Walk on Your Rug Barefoot

The best way to keep a rug clean and long lasting is to keep it from getting dirty. Removing your outdoor shoes when you enter the house is an easy way to add years to the life of your rug, and to decrease the expense of professional cleanings. Bare foot, clean slipper or sock footed traffic is much kinder to your rug than hard soled or high heeled shoes. Leaving your outdoor shoes at the entrance to you home tracks in much less dirt.Having several pairs of clean cotton slippers in different sizes for your guests will encourage visitors to relax and feel at home while protecting your carpets.

To maintain the beauty of the rugs don't forget to:

	Vacuum regularly
	Remove spills immediately. When there is a spill, make sure to dilute it with water. Using a paper towel or a clean white cloth, blot up whatever you can, starting from the edge and working your way towards the centre. Do not rub. If the spill is solid, use a spoon to scoop up as much of it as possible.
	Professionally clean (for residential use: once every year or two) but this can greatly vary depending on the traffic.
It is very important that you have your oriental rug washed by a company that specialises in washing hand-knotted carpets.
	Rotate your rug every year in order to ensure that it wears evenly.

Basic Directions For Stain Removal

To remove stains and add to the beauty and life of your carpet use the following instructions in order. Removal of most common stains is easiest if attended to promptly. Apply cleaning materials directly to the stain. Allow to stand for ten seconds and then blot, do not wipe. Always test for color fastness on an inconspicuous spot on the carpet.

	Remove excess soil promptly by blotting or scraping with a dull edge first. The back edge of a butter knife works well.
	Do not wipe stain. Always blot gently with an absorbent clean white cloth.
	Avoid getting the carpet too wet.
	When dry, gently brush to restore pile.
	Some stains are difficult to remove and you may need to repeat the process several times.
	Some stains are permanent and must be removed with the help of a professional carpet cleaner.

Removing Tea/Coffee Stains

	Mix one teaspoon of a neutral detergent, ( a mild detergent containing no alkalis or bleaches), with one cup luke warm water. Blot with clean white cloth dampened with this solution.
	Mix one third cup of white household vinegar with two thirds cup of water. Blot.
	Blot with a sponge with clean water.

Remember to always test for color fastness on a small area first!

How to Determine if Your Rug Needs a General Cleaning

	While lifting a corner of the rug, kick the back of the rug briskly. If a cloud of dust flies out of the pile, the rug is dirty and needs cleaning.
	If your hand becomes dirty after rubbing the pile vigorously for five to ten seconds, the rug needs cleaning.
	With the pile facing you, fold a part of the rug back on itself so that the pile opens along a line of knots. Look down into the pile at the foundation of the rug. If the warp and weft look dirty, or you can see dirt deep where the vacuum can't reach it, the rug needs cleaning.

How to Find a Qualified Carpet Cleaner

Do not trust just any cleaner with your fine rugs. In order to find a qualified expert you can try several approaches. If there is a dealer of fine oriental carpets in your area inquire as to who they recommend to their customers. You can approach a museum and inquire about who they trust. You can find a carpet cleaner through the "Yellow Pages" or the internet, but always ask for references and take the time to call several past customers to see if they were satisfied.