Caring
If oriental rugs have survived centuries in
comparatively good condition, it is because of careful treatment. Oriental
rugs will give remarkably long service if treated with proper consideration.
Their two enemies, apart from the inevitable destructive effect of wear, are
moths and dampness. The former is best kept at bay by frequent moving or
handling and by regular exposure to light and air. If rugs must be stored,
then inspection at intervals is essential. A carpet in use is rarely in danger
from moths. Certain chemical applications will render the wool inedible to
moths. Dampness will in time rot the threads and destroy the fabric but it can
be avoided by obvious means. If any mechanical damage is sustained such as cut
or burn, the damage should be dealt with as soon as possible by a competent
person for such lesions get worse very quickly. In ordinary use, quite apart
from accident, the ends and sides often tend to wear and fray in which case
the parts should be reovercast. Places in the middle of the carpet that are
locally worn or damaged can have new knots inserted and even large holes can
be restored so as to be almost as good as new, though such work is rather
expensive. In carpets of lesser value, instead of new knotting, patches cut
from a suitable rug can often be inserted at less cost and sometimes a
serviceable small rug can be made from a larger worn one by cutting away the
bad parts.
Rotation
Frequently rotate the rug from sunny areas to
the other side of the room to equalize the effect of the sun. Continuous
exposure to bright hot sun rays and even indirect sunlight will cause damage
to the dyed fabrics used in Oriental rugs. On bright sunny days, use window
shades, shutters or heavy curtains to reduce the sun damage. Also, in terms of
fading, sometimes gases and fumes (from furnaces, cooking stoves, chimneys and
auto exhausts) mix with oxygen and humidity in the atmosphere to form an acid.
This acid reacts on the wool and causes deterioration and discoloration.
Usually faded areas are hidden by soil and will not be apparent until the
surface has been cleaned. In this case, contrast of color fading could be
avoided by rotating rugs from time to time to make fading or soiling uniform
and by changing their places so that all parts of the rug will have a chance
for equal exposure.
0 items
Capel Rugs
