How to Clean Fringe on Oriental Rugs

Knowing how to Clean Fringe on Oriental Rugs is essential that will help you avoid extra costs.

Oriental rugs are beautiful and elegant additions to any home. They have intricate patterns and rich colors that can enhance any decor. However, they also require special care and attention, especially when it comes to cleaning the fringe.

The fringe is the long strands of fabric at the end of the rug that can easily get dirty, stained, or matted.

Fringe Cleaner

Before you start cleaning the fringe on your oriental rug, you need to choose a suitable fringe cleaner. There are different types of cleaners available, depending on the material and color of your rug. Some of the most common cleaners are:

• Vinegar and water: This is a natural and gentle cleaner that can work on all types of rugs, including silk, wool, and cotton. Vinegar can help disinfect and cleanse the fabric, as well as neutralize odors and loosen stains.
• Mild soap and water: This is another gentle cleaner that can work on most rugs, except for silk ones. You can use dish detergent, laundry detergent, or a rug cleaner that is specifically designed for oriental rugs. Be sure to test the soap on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it won’t damage the fabric.
• Ammonia and water: This is a stronger cleaner that can work on cotton and wool rugs that are more durable. Ammonia can help remove stubborn dirt and stains from the fringe. However, be careful not to use it on silk rugs or colored rugs, as it may bleach or damage the fibers. Also, wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area when using ammonia.
• Bleach and water: This is the strongest cleaner that can work on white or off-white fringe only. Bleach can help whiten and brighten the fringe, as well as remove stains and odors. However, be very careful not to use it on colored rugs or silk rugs, as it will ruin them. Also, wear gloves and eye protection when using bleach.

How to Clean Fringe on Oriental Rugs

Once you have chosen your fringe cleaner, you can follow these steps to clean the fringe on your oriental rug:

1. Vacuum the rug: The first step is to vacuum the entire rug, focusing on the fringe. This will help remove any loose dirt or dust that has accumulated on the rug and the fringe.
2. Comb the fringe: The next step is to comb the fringe with a soft bristle brush or a horse hairbrush. This will help remove any knots or tangles from the fringe, as well as any remaining dirt.
3. Apply the cleaner: The third step is to apply your chosen cleaner to the fringe. You can use a spray bottle, a sponge, or a towel to do this. Be careful not to get the cleaner on the rest of the rug, as it may damage it. Also, avoid soaking the fringe too much, as this may cause shrinkage or mildew.
4. Scrub the fringe: The fourth step is to scrub the fringe gently with a soft brush or a sponge. Work in small sections and in one direction only. Don’t scrub too hard or too fast, as this may damage the fibers or cause fraying.
5. Rinse the fringe: The fifth step is to rinse the fringe with clean water. You can use a garden hose, a bucket of water, or a spray bottle to do this. Make sure to remove all the soap or cleaner residue from the fringe.
6. Dry the fringe: The final step is to dry the fringe completely. You can use a towel to blot out excess water from the fringe, then let it air dry naturally. Don’t use a hair dryer or put the rug in direct sunlight, as this may damage the fabric.

How to Keep Rug Fringe Straight

After you have cleaned your oriental rug’s fringe, you may want to keep it straight and neat-looking. Here are some tips on how to do that:

• Comb the fringe regularly with a soft brush or a horse hairbrush.
• Avoid walking on or placing furniture on the fringe.
• Avoid vacuuming over or under the fringe with a beater bar attachment.
• Use a rug pad under your oriental rug to prevent slippage and curling.

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How to Hide Fringe on Rug

If you don’t like the look of your oriental rug’s fringe, or if it is too damaged or worn out to be cleaned or repaired, you may want to hide it. Here are some ways to do that:

• Fold the fringe under the rug and secure it with double-sided tape or rug glue.
• Cut off the fringe carefully with scissors or a razor blade, leaving a small margin of fabric to prevent unraveling.
• Sew a fabric border or a binding tape over the fringe to cover it up.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about how to clean fringe on oriental rugs:

How do you clean the fringe on a Persian rug?

To clean the fringe on a Persian rug, you can use the same methods as for any other oriental rug. However, be extra careful with the choice of cleaner, as Persian rugs are usually made of wool or silk, which are delicate fabrics. Avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or hot water, as they can damage the fibers. Also, avoid rubbing or scrubbing the fringe too hard, as this can cause fraying or pilling.

How do you clean the fringe on a Chinese rug?

To clean the fringe on a Chinese rug, you can use the same methods as for any other oriental rug. However, be aware that some Chinese rugs have artificial silk or rayon fringe, which are synthetic fibers that can be damaged by water or heat. To test if your fringe is natural or artificial, burn a small strand and observe the smell and ash. Natural silk will smell like burnt hair and leave a fine ash, while artificial silk will smell like plastic and leave a hard bead.

How do you vacuum a rug with tassels?

To vacuum a rug with tassels, you need to use a handheld attachment or a vacuum without a beater bar. This will prevent the tassels from getting caught or tangled in the vacuum. You can also lift the tassels up and vacuum under them to remove any dust or dirt.

How do you clean tassels?

To clean tassels, you can use the same methods as for cleaning fringe on oriental rugs. However, be careful not to pull or twist the tassels too much, as this can cause them to lose their shape or break off.

Final Thought

Cleaning fringe on oriental rugs is a daunting task, but with the right skills, you can keep it beautiful.

Just remember to choose a suitable cleaner for your rug’s material and color, and to work gently and carefully.

These tips on how to clean fringe on oriental rugs will help you to extend the life and beauty of your precious rug.