Tips for storing and maintaining Persian carpets to make them last longer

That brilliance will last forever. To pass on this precious piece to the next generation.

You may have a special Persian carpet in your home that you've always wanted to have, or that you already own. Persian carpets made of silk, in particular, have an inviting luster and an enchantingly smooth texture... They are truly treasures for your room, and they bring richness to your daily life.

But how can such beautiful and delicate silk Persian carpets maintain their luster for a long time? Some people may feel a little anxious, thinking, "Maintaining a Persian carpet seems difficult..."

Don't worry! Today, from the perspective of our Persian carpet specialty store, we will introduce some tips and loving storage and maintenance methods to help you pass on your precious Persian carpet (especially silk ones) as a true "family heirloom" for generations to come. It's not difficult. With just a little daily care, your Persian carpet will continue to shine beautifully for an amazingly long time.

How to care for your precious Persian carpet

First, let's look at the basic care for Persian carpets that you can do in your daily life.

• Vacuum gently: Keep your silk Persian rug clean Dust that accumulates on Persian rugs is not only unsightly, but if left unattended, it can also seep deep into the fibers and cause the silk to lose its shine. Vacuum gently a few times a month, following the direction of the fur, using the "low" setting. Tip: Do not scrub with a strong suction setting! This will damage the delicate silk fibers. We recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attached to the nozzle, which can gently remove dust from deep within the fibers. Give your rug a gentle, loving rub.
• Take a deep breath with "airing": Persian carpets and moisture prevention When you hear "airing," you might think it sounds like a bit of work. But 100% silk Persian carpets are also natural, breathable materials. They really don't like moisture. Once every few months, on a sunny, dry day, try spreading the carpet out with the back side up in a well-ventilated, shady place for a few hours. This will effectively release the moisture trapped inside the carpet and prevent mold and insect damage. This is an especially important way to care for your Persian carpet during Japan's rainy season.

Tips for storing Persian carpets to make them last longer

There may be times when you will not be using your Persian carpet for a while due to the change of seasons or when you move. There are some tips on how to store your carpet in such cases.

• Wrap it gently and take proper measures against insects. First, carefully remove any dust from the surface and put in an insect repellent specially designed for silk products (select a mild one). Then, wrap the Persian carpet in soft, breathable paper or nonwoven fabric and store it horizontally if possible. If it is stored vertically, the weight may cause it to lose its shape.
• It is important to store it in a well-ventilated place . Avoid humid and stale places. Even if you store it in a closet, don't forget to take measures to ensure ventilation, such as laying a wooden slatted floor or opening the door regularly to let in fresh air.
• Sunlight is silk's worst enemy! Don't forget to take measures against sunburn Silk is vulnerable to ultraviolet rays, and if it is exposed to direct sunlight for a long time, the color of the Persian carpet will fade and the fibers will deteriorate. Even if you lay it next to a window, try to avoid exposing the same part to sunlight all the time by turning the carpet over about once a year. This alone will prevent uneven tanning and keep the carpet beautiful for a long time.

[Recommended by specialty stores!] The best way to store them is to hang them on the wall as art

So far we have explained the general storage methods, but if you think, "I won't be using it for a while and it seems a shame to just 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.

The option is to hang it on the wall and enjoy it!

You may be surprised, "A carpet on a wall?" But it actually makes perfect sense, especially for silk Persian carpets.

• The biggest advantage is that it is always exposed to air, so it doesn't get humid! 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 can't 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. Silk Persian carpets change their appearance depending on the amount of light they receive and the angle from which you look at them, so you will never get bored of them.
• Silk is surprisingly light! You may think, "It seems like it would be difficult to hang a carpet on the wall...", but most silk Persian carpets are much lighter than wool carpets of the same size. Especially small to medium sizes, even women can handle them relatively easily. Special tapestry hangers are also available on the market.

Of course, this may be difficult for large carpets or for some wall materials, but if you have unused wall space in your room, or if you would like to change out your tapestry for each season, please consider hanging your Persian carpet on the wall. This is a great way to kill two birds with one stone, protecting your precious Persian carpet from moisture and deformation while allowing you to appreciate its artistry every day.

Persian rug cleaning: should you leave it to the professionals or can you do it at home?

"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! In conclusion, we strongly recommend that you leave the cleaning of 100% silk Persian carpets to a professional cleaning shop. Silk is a very delicate material that changes its texture easily when wet. Professionals are familiar with the characteristics of Persian carpets (especially silk) and can use the optimal cleaning method to remove dirt without damaging the carpet. If you have a carpet in a room where you don't usually walk on it with shoes, 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 . However, there may be cases where you really want 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 pat the fabric along the direction of the pile, never rubbing, to lift the dirt.
  4. Rinse thoroughly and quickly to ensure no detergent remains.
  5. Absorb the moisture with a towel without wringing it out, and turn it over and over again until it is completely dry, always in a well-ventilated, shady place. However, please understand that there is a very high possibility of problems occurring, such as color fading, shrinkage, and changes in texture. After all, it is wise to ask a reliable professional for help with your precious Persian carpet.

Persian carpet repair: Don't overlook the small signs and take action early

Daily use can cause gradual wear and tear, but if you can spot these small signs early on and deal with them, you can keep your Persian carpet beautiful for a long time.

• Dents and wear caused by heavy furniture If you keep heavy furniture such as the legs of a table or chair in the same place for a long time, the pile in that area may become crushed or worn out. By moving the furniture from time to time or laying protective pads, you can reduce the burden on the carpet. If holes appear or the wear becomes severe, you should also contact a professional as soon as possible.

Being careless and thinking, "It might be okay for a little while..." can lead to huge repair costs and irreparable damage later. Don't overlook these small SOS messages from your precious Persian carpet.

Did you know? How to take good care of Persian carpets (silk material)?

Finally, we will answer some of your small questions about silk Persian carpets.

• Is silk vulnerable to fire?

You may think that silk is more flammable than wool, but it is said that if it catches fire for a short period of time, sparks are less likely to spread over a wide area. However, you should still be careful with fire, and if it does catch fire, please put it out without panicking.

• Is Japan's humidity bad for Persian carpets?

Yes, that's right! Silk is more sensitive to changes in humidity than wool. The hot and humid environment from the rainy season to summer in Japan is particularly harsh on silk. It can cause mold to grow and weaken the fibers. Using the dehumidifying function of your air conditioner or a dehumidifier to keep the humidity in your room at an appropriate level is very important for keeping your Persian carpets lasting longer.

With love, Persian carpets can last 100 or 200 years! Connecting them to the future

Silk Persian rugs are certainly luxurious and delicate materials, but as you can see, with proper care and loving attention, 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 houses. With a little daily care, your precious piece may grow into an irreplaceable "family heirloom" that will be loved by your children and grandchildren. When you think about it, doesn't the time spent caring for it start to get exciting?

Summary: For a longer, deeper relationship with Persian carpets

The special shine and enchanting feel of 100% silk Persian carpets... They bring a richness and joy that cannot be found anywhere else to your daily life.

In order to enjoy this beauty forever, it is important to remember that

• Daily care includes gentle vacuuming and regular airing.
• When storing for a long period of time, be sure to avoid moisture and sunlight.
• Cleaning should generally be left to a trusted professional.
• If the tassels or edges are frayed, or the item has been damaged by furniture, consult a specialist as soon as possible.

If you keep these four points in mind and treat your silk Persian carpet with love, it will surely live up to your expectations and greatly extend its lifespan.

Because it is a precious one-of-a-kind item, we take great care to create it. The time you spend with it is a conversation with your Persian carpet, and it will be an important moment that will help you to live a rich life. We hope you will continue to enjoy the elegant time that only "the queen of fibers," silk, can provide, for many years to come.

[Click here for advice on choosing a Persian carpet]

Golestan, a Persian carpet specialist, will help you find the perfect carpet to suit your room and lifestyle. Our expert staff will be happy to help you choose from our extensive selection, so please feel free to consult with us.

• Check the size and texture at a physical store: Store address and access information
• Check out our online store for carpets in various sizes: Visit our online store
• Inquiries regarding size selection and stock: To the inquiry form

We look forward to your visit and inquiries.