FAQs

FAQs

What should I check when buying a rug?

There are many things that you should check before purchasing your rug or carpet, including:

* The rug should be regular in shape

* The rug should lay flat
* The rug should be evenly clipped i.e. it has the same pile length across its surface

* The rug should not have discoloration or bleeding dyes

 

(Rugs are handmade so imperfections may be found. Imperfection are not necessarily synonymous with badly made rugs).

Is my Oriental rug or textile worth cleaning or restoring?

Several factors must be considered: the retail value of the item, the cost (original and replacement) and especially, its historic or sentimental value. A dealer in the particular type of textile or rug can appraise its monetary and historic value. Only the owner can assess its personal value.

Can you really get the odour out of my pet stained rug?

Absolutely. The Rug Guru has developed an exclusive wash process for pet stains and the odour they cause. The wash contains no harsh chemicals or perfumes. We fully guarantee your rug will be clean and odour free!

How often should I wash my rug?

Once every 5-6 years is usually sufficient. Remember, even if you vacuum regularly, your rug continues to hold some dirt, the environment dulls its surface and the wool needs to be conditioned. If your rug is exposed to heavy traffic and soil, we suggest washing more frequently e.g. entrance-way rugs may need cleaning every two years. Cleaning frequency also depends upon use, placement and type of protection from the atmosphere (such as a Plexiglas box for displays) and physical contact. General ongoing maintenance is always essential. Even in a museum, textiles are periodically cleaned - with intervals of ten years between cleanings being common for textiles on display. Flemish and French tapestries should be cleaned within this time period, but special care must be taken due to the fragile and aged silk areas.

 

Should I let my wall to wall carpet technician also clean my handmade rugs?

Definitely not! Many of these firms do a fine job on wall-to-wall carpeting, but the same techniques applied to handmade wool rugs can be disastrous! They employ cleaning agents specifically formulated for wall-to-wall carpeting while using hot water or steam to agitate and suspend the soil. This is too harsh for handmade wool rugs. Once dry, the rug will lose its lustre and look dull and lifeless. In time, it will shed excessively because the hot water and detergent residue left behind dries out the wool. Please, let these providers do what they are good at and let The Rug Guru expertly hand wash your handmade wool rugs.

Natural fibres absorb damaging sulphites and nitrites from the air and build up acidic components that must be washed out. Gritty street soil, which cuts the pile, must be dusted out. Allergens and unhealthy bacteria must eventually be removed or reduced in number. Oriental rugs act as a filter and clean the air in the home. This is very effective when the rug has been cleaned properly. However, over time a rug will return allergens and pollutants to the atmosphere and result in a less healthy environment.

 

How long before I will get my rug back?

The normal process required of beating, washing, drying, grooming, and deodorising your rug will take about 2-3 weeks. It will depend on the size of the rug and amount of work we already have underway.

Do you pick-up and deliver?
Certainly. Pick-up and delivery is free of charge within the Auckland coverage area, including:

Remuera, Freemans Bay, CBD, Ponsonby, Mt. Eden, Pt. Chevalier
Takapuna, Devonport, Henderson Valley area, Orewa, Mt. Albert, New Lynn, Titirangi, East Tamaki, Epsom, Western Spring, Howick, Takanini, Warkworth ….

Why does my carpet smell?

Often it’s pets and the smells they leave on your rugs. Just removing the animal hair or fur is not enough to get rid of the smell that pet dander leaves on your rugs. Dander combined with humidity and a humid environment cause odours that only our wash can remove.
Cats and dogs also have accidents on your rugs and leave organic waste, urine and vomit. These types of odours need the special care you will find here at The Rug Guru. Some fungi and some bacteria attach tenaciously to the fibres and can cause discolouration of the rug in addition to causing odours.

Tip: When you discover that your pet has had an accident on your rug you need to take immediate action. Otherwise your pet will think it has your permission to do it again and again in the same area.

For these sharp, strong odours we have to use a strong sanitizer as well as carpet shampoo, our special techniques and expertise to remove odours and restore your rugs all the way up from deep in the rug foundations to the top. This is combined with soaking your rug and re-washing as many times as it needs. The Rug Guru washes your rug according to its age, type, country of origin, fibre count and cause of odours.

How can we learn more about Persian or handmade rugs?

Visit our The History of Rugs and Carpets section to find more information on all aspects of rugs.