Care, Storage and Maintenance of Silk Persian Rugs

Persian carpets, especially those made of silk, are known for their breathtakingly beautiful luster and the intricate designs that can only be achieved with high density. Just having one in your living room can instantly brighten up the entire space and create a sense of luxury.

Persian silk carpets are "lifetime" works of art that can be passed down for decades, or even generations, if properly cared for. However, some people may be worried, thinking, "Silk seems delicate...how should I care for it?"

If you keep the key points in mind, daily care isn't that difficult.

In this article, we will provide an easy-to-understand explanation, including a professional perspective, of the care methods you should know in order to maintain the beauty and value of your precious Persian silk carpet for a long time.

1. Once you receive it

We will tell you what to be careful of when you receive your new carpet and when storing it when you are not using it.

Once you take it out of the bag, take a deep breath!

Your carpet will be securely packed for transport, so please take it out of the bag and unfold it as soon as you receive it.

This is because if the carpet is left in the bag for a long time, moisture will build up and mold and insects (those annoying insects that eat your precious carpet!) will be more likely to grow. Let the carpet get some fresh air in a new environment and say "good job!"

In a well-ventilated place

The best place to store a Persian carpet is in a well-ventilated place that is not exposed to direct sunlight for long periods of time.

Direct sunlight for extended periods of time is the enemy and can cause the beautiful colors of silk to fade, so avoid placing it in direct sunlight for long periods of time.

However, from experience, a few hours of diagonal light from a window every day will not have an immediate effect. If you place the carpet in a location where it will be exposed to sunlight, it is a good idea to take measures such as turning the carpet around regularly.

Don't seal it! Stuffy air is a sign of mold and insects

Humidity can also lead to mold and insects. Placing your carpet in a well-ventilated area will help keep the carpet fibers healthy. It's also best to avoid places that are too dry, such as those directly exposed to air conditioning. The ideal temperature (10-25°C) and humidity (40-60%) are said to be comfortable for humans as well.

Never store carpets in sealed plastic bags! This traps moisture and creates a perfect breeding ground for mold and insects.

If you need to store it for a long time, gently wrap it in breathable cotton or nonwoven fabric. If you use an insect repellent, make sure it is compatible with silk, and make sure to place it so that it does not come into direct contact with the carpet.

2. Wrinkles aren't a bad thing! How to deal with them gently

"When I spread it out, it was wrinkled...is it okay?" Don't worry, this is a common occurrence with silk carpets.

Silk has the flexibility that only natural fibers can provide. If it is folded when transported or stored for a while, it will inevitably develop creases from folding and folding. This is a characteristic of silk. These creases will usually disappear naturally after about a month of use, due to the weight of the carpet itself, the moderate pressure from walking on it, and the humidity of the room. Don't rush, just wait and see how it goes.

If you have any wrinkles that bother you...

If you want to get rid of wrinkles quickly, try these methods, but be gentle with them.

• Shake gently to loosen the fibers: With the carpet unfolded, try shaking it gently around the wrinkled area or gently pulling it by the edges. This will loosen the fibers, allowing air to enter and making it easier to remove the wrinkles.
• Dry in the shade in a well-ventilated place: Spread the carpet out in a well-ventilated place out of direct sunlight. The weight of the carpet itself will help to naturally remove wrinkles.
• Use steam: The steam function on an iron is also effective, but never place the iron directly on the carpet! Silk is sensitive to heat and may be burned or damaged. Hold the iron about 15-20cm away from the carpet, set it to a low temperature, and gently apply steam to the wrinkled areas. The steam will relax the fibers, making it easier to remove wrinkles. After steaming, gently smooth out any wrinkles with your hands and let it air dry thoroughly.

3. Weaving defects and thread joints

When looking at a Persian silk carpet, you may sometimes think, "Hey, there's a seam here," or "Maybe there's a thread sticking out?"

Persian carpets are works of art that are woven by skilled artisans who take countless hours to hand-knot each thread. Because new threads are knotted together each time a thread is used up, there are inevitably seams between the threads. Also, small thread ends may come off during the manufacturing process.

These are unmistakable evidence that the carpet is "handwoven" by human hands, something that could never be produced by a machine, and are part of the carpet's individuality and flavor. Please rest assured that this does not affect the quality.

If there's anything you're concerned about...

The seams in the threads that are unique to handwoven fabrics and slight pile (length of fibers) sticking out are generally fine to leave as they are.

However, if the thread does come out, do not pull it.

In Persian carpets, each pile thread is woven (tied) independently, so if you notice any loose threads, you can easily adjust them by cutting them with scissors to make them the same length as the surrounding area. Even if you cut them, there is no need to worry about the fraying spreading from that point.

If you are concerned about fraying or damage that is difficult to fix yourself, we recommend that you do not try to fix it yourself, but rather consult a reliable company that specializes in Persian carpet repair.

Please note that the tassels and decorative parts on the edges of the carpet are not directly connected to the structure of the main body. Fraying in these areas does not affect the main body, and in most cases can be repaired relatively easily at a specialist store.

If you have your carpet repaired properly, you can continue to use it with peace of mind.

4. Maintain radiance with simple daily care

With a little daily care, you can keep silk's beautiful luster for a long time.

Regular vacuuming to remove dust

Silk is a relatively dust-resistant material, but dust and small particles are unavoidable in daily life. These particles can penetrate deep into the pile and cause damage to the fibers.

It's important to vacuum regularly, but for delicate carpets like silk, avoid using vacuum cleaners with too much suction power or nozzles with rotating brushes (beater bars), as this can damage the pile and pull out knots.

Use a flat nozzle without a brush and set the suction power to low. It is recommended to vacuum slowly and carefully in the direction of the pile. Vacuum high-traffic areas once or twice a week, and other areas a few times a month, depending on how often you use the vacuum.

The golden rule for stains is to "dab it! Let it dry!"

If you happen to spill a drink or something on your carpet and it leaves a stain, it's a race against time! The golden rule for minimizing damage to your precious Persian silk carpet and preventing the stain from leaving a mark is to act quickly and to "dab it! Let's dry it!" Let's take a look at the specific steps.

Step 1: Hit it hard ("Hit it!")

If a stain does appear, the first thing you should do is immediately grab a clean white cloth or paper towel. Gently but firmly dab the stain from above to absorb as much liquid as possible. The stain should transfer to the cloth or paper towel. To prevent the stain from spreading, it's best to dab from the outside of the stain towards the center.

Never scrub! Rubbing not only pushes dirt deeper into the fibers and spreads it around, but it is also the biggest cause of damage to the delicate pile of silk.

Step 2: Dry thoroughly ("Let it dry!")

Once the stain has been removed, the next extremely important step is drying. If moisture remains on the carpet, it can cause ring stains, which leave an outline of the stain after it dries, and can also lead to mold and unpleasant odors.

Place a clean, dry towel over the wet area and press down to absorb as much moisture as possible. Then, open a window to improve ventilation, or use a fan or dehumidifier, and let the item dry naturally in a well-ventilated area.

Avoid using hot air from a hair dryer or exposing the surface to direct sunlight as mentioned above, as these can damage silk.

If you really want to dry the carpet quickly in direct sunlight, there is a trick to turn the carpet over and dry it from the other side. However, if you are unsure how to do this yourself, please consult a specialist store.

Be careful not to touch, furnish, or walk on the area until it is completely dry.

Don't push yourself too hard: It's also important to decide whether to leave it to the professionals

Some stains, such as coffee, wine, or ink, can be difficult to treat at home. If you're not confident in your ability to do it yourself, or if the stain is large or has been there for a long time, the safest and most reliable method is to not try to deal with it yourself, but to call a professional Persian carpet cleaner (especially one with extensive experience and trust in treating silk carpets). Improper treatment can worsen the stain or cause irreversible damage to your precious carpet.

5. Other ideas to ensure long-lasting use

Here are some tips to help you extend the life of your Persian carpet and keep it looking beautiful forever.

• Rotate your carpet regularly: We recommend rotating your carpet 180 degrees and re-laying it regularly, such as every six months. This will help prevent fading from the sun, prevent wear from concentrating in high-traffic areas, and ensure even use of the entire carpet.
• Laying a rug pad: Laying a rug pad under a carpet not only provides a non-slip effect, but also absorbs shock when walking, reducing the burden on the pile and foundation of the carpet and preventing wear. It also creates an air gap between the carpet and the floor, helping to prevent moisture buildup. For silk carpets, we recommend a breathable felt type.
• Be careful with heavy furniture: If you place heavy furniture on your carpet, make sure to place protective covers or padding under the legs, as leaving them on the carpet can permanently crush the pile and put undue pressure on the carpet.

6. Insects that eat clothes, etc.

Silk and wool are natural materials that can be easily attacked by insects (especially those that feed on clothing). Protect your precious carpets by taking appropriate precautions and storing them properly.

Preventing insect damage

Insects love dark, damp places and places with spilled food and dust.

• Clean frequently: Regular vacuuming is the most effective prevention method, removing dust and debris that serve as food sources for insects, and don't forget to clean hard-to-vacuum places like under furniture.
• Ventilation: It is also important to regularly ventilate the room to prevent humidity buildup.
• Insect repellent: Proper use of a silk-compatible insect repellent is also effective, but be sure not to place it directly on the carpet and read the instructions carefully before use.

7. Storage method when not using for a long period of time

If you will not be using your carpet for a while, follow the steps below to store it.

1. Professional Cleaning: Always have your Persian rug professionally cleaned before storing it, as dirt can attract insects.
2. Rolled storage: Folding can cause strong creases, so it is recommended to store it rolled up. Roll with the pile side facing inward.
3. Breathable packaging: Wrap the carpet securely in a breathable fabric (such as cotton) or a storage cover specifically designed for carpets. Also, include an insect repellent suitable for silk. Do not seal the carpet in plastic or other materials.
4. Storage location: Choose a dark, well-ventilated place with stable temperature and humidity. For best results, do not place it directly on the floor, but on a shelf.

8. The best storage method is wall-mounting

So far, we have explained the general storage methods, but if you think, "I won't be using it for a while, so it would be a waste to put it away..." or "But I don't have the space to put it on the floor...", there is a storage method that specialty stores highly recommend.

That's the option to hang it on the wall and enjoy it!

You might be surprised to hear, "What, a carpet on a wall?" But it's actually a perfectly logical and wonderful solution, especially for silk Persian carpets.

• It's always exposed to air, so it doesn't trap moisture! This is its biggest advantage. By hanging it on the wall, the entire Persian carpet is always exposed to air, preventing moisture from building up. This greatly reduces the risk of mold and insect damage.
• It becomes a "moving work of art" that you can enjoy looking at! If you put it away, you won't be able to see its beautiful appearance. But if you hang it on the wall, you can enjoy its beauty every day like a tapestry that decorates your room. A silk Persian carpet changes its appearance depending on the light and the angle from which you view it, so you'll never get bored of it.
• Silk is surprisingly light! You might think, "It must be difficult to hang a carpet on the wall...", but most silk Persian carpets are significantly lighter than wool carpets of the same size. Especially small to medium sizes, even women can handle them relatively easily. There are also special tapestry hangers available on the market.

Of course, this may be difficult for large carpets or depending on the material of the wall, but if you have unused wall space in your room, or if you would enjoy changing your Persian carpet with the seasons, you should definitely consider wall-mounting it. It's a great way to kill two birds with one stone: protect your precious Persian carpet from moisture and deformation, while still being able to appreciate its artistry every day.

9. Persian carpet cleaning

"What should I do if my Persian carpet gets dirty?" This is a question that many people worry about.

• The basic rule is to leave it to the professionals! To sum up, we strongly recommend that you have a professional dry cleaner clean your 100% silk Persian carpet. Silk is a very delicate material, and its texture changes easily when it gets wet. Professionals are well-versed in the characteristics of Persian carpets (especially silk) and can use the optimal cleaning method to remove stains without damaging the carpet. If your carpet is placed in a room where it is not usually stepped on, you should consider having it professionally cleaned about once every 10 to 15 years.
• Generally, we do not recommend washing silk carpets at home with the utmost care , but there may be times when you really need to get rid of a small stain right away. In that case, please pay the utmost attention to the following points.
  1. Always use cold water! Silk is sensitive to heat, so hot water is a big no-no.
  2. Use a very diluted neutral detergent for silk.
  3. Gently tap the fabric along the direction of the pile, never rubbing, to lift the dirt.
  4. Rinse thoroughly and quickly to remove any detergent residue.
  5. Absorb the moisture with a towel without wringing it out, then place it in a well-ventilated, shady area, turning it over and over until it is completely dry. However, please understand that there is a very high possibility of problems occurring, such as color fading, shrinkage, and changes in texture. It is wise to entrust the care of your precious Persian carpet to a trusted professional.

lastly

Silk Persian rugs are certainly luxurious and delicate materials, but as you can see, with proper care and loving care, they can retain their beauty for an astonishingly long time.

In fact, antique silk Persian carpets that have been carefully passed down for over 100 or 200 years still shine brightly in European art museums and old homes. With a little daily effort, even a precious piece may grow into an irreplaceable family heirloom that will be loved by your children and grandchildren.