Practical Tips for Protecting Your Persian Silk Carpet

Your Persian silk carpet is more than just a floor covering; it's a work of art, a tale spun in beautiful patterns and colours. But even the finest works of art are susceptible to a silent enemy that can gradually dim their brilliance: sunlight. Those lovely rays streaming through your windows, warming your house, are also quietly engaged in battle against your silk strands. So, kindly don't allow your precious investment to become a ghost of its former glory. 

Follow these easy and doable recommendations to keep your Persian silk carpetshining for generations to come.

Why Your Persian Silk Carpet Fades Due To Sun Damage

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a mighty force. Do you know the way sunlight fades out the hue of a brightly colored poster left in the window? So yeah, the same destructive process occurs to the sensitive dyes in your Persian silk carpet. UV light destabilises the chemical bonds in those dyes, making colours dull, shift, and ultimately vanish. Furthermore, extended exposure can cause the silk fibres themselves to become weakened, making them brittle and susceptible to breakage.

Unlike heavier fabrics, silk is especially vulnerable to this attack. So, as a result, you get uneven wear, particularly in those areas with high exposure. Dull spot, and an overall loss of the richness of the heen that characterises silk's distinctiveness.

Simple Tricks to Keep Your Silk Carpet Radiant

Silk carpet is not so difficult to protect, and it does not take a fortress, but some strategic thinking.

  The First Line of Defence

The cheapest form of fighting sun damage is by moving your carpet around. Keep the Persian silk masterpiece at home out of direct and high amounts of sunlight as much as possible. Take a few hours to see how the sun moves in your room at different times of the day. It could come as a surprise to you and discover that there are areas of hot spots that you had not previously been aware of. When it is not possible to move the rug, put large pieces of furniture to serve as a shield in those areas of the carpet that will be exposed to the sun at its most powerful hours.

Harmful Rays at the Block 

It is window wisdom at its best to keep out the harmful rays at the source. The entry of sunlight starts with your windows, and thus, they become your major control point for protection.

Curtains & Blinds

They are your most effective (and simplest) tools. At the sunniest times of the day (usually in mid-morning and in late afternoon), you just need to pull out your blinds or draw your curtains. Even sheer blinds will assist in diffusing hard rays. Thicker drapes or blackout blinds will give the most protection at times when you are not in the process of enjoying the light.

UV-Filtering Window Films

For a permanent option, in case you want your windows to provide natural light into your room, there are UV-filtering window films. These films are meant to filter a huge proportion of the harmful UV rays without adding much darkness to your spaces. They, in many cases, are able to assist with energy efficiency as well! 

Low-E Glass (Long-term Investment)

Low-Emissivity (Low-E) glass is one of the best investments in case you are doing a reno or building a new house. The glass is of a microscopic coating that reflects light (heat) and stops UV rays. It offers superior protection for your interiors without compromising natural light..

Regular Rotation

Most light is bound to penetrate your rug, even with the best window protector at hand. That is where periodic turning comes into the picture. Just rotate your Persian silk carpet through 180 degrees after a gap every 6 or 12 months. This will mean that in case of any fading, it will occur evenly throughout the rug. There will also be no noticeable, discoloured areas due to fading, thus helping to spread the wear evenly over the rug. It is a small effort with a big difference!

Professional Protection

To get the added level of protection, think of the professional treatments. Talk to a local professional rug cleaner about whether to apply any special fluorocarbon-type protectors or similar UV protective sprays, special formulas that are safe on delicate silk. It is important to emphasise the fact that not every protective product can be used when working on fine silk. So, it is worth consulting an expert when performing any work. Experts even provide information on how to carry out routine cleaning to ensure that your rug remains very colourful and lasts longer.

Common Mistakes That Speed Up Fading

Although it is important that one should take cautionary measures, it is also important to be aware of what not to do. Never apply strong, successive chemicals such as bleach or severe detergents on your silk carpet as a direct spill. These are capable of stripping dyes, and they damage fragile fibres, becoming even more susceptible to light. The mild spot cleaning with a drop or two of a pH-neutral, mild soap and water is always a good option. Ideally, invite a professional to cope with any hard-to-wash stain. And, of course, never leave your beautiful Persian silk carpet out in the unprotected sunshine.

Experience Unrivalled Luxury and Lasting Beauty with The Red Carpet Australia

You've learned how to care for your Persian silk carpet, but how do you find that ultimate, genuine masterpiece in the first place? This is where The Red Carpet Australia comes in. Our staff have been experts in quality handmade carpets since 1989. We have years of worldwide merchandising knowledge with an unmatched enthusiasm for these enduring classics.

At The Red Carpet, we design timeless investments. Does your heart yearn for the classic sophistication of Persian patterns? We have the natural beauty of Antique revival pieces from India and Afghanistan. We also got the bold lines of fresh Contemporary designs from Nepal. Our extremely qualified staff have a phenomenal understanding of colours and interior design. So, your path to finding the proper rug is not only simple, but actually fun.

Each and every rug you buy from us comes with our Certificate of Authenticity. This is not a slip of paper; we guarantee that you're getting the real deal. A genuine, high-quality masterpiece, carefully made with the tradition and passion only genuine artisans can give. Buy with complete assurance and indulge in the luxury only genuine authenticity can bring.