A) Wear and Tear/Crushed Pile
B)Dampness/Storage
C) Moths
D)Sunlight/Bleached Areas
E)Proper Padding
F)Vacuuming/Sweeping
G)Washing/Drying
H)Pets/Sealants
I)Wall hanging/Stairways
J)Home Tips For Spills

A) WEAR AND TEAR/CRUSHED PILE
If you use your rug, wear and tear is inevitable. But, you can greatly reduce the wear by rotating your rug on a frequent basis, especially in heavy traffic areas. Every 3-6 months is recommended. If your rug lies under heavy furniture a more frequent rotation schedule may be required. Should your furniture leave indentations in the pile of your rug, you might try the following procedure. Brush any indentation, or crushed pile, in the same direction as that of your rug's pile using a soft bristle brush. Using distilled water or Club Soda, moisten the area with a soft spray and brush the pile again. Ensure that the area is completely dry before placing any objects on it.

B)DAMPNESS/STORAGE
Never store your rug in a damp, non-ventilated space. Dampness will cause mildew and rot in oriental rugs. Use the proper padding when your rug is in use. To store your Oriental rug, vacuum it well. Spread a generous amount of mothballs over your rug and roll it against the pile. Never fold your rug for storage, instead, wrap it in a breathable cover such as cotton, linen or burlap (an old bed sheet also works well). Never use cellophane or plastic. Contact us at Benham Oriental Rugs so we can prepare your rug for storage or transfer. We take great pride in our craft.

C) MOTHS
Moths will lay their eggs in the pile of a rug and hatchings will eat away the beauty of your investment. Moths will spread so check all your rugs regularly and call our experts for moth proofing.

D)SUNLIGHT/BLEACHED AREAS
Direct sunlight will permanently fade the dyes used in your Oriental rugs. If direct sunlight cannot be helped, rotate your rug on a frequent and regular schedule. Bleach and other acid base solutions will permanently discolor your rug. Never use bleach to remove a spill or stain on your rug. Instead consult a professional immediately.

E)PROPER PADDING
We at Behnam cannot say enough about the crucial need for proper padding under all your Oriental rugs, whether they lay upon hard surfaces or carpeting. Padding eliminates the friction and moisture, which occurs on the back of your rug. Proper padding will add years of life as well as keep your rug in place while eliminating all those bothersome wrinkles in rugs on carpeted areas.

F)VACUUMING/SWEEPING
Sweeping your rug with a broom, in the direction of the pile, loosens ingrained dirt and residue. It also grooms your rug by removing shedded wool fibers from the pile. Do not be alarmed- a wool, hand knotted rug will shed. Vacuuming with a rotating brush vacuum is one of the best things you can do for your rug. Do not vacuum the fringe of your rug as it may become caught in your vacuum and break off. The original fringe of a rug is not replaceable and missing fringe will affect the value of your rug.

G)WASHING/DRYING
Because much of the dye used to dye the wool in your rug originated from the roots of plants or vegetables, rugs need to be washed in a special manner. At Behnam, we wash rugs the old fashioned way. The way your rug was originally washed when it was first made- by hand with cold water and very mild detergents. Chemicals should never be used to wash your rug as they may affect the dyes and cause color runs. Hot water and steam will only damage your rug by drying out the wool and making it brittle. You should have your rug washed regularly by a professional. Drying your rug after washing is also a professional's job. Heat should never be used. Your rug should be hung properly and allowed to air dry which will return it to the beautiful treasure you have come to love and enjoy.

H)PETS/SEALANTS
Even the most loving and house broken pets may harm your Oriental unintentionally. Body oils and fluids of your pet are acidic based. Even the best mannered pets that only lay on the rug will, in time, stain your rug. Protect your rug, your pet and your investment by sealing your rug with Behnam's exclusive rug seal application. This will not harm your rug in any way but will form a barrier protecting your investment from stains, spills and soil.

I)WALL HANGING/STAIRWAYS
Because Orientals are heavy, you should never use nails or staples to hang your rug. An excellent way is the Behnam wall hangers. We have specially designed our wall hangers for use in both homes and offices and they are available in many different rod lengths and styles. They offer maximum protection to your rug by allowing an even distribution of weight and will also enhance the beauty of your rug. Behnam also carries a complete line of quality solid brass stair rods, stair holds and stair corners, which protect and secure your stairway rug.

J)HOME TIPS FOR SPILLS
1)For best result with any spill, remember, GET TO IT FAST.

2)Pour Club Soda or tap water on the spill and blot the spill with a cotton towel.

3)Never rub the spill. But blot it. And never apply chemical cleaners.

4)Keep area moist until evidence of spill is removed.

5)Restore the pile of the rug with a soft bristle brush while drying with a fan or a light heated hair drier.

6)If stain appears, have it cleaned professionally.

7)When having your rugs professionally done insist on the traditional way with 100% cold water and hand washed. IT's OUR WAY AND IT IS THE BEST.