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Hand made antiques are the most valuable of all area rugs. Originating in eastern cultures, these rugs, in a broad sense, are commonly known as "Orientals." Woven by hand with the assistance of crude looms, they were constructed primarily from dyed wool. Unlike modern colorfast dyes, those used in the antiques tend to be unstable and bleed easily when wetted. "Color bleed" is a condition whereby one color migrates into another. Lignin, a natural dye exuding from the fabric may further complicate matters. Since wetting is essential for adequate cleaning, these rugs are a special challenge for those professionals who care for them. In addition to wool yarns, some of the binding materials used in the weaves include cotton, silk and linen. Dyes used were primarily vegetable based, but included other experimental and exotic dyes, as well.
The key here is that all of the materials used came from "natural" sources; the fabrics, dyes, etc., everything used in its manufacture were derived from any source readily available to its creators at the time. Natural fibers used in the spinning of yarns are complex, each type having unique characteristics. These fibers are porous, or absorbent. All grew with a lumen, or hollowness; a natural fiber is constructed like a tube that is hollow on the inside. While the complex surface and twist of the yarn tend to hide dry particulate soiling, staining is more likely to occur when liquid soiling is taken into the lumen, then dries. Immersion cleaning of wools is recommended as natural fabrics require thorough soaking in order to adequately flush the accumulated soils.
Oriental rug cleaning professionals commonly use a water bath with a lowered pH. Acids added to the bath tend to freeze unstable dyes thereby reducing the risk of color bleed. High alkalinity as found in dried urine increases the risk of dyes bleeding: a high pH, or alkaline condition, can more easily bleed the colors of these acid set dyes into surrounding areas.
Dried urine becomes increasingly alkaline over a period of time and can cause "color bleed." The following procedures and products are recommended for the treatment of urine contaminated "oriental" rugs (presuming the urine has thoroughly dried):
1. Contact a knowledgeable rug cleaning professional, one that has the proper facilities (immersion).
2. Treat the contaminants with a low pH surfactant (pH range: 3 --5). Phosphoric or citric are the two most compatible acids for our live microbes, but clear, white vinegar (ascetic acid) can be used.
3. Treat the area(s) liberally with a MisterMax quality bacterial/enzyme digester on both sides. Walk on the areas with your full weight to squeeze it in for the best penetration. Let dwell for 2-4 days.
4. Soak in acid bath. Clean and rinse using normal procedures.
5. While the rug is still wet, lightly reapply MisterMax quality bacterial/enzymes. Let it air dry.
Following these procedures will leave your rug devoid of urine and smelling fresh once again.
We Recommend:
Anti-Icky-Poo Starter Kit
$54.95
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