How to Manage Your Carpets in the Rainy Season
As the humidity creeps up in the monsoon, keeping your carpet clean and free of the dampness becomes one of the foremost agendas of housekeeping.
It is a season when evaporation slows down, smells linger, and insects and microbes find the required water content needed to sustain their lives within the small, textile world on your floors.
Here, we outline 4 tips for keeping your carpets in pristine condition just when the world seems to conspire against all that is dignified, hygienic, and pretty.
Continuously Remove all Impurities in the Pile
Any impurities in the pile of the hand-knotted rug, especially the organic kind, can be used by microbes and other insects to reproduce and sustain their life cycles.
Rid your carpet of food particles, dirt, mould, moisture, and other forms of residue. Frequent vacuuming, as often as twice a week, is recommended for the deed. Regular carpet dusting and brooming are also essential to remove shedded dead fibres and flyaway, which can cause allergies during the rainy season if inhaled.
Manage Humidity to Avoid Foul Odours
It is difficult to air out rugs during the rains, given the higher humidity and lower evaporation rates.
So, how do you maintain a decently-smelling rug in this atmosphere?
In the event of an accidental spill on the rug, you can use a hair dryer at moderate intensity or blot the liquid with paper towels, cloth, or powder-like substances like cornstarch. Add silica gel pouches to stored carpets to absorb any residual or existing dampness. If the rug is still wet, it is best to contact a professional to wash and then dry it.
Pack it Up When Unsure About Damage
Most people avoid using rugs during the monsoon to avoid any damage. When storing your carpet for the season, remember to roll it rather than folding it to protect it from moisture and spills.
Find a piece of muslin and wrap it around the rolled rug. This will keep insects, mice, and dust out of the rug. If you don't have muslin, use an old bed sheet or any other breathable fabric. Tuck the muslin or sheet into the ends of the tube after making sure it is wide enough to cover the entire width of the rolled rug. You don't want any of the rug to be visible.
Check your rug on a regular basis if it has been stored or wrapped for an extended period of time. We recommend inspecting your rug at least once a year to ensure there is no damage. The signs of damage would include dampness, holes, moths, etc.
Find an Appropriate Storage Area
The next step is to locate and select an appropriate storage area. Do not keep your rug in a closet, basement, or garage. We've seen far too many rugs that have been ruined by poor storage. Moist areas are never a good idea for rug storage, so we recommend a climate-controlled facility. This reduces the risk of damage from temperature or humidity changes.
For more tips on how to manage your hand-knotted rugs in the monsoons, you can always consult with professionals who have had experience dealing with these problems for a while. Our team at Cocoon Fine Rugs can recommend cleaning and storage methods to carpet owners and also provide them with our rug washing service should they need it.
