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2026-04-19T14:34:11+09:00

Voyage of Rug
The Art of Preserving Antique Carpets: Cleaning, Restoration, and Maintenance
The Importance of Professional Cleaning:

While regular vacuuming can keep dust and dirt at bay, professional cleaning is essential for maintaining the integrity of antique carpets. Natural materials like wool and silk react differently to cleaning agents than synthetic materials, and improper handling can lead to fibers fading, shrinking, or weakening.

Hand-Washing Techniques; Unlike modern machine-made carpets, antique carpets require gentle, hand-washing methods. At Ararat Rugs, we carefully assess the carpet’s material, age, and dye composition before selecting the appropriate cleaning method. We use natural, pH-balanced soaps that cleanse without stripping the fibers of their natural oils, keeping the colors vivid and the texture soft.

Carpets in Japan: Evolving Knowledge on Cleaning; Although carpets and rugs have gained popularity in Japan over recent years, knowledge about their care is still catching up compared to regions like Europe and the United States, where carpets have been a household staple for centuries. Many people are unaware that carpets should be thoroughly cleaned every three years, ideally through a full water wash. Proper maintenance, such as fringe and edge repairs, is equally important for extending the life of your carpets.

At Ararat Rugs, our process begins with a drum duster that removes dust and small debris from the carpet. This step is crucial because washing a carpet without this pre-cleaning leaves behind unseen dirt, even if it looks clean on the surface. The drum duster not only cleans but also gives the wool a glossy finish, enhancing the carpet's natural beauty.

Antique carpets are more than just decorative items—they are cultural artifacts that carry historical significance and stories from the past. Preserving these treasures requires special care, knowledge, and expertise. In this article, we, at Ararat Rugs, will explore the art of cleaning, restoring, and maintaining antique carpets, ensuring they can be enjoyed for generations to come.

Causes of Allergies: The Hidden Threat in Neglected Carpets:

Regular cleaning is even more essential for households with small children or pets, as these environments can introduce more allergens into the home. Carpets in frequently used rooms like the living room or dining area should be cleaned annually to prevent the buildup of dust mites and mold, which can lead to allergies or even atopic dermatitis.

In contrast, carpets in less frequently used spaces may only need cleaning every five years. At Ararat Rugs, we offer anti-mite and anti-mold treatments as part of our services. This is followed by thorough washing to remove any residual soap, which, if left untreated, can contribute to skin irritations and allergies.

Antique Carpet Restoration:

Bringing History Back to Life; Over time, even the most well-maintained antique carpets can show signs of wear and tear. Faded colors, unraveling edges, or small tears may occur. Restoration is an art form in itself, requiring meticulous attention to detail to bring these carpets back to their former glory.

Dye Matching and Reweaving; One of the most challenging aspects of restoring antique carpets is dye matching. Due to the use of natural dyes in older carpets, we must recreate the exact shades to seamlessly blend new fibers into the original design. Our team at Ararat Rugs has perfected the art of hand-dyeing yarns to ensure they match the faded tones of the carpet. In addition, our skilled weavers reweave missing or damaged sections by hand, using traditional techniques that honor the craftsmanship of the original maker.

Fringe Repair; Fringes are often the first part of a carpet to show wear. Through skilled hand-knotting, we restore worn fringes to prevent further unraveling and maintain the carpet’s structural integrity.

Repairs and Maintenance:

Sustainable Craftsmanship; At Ararat Rugs, sustainability and craftsmanship are central to our restoration practices. One of the ways we maintain this balance is through the reuse of materials. For instance, we sell kilim cushion covers made from damaged kilims that are no longer suitable for use as full carpets. Any leftover scraps of fabric are returned to thread and stored, ready to be used in future repairs. This practice allows us to select materials that match the age and color of the original carpet, ensuring that repairs blend seamlessly with the existing design.

This commitment to sustainability and authenticity is part of what makes our service unique, preserving the historical integrity of each piece we handle.

Years of Experience:

Expertise You Can Trust; With over 40 years of experience in Istanbul’s vibrant carpet industry, we have cleaned and repaired tens of thousands of carpets, from simple household rugs to valuable museum pieces. This extensive knowledge allows us to offer authentic services in Japan, where we now operate, providing the same level of care and expertise.

Thanks to our large volume of carpets and kilims, we can also keep prices affordable, ensuring that everyone has access to high-quality carpet care.

Maintenance Tips: Protecting Your Carpet at Home

Regular maintenance is key to preserving the beauty and longevity of antique carpets. Here are some tips to keep your carpets looking their best between professional cleanings:

Avoid Sun Exposure: Direct sunlight can cause natural dyes to fade over time. Use curtains or blinds to limit sun exposure in rooms where your carpet is displayed.

Rotate Your Carpet: Foot traffic can cause uneven wear on carpets. Rotating your carpet every few months ensures that all areas receive equal usage.

Use a Rug Pad: Placing a rug pad underneath your carpet not only adds cushioning but also helps reduce friction between the carpet and the floor, extending its life.

Spot Clean Carefully: If spills occur, blot them immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid scrubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers. When in doubt, consult a professional cleaner to avoid damaging delicate materials.

At Ararat Rugs, we have years of experience in cleaning, restoring, and maintaining carpets of all kinds, from contemporary designs to centuries-old antiques. Whether you need routine cleaning or intricate restoration work, our team is dedicated to preserving the beauty and heritage of your carpets, ensuring they remain treasured heirlooms for future generations.

By trusting professionals with your antique carpets, you’re ensuring that these masterpieces of craftsmanship continue to tell their stories for many years to come.