NORTHBROOK AREA RUG COLOR CORRECTION
Handwoven rugs regardless of size or style are expensive and need to be properly maintained to keep their monetary value. The impeccable construction and high-quality materials that are used to make handwoven rugs can last for decades. Because of the longevity of these rugs, an issue that owners may face is problems with the color of the rug. Rugs exposed to sunlight can fade over time, using harsh cleaners like bleach can lead to color loss, and water saturation causes colors to bleed. Luckily there are ways to keep your rug looking its best as well as ways to fix color issues with a handmade rug.
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Rug Color Correction In Northbrook, ILListed below are some ways to keep your rug from losing color and methods used to restore color to damaged rugs:
Color Loss Expensive rugs can lose color for some reasons including: Sunlight - If at all possible expensive rugs should not be displayed or used in direct sunlight. The UV light from the sun will cause a rug to fade and become brittle damaging the rug. Each year a rug will lose from 1% to 3% of its color each year, but since it is a subtle loss, most rug owners will not notice the color loss until approximately 10% of the color of the rug has faded. If there is no way to keep a rug from being exposed to the sunlight, it is important to make sure the rug is rotated 180 degrees at least once a year. Bleach - While bleach should never be used to clean an expensive handwoven rug, it is sometimes applied due to lack of knowledge or due to accidental spills while cleaning other areas of the home. Bleach will not only remove the color from the rug; it can damage the natural fibers that were used to make the rug. Foot Traffic - Handwoven rugs can lose their color due to use. Expensive rugs are made to be used and walked on, but it is important to make sure they are being cleaned properly to keep them from losing color. To keep from loss of color from foot traffic you should rotate your rug annually to keep wear patterns from showing and loss of color from occurring. Pet Urine - Our pets are members of our family and like all members of the family they can become sick or scared and can have accidents on your rug. Pet urine contains high levels of pH and can leave orange or yellow stains on the rug and can also cause the rug to lose color. If your pet has an accident on your rug, it is important to address it as soon as possible by blotting up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent towel and then gently blot with a sponge dipped in warm water. If plain water does not remove the pet stain white vinegar can be added to clean warm water, and then repeat the process. Build-Up of Dust and Debris - The natural fibers used to create exquisite rugs can trap dust and dirt andwalk on the carpet can push the debris into the rug causing the rug to lose color. Properly vacuuming your rug routinely and having your rug professionally cleaned every 3-5 years will help keep the color of your rug looking bright and beautiful. High pH Cleaners - The natural fibers used in the construction of expensive carpets are damaged by cleaners that contain high levels of ph. It is imperative that these types of cleaners are never used on expensive handwoven rugs as they will cause the color of the rug to fade and can cause permanent damage to the rug. If you need to spot clean a rug, it is best to use warm water. |
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Rug Color Correction
Color Bleeding
One common problem with many rugs is color bleeding which can occur for the following reasons:
Water Damage - If excess water gets into your rug either from improper cleaning methods, liquid spills, or pipes bursting it is important to get rid of the excess water before it has time saturate the rug and cause the dyes to bleed.
Excess Dye - New rugs can have excess dye within the fibers of the rug, and this can cause the colors to bleedduring their first washing. To make sure the colors do not bleed it is recommended to take your rug to a professional the first time it needs cleaning. A professional rug cleaner will apply a dye stabilizing solution to the rug before cleaning to ensure that the dyes do not run.
Over-Dyed - Over-Dyed refers to rugs which have had dyes added to them after the rugs are complete. Two types of rugs that are commonly over-dyed are tea washed rugs which have been treated with a brown dye to make them look older or antique, and rugs painted with ink in an attempt to cover up damaged areas of the rug where the colors have bled.
Fugitive Dyes - Fugitive Dyes refer to dyes that have had their bonding agents loosened after coming into contact with water. When a dyes bonding agent loosens, it will no longer be bonded to the rug and will begin to bleed wherever the water goes, hence the term fugitive. To avoid having fugitive dyes, it is always recommended to test an inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure the dyes will not run.
One common problem with many rugs is color bleeding which can occur for the following reasons:
Water Damage - If excess water gets into your rug either from improper cleaning methods, liquid spills, or pipes bursting it is important to get rid of the excess water before it has time saturate the rug and cause the dyes to bleed.
Excess Dye - New rugs can have excess dye within the fibers of the rug, and this can cause the colors to bleedduring their first washing. To make sure the colors do not bleed it is recommended to take your rug to a professional the first time it needs cleaning. A professional rug cleaner will apply a dye stabilizing solution to the rug before cleaning to ensure that the dyes do not run.
Over-Dyed - Over-Dyed refers to rugs which have had dyes added to them after the rugs are complete. Two types of rugs that are commonly over-dyed are tea washed rugs which have been treated with a brown dye to make them look older or antique, and rugs painted with ink in an attempt to cover up damaged areas of the rug where the colors have bled.
Fugitive Dyes - Fugitive Dyes refer to dyes that have had their bonding agents loosened after coming into contact with water. When a dyes bonding agent loosens, it will no longer be bonded to the rug and will begin to bleed wherever the water goes, hence the term fugitive. To avoid having fugitive dyes, it is always recommended to test an inconspicuous area of the rug to make sure the dyes will not run.
Call 847-652-9120
