If you’re lucky enough to have an Oriental rug in your home, you know how special it is. The detailed patterns and unique colors make it a true work of art. However, these rugs are also delicate and can be easily damaged during cleaning. Improper cleaning methods or products can cause colors to bleed and ruin the rug’s beauty and value. That’s why it’s important to take extra care when cleaning your rug. With the right approach, you can give your rug a deep clean without sacrificing its unique charm and vibrant colors.
Why Rug Bleeding Occurs
During the process of oriental rug cleaning, color bleeding can occur due to various factors. These factors may include:
- Natural dyes that are not colorfast: Traditional oriental rugs may have natural fibers and pigments, which can cause bleeding during cleaning, especially with water-soluble dyes and flooding cleaning methods.
- Damaging cleaning methods: Dry cleaning and steam cleaning can leave behind residue that can damage the rug and cause dyes to bleed.
- Application of excessive dye: Using too much dye to color the rug can cause the excess dye to wash out during cleaning and contaminate surrounding areas if not stabilized or protected.
- Exposure to alkaline substances or high heat during cleaning: Even if dyes are colorfast, they can still react and bleed when exposed to alkaline substances or high heat during cleaning or stain removal processes.
- Pet accidents: Corrosive substances like pet urine can cause dyes to bleed if not promptly and appropriately removed.
To prevent color bleeding and fading of your oriental rug, our oriental rug professionals at AGH Chem-Dry suggest some helpful tips as outlined below:
- 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.
- Clean up accidents right away. To prevent staining and bleeding, absorb as much liquid as possible with white paper towels or a white cloth. Then call a professional oriental rug cleaner to carefully remove the rest of the stain. Avoid using store-bought stain removers, as they may bleach your rug, cause color bleeding, or damage the delicate fibers.
- 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 here at AGH Chem-Dry. We’ll do an analysis of your rug to determine the best cleaning approach that preserves its integrity and avoid color bleeding.
Looking for professional rug cleaners in Glendale and Pasadena who will treat your rug with care and expertise? Look no further than AGH Chem-Dry! Call us today at (818) 748-2727 to schedule an appointment.