Oriental rugs are valuable and unique pieces that add character and beauty to your home. However, their intricate patterns and delicate colors make them prone to damage during the cleaning process. Incorrect cleaning methods or stain removal can cause the colors of your rug to bleed together, ruining its appearance and value. To preserve the beauty and integrity of your oriental rug, it’s important to take precautions and give it the attentive care it deserves during the cleaning process. With proper care, your rug can be thoroughly cleaned while maintaining its beautiful design and rich colors.
Why Rug Bleeding Occurs
There are several factors that can cause color bleeding during the process of oriental rug cleaning. These include:
- Natural dyes that are not colorfast. Oriental rugs made with traditional methods often use natural fibers and pigments, and the dyes used may not be colorfast. Water-soluble dyes are particularly prone to bleeding during cleaning, and certain cleaning methods like flooding can cause major problems.
- Damaging cleaning methods. Dry cleaning and steam cleaning are not suitable for oriental rugs and can leave behind a residue that causes dyes to bleed and damage the rug.
- Application of excessive dye. If too much dye is used to color the rug, an excess dye may wash out during the first few cleaning cycles and contaminate surrounding areas if not stabilized or protected.
Color bleeding and fading of your oriental rug can be avoided if you take the necessary precautions. Here are some tips from our oriental rug cleaners to minimize the risk of color bleeding and fading:
- Keep your rug out of direct sunlight. UV rays can disintegrate the bonds that hold dyes to the fibers in your rug, causing fading. Avoid placing your rug in direct sunlight and use other methods to dry it if it becomes wet.
- Schedule regular rug cleaning appointments. To extend the lifespan of your rug and maintain its rich color palette, schedule a yearly cleaning with our professional team.
We’ll do an analysis of your rug to determine the best cleaning approach that preserves its integrity and avoid color bleeding.
If you’re looking for a team of rug cleaning experts in Pittsburgh who will respect your rug and keep it in its best shape, give Citiwide Chem-Dry a call at 724-241-6690 today!