How Do You Eliminate Oriental Rug Odors?
The last thing you want is an Oriental rug that looks gorgeous and smells awful. Annual rug cleaning by a professional who hand washes your high-quality rug can help prevent odors from building up. Prevention always is better than damage control, so here are a few steps you can take at home to prevent odors in your area rugs.
Pets
We love our pets, and our pets love rugs and carpets, especially in the winter months. It's too bad that high-quality rugs don't love pets and their odors. Urine leaves an acid stain that produces a chemical reaction in wool, and does more damage as time passes. The best way to handle pet odors is to prevent accidents. If you're house training a new puppy, roll up your Oriental rug or place it in a room the dog can't access until your new canine catches on.
Moisture
Slow, steady water leaks or even long-term exposure to high humidity can cause moldy odors in rugs. It's never a good idea to put potted plants directly on high-quality rugs, and if you notice any musty smell on or near your rug, try to find the source. If your rug sustains water damage, have it repaired as soon as possible before the rug builds up mold.
Storage
Properly storing your rug also minimizes odors. Aside from the potential for dust or absorbed odors from nearby chemicals or animals, well-meaning homeowners can cause odor in their Oriental rugs. Moth balls and flakes have an odor that transfers to the rug and becomes very difficult to remove. Cedar smells better, but does not control moths. It's better to have a professional prepare your rug for storage.
Spot cleaners can damage wool and hand-woven rugs, removing dye. It's not a good idea to use harsh chemicals or cleaners, especially without testing the color fastness of your rug. Call (804) 358-3811 and ask the professionals at Hadeed-Mercer Rug Cleaning for advice or bring your rug in for hand washing or repair.
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