WHEN IS IT TIME TO CLEAN AN ORIENTAL RUG?
Most Oriental and other area rugs are ready to be cleaned after three to five years of use. Entrance-way rugs are cleaned every year. Natural fibers absorb polluting sulfites and nitrites from the air and build up acidic components that must be washed out. Gritty street soil, which cuts the pile, must be dusted out. Allergens and unsanitary bacteria must eventually be removed or reduced in number.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO CLEAN A TEXTILE?
This depends upon use, placement and type of protection from the atmosphere (such as a Plexiglas box for displays) and physical contact. General ongoing maintenance is always essential. Even in a museum, textiles are periodically cleaned. Intervals of ten years between cleanings is common for textiles on display. Flemish and French tapestries should be cleaned within this time period, but special care must be taken due to the deteriorating silk areas.
IS MY ORIENTAL RUG OR TEXTILE WORTH CLEANING OR REPAIRING?
Several factors must be considered: the retail value of the item, the cost - or possibility - of replacing it and, especially, its historic or sentimental value. A dealer in the particular type of textile or rug can appraise its monetary and historic value. Only the owner can assess its personal value.
HOW CAN I FIND A CONSERVATOR FOR MY RUG OR TEXTILE?
In general, it is advisable to obtain a reference from a trusted friend or someone in the trade. Museum textile departments, auction houses, high end dealers and collectors are excellent sources of information. It is good practice to secure several references that point to the same business. Some rug dealers offer in-house cleaning and repair, but keep in mind that these services are best provided by recognized independent professionals. It is always best to wait to clean or repair an Oriental rug, tapestry or textile until one is completely confident that they have found the right conservator.
Contact Talisman with any questions
SOME USEFUL LINKS
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Acid Free Tissue Paper for Textiles and Costume
Archival Mounts For Paintings On Textiles
Gently Vacuumed - A term widely used, but rarely measured!
Geography and Textile Storage
Insects and Wool Textiles
Photography of a Textile for Insurance, Appraisal, or Conservation
Storing Wedding Gowns and Textile Heirlooms
Tips on How to Handle Antique Textiles and Costumes
To Bleach or not to Bleach...