How to Determine if a Damaged Oriental Rug is Worth Saving

Your oriental rug is an investment. Over time, it can sustain damage, whether it’s from liquid spills, dirty shoes, or sun bleaching. This elegant feature is a work-of-art and should be treated as such. 

If your rug has lost its vibrancy or has stains, you may be wondering if it’s time to replace it. You’d be surprised by how impactful things like a rug repair or a professional cleaning can be. 

Unsure if your rug is worth saving? Here are things to consider before you make a decision. 

Inspect the Rug for Damage

The first thing you should do is go over the rug and assess the shape it’s in. Some of the more common types of damage include:

• Fading. Some small amounts of fading are normal over time. In most cases, if your rug has been exposed to too much sunlight or has chemical damage, it can still be restored. Our professional color restoration services can help bring your rug back to life.
• Fraying edges. It’s common for the edges of your rug to fray and come loose. If the damage isn’t too extensive, we can reinforce or re-bind the edges to prevent further damage with an oriental rug repair.
• Holes and tears. Because most Oriental rugs are made from natural fibers, such as silk and wool, they are susceptible to damage from insects and pests like moths. Small holes, such as those caused by moth damage, may also be repairable. You should always protect your oriental rug from infestations using mothballs or cedar blocks, especially in storage.
• Odors or stains. It’s also best to address spills and stains immediately by blotting the area with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Excessive moisture can cause mold and permanent damage. For set-in stains, we have several cleaning solutions to remove tough stains without compromising the beauty of your rug.

Consider the Replacement Value

Oriental rugs can vary in cost from several hundred to several thousand dollars. If you have a more expensive rug, it may be worth cleaning and repairing it rather than replacing it.

Schedule a Professional Cleaning

Sometimes, cleaning oriental rugs is all that’s needed to make them look better. In some cases, what looks like damage might be a build-up of grime and dirt. Consider having your rug professionally cleaned and maintained before you decide to toss it out. Oriental rug cleaning can sometimes restore the texture, remove odors and help prevent further damage.

Talk to a Professional at Zakian Rugs!

At Zakian Rugs, our team can assess the damage to your rug, provide an estimate on repairs and cleaning and recommend the best steps to take forward. If your rug is worth saving or if it can be saved, we will help. 

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and let us help restore your oriental rug!