The Dangers of Using Commercial Cleaning Products During Oriental Rug Cleaning

Oriental carpets serve not only as practical home decor items but also as valuable pieces of art. These rugs usually have a rich history and are made from fragile natural materials like wool, silk, and cotton. Proper Oriental rug cleaning is highly important and it requires careful handling to avoid lasting damage. Even though you may be tempted to pick up a commercial cleaning product for treating the stains, it might easily destroy the rug for good. Today, we aim to explain the reasons why commercial cleaning products should be avoided when cleaning an Oriental rug.

Harsh Chemicals Can Damage the Natural Fibers

The vast majority of cleaning products of commercial use are made to be used on synthetic materials or general household surfaces, not the soft, natural fibers of an Oriental rug. Most of such products have strong chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and solvents which are able to make the fibers of your Oriental rug weaker.

The organic beauty of Oriental rugs is mainly made of natural fibers such as wool, silk, or cotton. These are some of the most delicate materials. They are highly reactive with aggressive chemicals usually applied to synthetic fibers in modern carpets. Whenever you use a commercial cleaner containing aggressive ingredients for Oriental rug cleaning, the fibers will deteriorate. This will lead to the thinning, fraying, and even possible destruction of the rug.

Risk of Staining or Fading

Most of the commercial cleaning products, particularly those with bleach and other powerful bleaching agents, can strip colors. Oriental rugs are mainly recognized for their vibrant colors, which are usually achieved naturally with dyes. However, mass-produced chemicals do not distinguish between the two, and their violent formulas can interfere with the dyes, producing fading or changing of the color.

It is bleach that deserves the blame mostly. Even a small amount of bleach poured over an Oriental rug can destroy the fibers and all the colors within no time. Also, with the use of inappropriate cleaning solutions (stains on their own) the problem may become even more serious.

Residue Buildup

One of the biggest dangers associated with the use of commercial household cleaners for Oriental rug cleaning is the build-up of the residue. The cleaning agents that have been rinsed and blotted always leave their residues. So, you may find yourself having to clean your rug regularly which can result in the destruction of the fibers. However, the fibers will be affected and they will get damaged.

In some cases, the residue can cause the rug to feel stiff or crunchy, taking away from its luxurious texture and making it uncomfortable to walk on. This buildup can also affect the air quality in your home, as the chemicals in the residue could emit strong odors or irritate respiratory systems.

Damage to the Rug’s Backing and Fringe

Oriental rug backing and fringes are the most sensitive areas to clean. Typically, these areas are made out of thin materials that can easily be damaged by using a harsh cleaning agent. Commercial cleaning products for Oriental rug cleaning may cause the breaking of adhesives which hold the backing together and cause separation or loosening of the fibers.

Additionally, the fringes, often made from delicate cotton or silk, are at risk of unraveling when exposed to strong chemicals. This can lead to a twisted look and, in the worst case, a complete loss of the fringe. Fringes are usually repaired with difficulty and at a high cost, so the main point is to use the appropriate cleaning agents that will not cause permanent damage.

Potential Health Risks

Commercial cleaning products can even be hazardous to you and the members of your family. Some of these products have toxic chemical contents, which can be harmful if you breathe them in or get them through the skin. Constant exposure to chemicals can cause respiratory diseases, skin inflammation, or even allergic symptoms. Cleaning your carpet in poorly ventilated places can be a cause for fumes that linger in your home. This can lead to air pollution and then make the area unhealthy for you.

Oriental rugs are most often placed in the high-traffic parts of houses such as living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms, where members, pets, and children spend a lot of time, so the probability of exposing them to these chemical compounds is high. The use of commercial cleaners can be a risk to those who walk on the rug if residue is left behind after cleaning.

Long-Term Damage from Frequent Use

Even if you use commercial cleaning products sparingly, the long-term effects can be damaging. Oriental rugs are a major investment, and improper care can decrease their value over time. Frequent use of harsh cleaning products can strip your rug of its natural oils, which help maintain its softness and resilience. Without these oils, the rug will begin to lose its luster and its texture will degrade.

As time passes, you might find the rug becoming stiff and brittle. Furthermore, the extreme use of these harsh chemicals can damage the rug’s structure, which makes the rug very easy to be affected by wear and tear. The long-term damage inflicted by commercial cleaning may eventually lead to a rug that looks over churn and fails to exhibit the vibrancy it used to hold.

Unintended Consequences for Special or Antique Rugs

If your Oriental rug is antique or has unique qualities such as hand-dyed yarn or special knotting techniques, using commercial cleaners can lead to unintended and potentially catastrophic results. Some of these rugs require specific, gentle cleaning methods, and commercial cleaning products can cause irreversible damage to their fibers or patterns.

Antique rug in particular are highly receptive to chemicals, and a wrong cleaning product can result in a substantial drop in the value of the particular item. In case you are uncertain of the best cleaning method for that unique rug, it is always better to check with a professional.

Safer Alternatives for Oriental Rug Cleaning

To keep your Oriental rug looking its best, here are some safer alternatives to commercial cleaning products:

Mild, pH-neutral cleaners: Look for cleaners designed for wool or silk fibers. These products are usually gentler and will help preserve the integrity of your rug.

Professional cleaning: The best way to make sure that your rug is cleaned properly is to hire a professional who specializes in Oriental rug care. Professionals use techniques that are safe and effective for natural fibers.

DIY with care: If you prefer to clean your rug at home, choose a mixture of mild dish soap and lukewarm water. Always do a patch test on a small area of the rug to make sure it won't cause damage before proceeding.

Final Words

While commercial cleaning products may be a good option for quickly cleaning your Oriental rug, the potential risks are far more serious than the advantages. These cleaners can cause visible material pilling, staining and residual build-up, among other things, and can likewise damage the natural fibers and cause fading.

To keep your investment safe, it is better to use specific, gentle cleaning methods and contact professionals in the case of you being uncertain about the appropriate treatment.