How to Care for Navajo Rugs
This advice is for all Navajo rugs and blankets both antique and contemporary. Navajo rugs must be properly maintained in order to keep their value and beauty. While there are many opinions concerning the care of Navajo rugs, if you follow some simple, common sense rules, your Navajo rugs will look great and last a very long time. The information would also pertain to Oriental rugs, Mexican Indian Zapotec rugs and Chimayo weavings from New Mexico as well as other area rugs. If you would like to view care instructions specific to Oriental rugs, Zapotec rugs or Chimayo weavings, please follow these links: Oriental Rug Care , Care of Zapotec Rugs , Care of Chimayo Rugs.
Here are some rules for maintaining your Navajo rugs :
- If your Navajo rugs are on the floor, use carpet pad. There is no question that a carpet pad prolongs the life of a Navajo rug and provides a measure of safety. The best pad available today, under most circumstances, is a felt with a rubber, non-skid back. There are also PVC coated net style pads for a low profile, non-skid application.
- Flip the rugs over periodically so there will be even distribution of fading and wear.
- Have your Navajo rugs and other wool area rugs treated for moths and carpet beetles. Inspect the rugs periodically for insect damage or signs of infestation. See carpetbeetles.htm and moths.htm
- Vacuum moderately using a vacuum that does not have the motor driven rotating brushes.
- Clean spills immediately. The quicker the cleanup, the less likely that your rug will sustain permanent staining.
- House train your dog or cat. Urine stains usually cannot be removed and Fido can do a great amount of damage by chewing your treasured Navajo blanket.
- Do not allow the rugs to get wet. If they do get wet, make sure that they dry in the shortest possible time. A "wet vacuum" and a fan can help.
- Do not allow any prolonged moisture to penetrate the rug. An example would be a flower pot set on the rug, thereby causing dry rot or mildew damage.
- Have your rugs cleaned when noticeably dirty by a specialist with a thorough knowledge of Navajo rugs. Do not have your Navajo rugs "dry-cleaned", "steam cleaned" or cleaned by any automated means.
- Have any fraying tears or other damage repaired immediately. If a torn or damaged area is allowed to continue fraying, it can greatly decrease the beauty and value of your rug. Remember that quality restoration can save many dollars in future repair costs and also serves to retain the beauty and value of your Navajo rug. Call or e-mail us with your specific questions.
