Month: August 2021

How to Save Your Rug from Water Damage

Water may seem like a harmless substance, yet it can do a lot of damage to a delicate rug. No one expects to spill water on and potentially ruin their premium Oriental rug. That’s why they call it an accident! That doesn’t make the stain any less bad or the rug any less ruined, sadly. Can it be salvaged? Is it possible to save your rug from water damage? Yes! You’ve come to the right place, because Serafian’s is the best place in New Mexico to buy a new rug as well as the best place to learn how to care for your rug once you bring it home. 

From mold, to color bleeding, and even a weakened, thinned foundation, water can thoroughly spoil the quality of your prized Oriental rug if the damage is not taken care of as soon as possible. Aside from professional rug care and repair, there are some steps you can take to protect the rug from severe damage. We should note that these are only temporary steps to take until it is taken to a rug cleaning facility.

Step #1

Gently vacuum the rug to suction out some of the water. It is important to note that this means using the suction of the vacuum, but never using a beater bar or brush. You want to gently suction the rug, so don’t use an overly-powerful tool. Also, never vacuum the fringe!

Step #2

Relocate it to a dry area of your home until you are able to contact a cleaning and restoration company to get the rug professionally restored.

Step #3

If possible, do not place the rug close to a sink or another water source. Regular exposure to water, moisture, and even humidity can cause a good deal of damage over time.

Step #4

You may think putting it outside or near a window will help, but this is a mistake. Both sunlight and fluorescent lighting can destroy the colors of your rug’s thread. Humidity is another killer, because it can attract mildew. It’s best to find a cool, dark, and dry place away from any harsh lighting.

We love to educate our shoppers! Learning how to salvage your rug after a spill is only half of it. We recommend having your rug washed every two years. In fact, we so strongly want you to do this that we will wash it at half the normal price if you keep up with your biennial rug cleaning. This is incredibly beneficial to you. It allows us to catch small repairs and other issues before they become big, expensive problems. This is just one way we show our dedication to our customers! 

If you’re in New Mexico, the place to shop and educate yourself is Serafian’s. We are located at 1421 Wyoming Blvd NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 and you can also call us at (505) 504-RUGS (7847).

3 Tips for Hanging Rugs as Artwork

Hand-knotted rugs are thousands or millions of knots individually tied to a foundation. Wow! That’s pretty incredible! They are made from natural materials like wool, silk, cotton, bamboo, jute, or a blend of different fibers. The use of these top-quality materials together with a complex hand weaving technique mean a hand knotted rug is a remarkable finished product. If that sounds more like a piece of art than something you want people walking all over, you’re not alone in thinking this. That is why many people choose to actually hang their rugs. 

Hand-knotted oriental rugs are more than just a floor covering. They are an art form with a history spanning thousands of years and a wide variety of cultures. If you want to show yours off by displaying it as artwork, here are a few pieces of expert advice:

#1 Think About the Weight of the Rug

These large rugs can be much heavier than you realize, because they’re so strong and durable. Heavier rugs will require great care in choosing the method and location. You should absolutely avoid push pins and thumbtacks when hanging a high-quality rug! The stress of pins on fabric that is hanging will ultimately destroy the shape, wear on the threads, and even weaken the backing of the rug.

Instead, use rods and hooks. Rods are popular for displaying a rug properly on a wall for large sizes. The hooks mounted into the wall should hold the rod while the rug is slipped over the rod by using a casing, just as you would hang a heavy drape. 

#2 Consider a Mounted Frame

Have you ever been to a museum and seen the way they display canvas or fabric artwork done centuries ago? They have the right idea! This is more secure and sturdy than other methods. Hand-knotted rugs fit this method well because you want to care for them in the best way possible. Another convenience of using a frame is the ability to hang the frame on any surface with a hook and wire, just like you would hang a large picture or painting. You can also rotate your frame to different locations when you have company or are in the mood to redecorate.

#3 Where You Hang it is Just as Important as How You Hang It

Take great caution in choosing the location of where your rug will hang. Sunlight and fluorescent lighting can destroy the colors of your rug’s thread, so keep it away from any windows. Humidity is another killer, because it can attract mildew. It’s best to find a cool, dark wall away from any harsh lighting.

We know buying and caring for an Oriental rug can be an intimidating process. Serafian’s is the best place to buy a rug in New Mexico. That is because we don’t just sell you a rug, we help you care for it as well! We offer a plethora of rug care education and advice, including the best ways to hang your rug as art. 

How to Vacuum a Hand-Knotted Rug

A large area rug is an investment, so it’s certainly something you’ll want to care for in the best way possible. You know you need to clean it, but how? Can you vacuum it? Serafian’s is here to answer all of your questions!

What is a Hand-Knotted Rug?

Hand-knotted rugs are thousands or millions of knots individually tied to a foundation. Wow! That’s pretty incredible! Hand knotted rugs are typically made from natural materials like wool, silk, cotton, bamboo, jute, or a blend of different fibers. The use of these top-quality materials together with a complex hand weaving technique give a hand knotted rug a remarkable amount of strength and durability.

Hand-knotted oriental rugs are more than just a floor covering. They are an art form with a history spanning thousands of years and a wide variety of cultures. These handmade rugs are used as protection from the elements, decoration for dwellings, objects of desire, and family heirlooms for people from all walks of life.

How to Vacuum a Hand-Knotted Rug

In order to care for your hand-knotted rug well, you’ll need to follow these four pieces of advice:

#1 Vacuum Regularly

It is important to note that this means using the suction of the vacuum, but never using a beater bar or brush. Scraping is not good for the rug! Either turn the brush off or just use the attachments. Following up with regular TLC will make a difference in how often the rug needs to be sent for professional cleanings.

#2 Avoid the Fringe

Many hand-knotted rugs have fringe. Never, ever vacuum the fringe! The continued catching of the fringe in the suction of a vacuum cleaner causes the fringes to break and tear.

#3 Don’t Forget the Underside

If your rug is small- to medium-sized, it’s a good idea to flip it over and vacuum the underside. This should be done about every six months. This step helps to remove dust and also ensure there is nothing nasty deeply embedded in the wool fibers.

#4 Be Gentle

You want to gently suction the rug, so don’t use an overly-powerful tool. You don’t want the wool fibers to start shedding!

Trust Serafian’s for Your Rug Care Advice

We are the best place to buy a rug in New Mexico. That is because we don’t just sell you a rug, we help you care for it as well! We offer a plethora of rug care education and advice. We know buying and caring for an Oriental rug can be an intimidating process. You don’t need to be an expert to find the rug that suits you, but we feel education is a great way to begin the experience of purchasing and owning a fine area rug.

Our rug professionals have built a wealth of knowledge through decades of experience. We enjoy sharing and guiding our customers towards understanding the vast history, tradition, and craft surrounding the world of these beautiful and time honored works. We encourage you to contact us with any additional questions you may have about the best way to care for your hand-knotted rug.