rug while it is partially rolled up. Then depending on the size of the rug, one to four technicians stand on the rug while moving their feet up and down, effectively massaging the rug and loosening dirt trapped in the foundation of the rug. Both the front and the back of the rug are massaged in this way.

The process of stomping on the rug moves the fibers deep within the pile of the rug. Trapped dirt is moved to the top of the rug and is shaken off.

After the rug has been washed using absolutely no machines, it’s time for the rug massage. It is more effective on old and antique rugs after washing removes the dirt hiding right at the ends of the pile.…

Removing Wine Stains from Your Rug

For many, the holiday season is a time to share their home with family and other beloved guests. Friends gather round to share stories and make new memories. This is also the time of year your rugs are more at risk for spills and stains. Everyone loves delicious food and wine, but no so much when it spills on their fine handmade rug.

Luckily, the experts at Behnam Rugs have some tips when it comes to removing wine spills. Read this blog to learn how to clean up spills without damaging your rug, and if all else fails, bring it to us for a gentle hand washing, it’s probably overdue!

First of all, never use carpet cleaners, over the counter spot removers, or detergents on a fine rug- they can damage the rug beyond repair! Use natural remedies you can find in your home. If you spill red wine, try to absorb as much of the spot as you can with paper towels as soon as possible.

Open your fridge and see if you have any plain yogurt. Make sure it’s unflavored. Take a spoonful and rub in on the stain gently. Use the spoon to rub it in and spread it over the whole stain area.…

What Type of Rug Padding Does My Rug Need?

Rug padding is essential to the health and longevity of your fine handmade rug. Time and again, customers bring in older or antique rugs that are no longer perfectly rectangular and have lost their symmetrical shape. The culprit? Not using padding underneath the rug.

So, why are rug pads so important?

It’s not just about comfort. Yes, using a pad under your rug will make it feel more plush under foot, but it’s really about extending the health of your rug for years to come. A good rug pad absorbs most of the impact from foot traffic as well as the sound.

Rugs have to endure a lot of foot traffic, and that traffic will eventually wear out sections of your rug without a pad. This always happens unevenly, so that certain areas are stretched out while others are not.

The result? A wavy foundation that no longer looks symmetrical. This can affect the value of your rug as well, especially if you are considering selling it. A rug that has been placed over a pad will sell for more than the same rug that has been walked on for years without a pad.…

So you’ve decided to store your heirloom rug. It’s vital that you follow the advice outlined below to ensure your rug retains its value and doesn’t fall victim to mice, moths, water, or temperature damage.

An improperly stored rug can become a breeding ground for hungry and destructive moths. There are a few tips you should follow if you are preparing to store your precious rug. Choosing not to follow these tips can result in a damaged rug that needs costly repairs or even the complete destruction of your rug.

The first thing you’ll want to do is have your rug washed and cleaned professionally. It may seem like a waste to clean a rug that’s going into storage, but a dirty rug poses a multitude of risks.
Next, make sure to store your rug in a dry, climate controlled space. Both extreme heat and extreme cold can cause a variety of issues.

Once you have selected a spot to store your rug(s), thoroughly clean the space. Sweep, vacuum, and if you have access to an electric leaf blower, blast the area, especially nooks and crannies where pests may be hiding.

Once your rug and the storage area are clean, you’re ready to store your rug.…