Maintenance of Handmade Rugs in Humid Areas
Rugs, especially handmade rugs, suffer from decay and weakening under humid conditions. This is the worst thing that can happen to a rug. Maintaining handmade rugs in humid areas has important points, which we address in this content from the Zollanvari website. Stay with us until the end.
Handmade Rugs in Humid Areas
The presence of water and humidity is one of the most harmful conditions for handmade rugs. Handmade rugs absorb water and moisture, which over time destroys the rug fibers and causes the rug to harden and lose flexibility. Another harmful effect of humidity on handmade rugs is the invasion of pests. Insects such as cockroaches and small moths attack the rug and cause damage. These insects do not harm the rug directly, but their larvae feed on the rug fibers, damaging the rug.
Important Tips for Maintaining Handmade Rugs
Maintaining handmade rugs in humid areas is very difficult. Therefore, it is better to avoid buying handmade rugs in some humid regions. If you live in a humid area and have handmade rugs, observe the following tips:
Suitable Flooring
The most important principle in maintaining handmade rugs in humid areas is using suitable, insulated flooring that has a great effect. This flooring can be made of UPVC or carpet.
Air Circulation
The rug must be exposed to fresh air. At least once a week, open doors and windows for one hour to allow air to circulate completely inside the house.
Shaking the Rug
When vacuuming, be sure to shake the corners of the rug well, so that if there are tiny insects between the fibers, they come out. This should be done regularly once a week. Make sure to vacuum under the rug thoroughly as well.
Exposing the Rug to Sunlight
If your handmade rug becomes wet in humid areas, immediately expose it to sunlight to dry completely. Because remaining wet in humid areas causes mold, fading, and bad odor in the rug. Therefore, never leave a wet rug unattended in humid areas; dry it completely.
Preventing Moth Damage to Rugs in Humid Areas
Moths cause the greatest damage to handmade rugs in humid areas because handmade rugs contain proteins needed for moth growth and feeding, and they quickly attack natural fibers of the rug. In the past, tobacco and snuff were placed under rugs to kill moths and their eggs, which caused discoloration in the lighter parts of the rug, so this method is no longer used. Nowadays, chlorine, newspapers, pepper, naphthalene, and camphor are used to eliminate moths. The best and most effective method in humidity is sprinkling naphthalene powder under the rug.
Exposing the Back of the Rug to Sunlight
The back of handmade rugs is a suitable place for termites and moths in humid conditions. Sunlight on the back of the rug kills termites, moths, and various fungi and molds. Also, avoid placing flower pots next to the rug because moisture from excess water in the pots provides a good environment for termite and moth growth.
Final Words
Handmade rugs are the best choice for home decoration. But maintaining this artwork in humid areas is difficult because humidity is the most harmful condition for handmade rugs. Humidity causes damage, wear, and also moth infestation. Handmade rugs, being woven from natural fibers, are more prone to moth damage in humid areas. To prevent damage to handmade rugs in humid conditions, you must follow important tips that we mentioned in this content from the Zollanvari website.