frequently asked questions

How often does my rug need cleaning?

We recommend cleaning your rugs every one to three years depending on traffic. The more they are washed, the more beautiful the colors become and the more beautifully soft they are.

Aren’t all rug cleaning companies basically the same?

No! Proper rug cleaning is a craft that requires specialized training, a lot of physical labor, and a genuine love of Oriental rugs. The correct way to clean an Oriental rug can only be accomplished at a rug cleaning facility by experienced technicians who have been around rugs their whole lives. Rug cleaning is an art that can only be perfected over time. Don’t trust the guys with a vacuum hose!

Will my Oriental or Persian rug increase in value?

The reality is that a fine rug is an investment rather than a purchase. Oriental and Persian rugs do increase in value, but it is only going to happen after many years. People don’t buy fine rugs because they want to sell them and make a profit. They buy them for personal and aesthetic reasons. A fine rug is not an IRA or a mutual fund. It is something to be purchased and used for decades.

How long should an Oriental rug last?

All of our rugs are made of the finest threads – mainly wool and silk – which is important when it comes to quality and longevity. Rug Masters believes a rug should last for decades, which is why we only sell and endorse the best rugs that will last for you.

Will I need a rug pad?

Yes. A rug pad adds softness to any rug, dampens noise, prevents scratches and dye transfers to your floor below, extends the life of your rug, and will hold the rug in place and prevent slips. It is often noted that a quality rug pad will double the life of your rug.

Will high temperatures hurt my Oriental rug?

The short answer is yes. Heat can cause damage to the wool fibers in your rug. That is why you should never steam clean your valuable rugs or have them stored in an attic.

Are Oriental rugs vulnerable to sun fading?

Almost every interior textile will lighten in color over a period of time. To minimize this problem, prevent prolonged exposure to intense sunlight by keeping your window covered (close your blinds when direct sunlight is hitting your rug) or treating them with a protective coating that filters out ultra-violet rays. You can also simply rotate your rugs every 3 months.

Is Rug Masters insured against loss or damage to my rugs?

Yes. Rug Masters is fully insured, and our technicians are trained and have many years of experience. Your rugs are insured from the time we pick them up at your house until we deliver them back to you.

How can I tell if a rug is counterfeit?

In most cases, it can be nearly impossible for the untrained eye to distinguish between real and fake rugs. That is why it is important that you purchase your Oriental rug from a reputable dealer who comes with references. Avoid discount sales and furniture stores. Unless it is a specialty rug dealer who only sells fine rugs or luxury furniture, it is likely you’ll end up with an imitation rug or a rug of secondary quality.

How long does it take a person to make an Oriental rug?

All authentic rugs are handmade. A medium size rug (five foot by eight foot) can take a person or people up to a year to complete, depending on the quality. Very large rugs (ten foot by twenty foot) can take several years.