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Rug Fringes - Common Carpet Problems
The cleaning of Oriental and area rugs is a complicated and intricate process. A major concern during this process involves the rug fringes. Rug fringes are prone to some deterioration with normal use due to the fiber content of the fringes (usually cotton), their loose or low twist and their open ends. These characteristics make rug fringes susceptible to untwisting and texture loss during normal use such as vacuuming, walking, etc.
There are additional reasons why fringes may require special treatments during or after cleaning. The first reason is cellulosic browning. Rug fringes are mostly made of cotton, a cellulosic fiber, which undergoes natural changes with time. These changes may lead to the development of a brown stain or discoloration called cellulosic browning. The second reason is the possible change in the color of the fringes during cleaning. This form of color change often occurs as fugitive dyes from the wet rug are being absorbed by the fringes.
There are at least two other ways to clean or reclean rug fringes. The first approach is recleaning the fringes by hand, with or without mild acid, rinsing and rapid drying with a blower. The second, a stronger treatment, involves bleaching, with or without rinsing, and rapid drying.
If browning or color bleeding is severe, it may not be eliminated by the first approach (the milder treatment). The second approach will result in white fringes but may also cause some physical deterioration of the fringes. This deterioration is generally manifested in their strength loss, fiber loss and/or "stringy" texture.
Both procedures have its advantages and disadvantages. The first treatment does not weaken the fringes but may leave them off-white or slightly discolored. The bleach may result in a change in texture of the fringes. The fringes may also look stringy and break off during subsequent vacuuming and wear. The choice of procedures best suited for a particular rug comes from knowledge and experience, and is best left for your professional cleaner. |
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