Navajo Rug Appraisal Co.
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Navajo Rug Appraisal Co.®

Navajo Rug Appraisal Co.

Care of Zapotec Rugs

This advice is for all Mexican Zapotec rugs from Oaxaca, Mexico (including the rugs of Teotitlan) both antique and contemporary as well for other Mexican rugs and blankets such as Texcoco and Puebla weavings.  Oaxacan Zapotec rugs and blankets must be properly maintained in order to keep their beauty and value.   While there are many opinions and theories concerning the care of Zapotec rugs, if you follow some simple, common sense rules, your Zapotec rugs will look great and last a very long time.   The information would also pertain to Oriental rugs, tribal Oriental rugs and kilims, Navajo rugs and Chimayo weavings as well.  If you would like to view care instructions specific to Navajo rugs, Oriental rugs or Chimayo weavings, please follow these links: Care of Navajo rugs, Care of Oriental Rugs , Care of Chimayo rugs.


Here are some rules for maintaining your Zapotec Rugs:
  1. If your Zapotec 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 is a felt pad with a rubber, non-skid, back.  Alternatively there are PVC net style pads for low profile and non-skid characteristics.
  2. Flip the rugs over periodically so there will be even distribution of fading and wear.
  3. Have your Zapotec 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.  We sell a very good "do it yourself" mothproofing that you can apply at home.  See our page about the product mothproofing.htm.
  4. Vacuum moderately using a vacuum that does not have the motor driven rotating brushes.
  5. Clean spills immediately.  The quicker the cleanup, the less likely that your rug will sustain permanent staining.
  6. 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 Zapotec blanket.
  7. Do not allow the Zapotec 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.
  8. 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.
  9. Have your rugs cleaned when noticeably dirty by a specialist with a thorough knowledge of Zapotec rugs.  Do not have your Zapotec rugs "dry-cleaned", "steam cleaned" or cleaned by any automated means.
  10. 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 Zapotec rug.  If you have any questions about the care of Zapotec rugs, please contact us.


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