since the turn of the century, when the existing natural dyestuffs began to be supplanted by the modern synthetic dyes, tend to be a little brighter than earlier examples, however, most persian rugs mellow with exposure to sunlight, and look very much more attractive as they age.

Care of Persian rugs

Contrary to popular legend, Persian rugs will not last forever. They will last for a very long time indeed if treated with respect, and maintained correctly: but, as with any other woven fabric, their life-span is determined by the treatment they receive. Persian rugs should be vacuumed regularly, back and front, preferably with a cylinder type machine, rather than the more violent upright version. Fringes are particularly vulnerable to upright cleaner abuse. Care for Persian rugs is otherwise more a matter of accident prevention. Bear in mind also: they're not all moth-proof like modern carpets.

Stain-resistance treatment

Many clients have asked about this treatment, and we are now able to offer the excellent Intec® system as part of our oriental rug service. Over the years several proprietary treatments have claimed to provide long-lasting protection, but we have never been completely happy with their long-term effectiveness. The new treatment is quite amazing. We have tested it on new plain wool carpets by dribbling permanent black ink onto the pile: it simply blots off with tissue. The same treatment is ideal for oriental rugs, particularly pastel coloured Chinese, Indian, and Nepalese pieces. The treatment is best applied to new rugs, or rugs that have been professionally cleaned. It does not make rugs totally stain proof, but it offers greatly increased stain and soiling resistance, and, particularly in the case of light-coloured pieces, greater peace of mind. Although still visually acceptable, fine old rugs such as Saruq often suffer from brittle warps and wefts, which eventually lead to the loss of surface pile. Our treatment also improves the flexibility of these, and can prolong the life of a rug that is well past its prime. We will be pleased to quote an exact price for this treatment as an optional extra, but as a guide, an average hearth-rug size costs £30 which is little enough for the protection provided.

Cleaning Persian rugs

Wool has an agreeable tendency to 'wear clean' and it should therefore not require more than occasional treatment. For most rugs this will be necessary only every ten years or so, although lighter coloured pieces may need more regular attention if used in areas that are subjected to heavy soiling.

We are still able to offer Kobosan dry-cleaning at a cost of around £60 for an average rug. This is excellent value for money, and it has allowed many a gem to emerge from under its grubby coating. It is a very gentle system that does not cause rug colours to bleed: neither does it cause the gross disturbance to the tuft structure, or cleaning agent residue that are a feature of so many other cleaning methods.

Repairs to Persian rugs

Repairs can be expensive. Most are labour intensive, and by the time Securicor delivery is added in each direction, the final account can be substantial. Set against this expense, is the fact that minor damage, if allowed to deteriorate further, eventually becomes major damage: possibly irreparable at a price that is viable, relative to the value of the piece. We will be happy to provide an estimate for repairs to client's rugs.

Persian rugs at John Cooper Carpets

We have now been supplying oriental rugs in the Lymington and New Forest areas for more than twenty years during which we have sold many hundreds of these very beautiful pieces.  We aim to give our customers good advice, and the very best value always. We will be pleased to sell client's rugs on their behalf, and/or to offer a verbal approximate valuation.