Flatwoven rugs comprise numerous types of area rugs including Berber, dhurrie, kilim, Navajo, rag rugs, soumak and Zapotec.  Flatwoven rugs are usually handwoven, and have a flat surface without a noticeable raised pile.  Many of these rugs are reversible and can be used on both sides.  Dhurries  are usually made in Afghanistan and India, and kilims in Turkey.

These type of area rugs typically or a good value and have a nice appearance.  The lengthwise yarns, typically cotton or wool, sometimes silk, are hand-wound onto the loom before weaving.

Some irregularities  in warp and weft positioning, tension and weave structure can appear in even the best woven rugs.  Cleaning can accentuate and reveal these inherent aspects of flatwoven rugs.  The sides of these rugs can also be prone to curling.

Markings made by the weaver on the warp to measure patterns, may not be colorfast and can bleed during cleaning and then become visible.  Also bright, bold colors used on the surface yarns, may not be colorfast for various reasons, and may have a tendency to bleed or migrate to neighboring yarns when the area rugs are cleaned.  This bleeding won’t be easy to remove.

Many flatwoven carpets have fringes that are a natural extension of the warp yarns, and are an integral part of the rug.  Fringes will fray and darken with wear, and instead of causing damage or texture change with “extra cleaning treatment”, it is best to be safe and leave the fringe “natural” looking by only giving the fringes the normal regular cleaning and staying away from applying bleaching agents such as striptene.

Since the flat surface of flatwoven rugs will show dirt and soil faster that a rug with more depth, and are created with muted or pastel colors, vacuum these rugs regularly, and have them professionally cleaned more often than other rugs.  Getting extra protection with the application of a carpet protector after cleaning is advisable.

For any questions about cleaning your area rugs, call Ram at 403-291-1051 and ask to speak to one of our area rug cleaning specialists.

Ram Cleaning Services, Complete Cleaning and Maintenance Care serving Calgary and area since 1967