AboutJahann and Sons Persian Rugs Expertise I can answer any and all questions you have regarding the cleaning, restoration and repair of Oriental rugs. I am more than happy to view your pictures via email and to give you advice on what you can do yourself and what needs to be left to the pros. I can also advise on the cost-effectiveness of repair on your rugs.
Experience My family has had a Persian carpet store in the Washington, DC metro area for nearly 30 years (www.jahannandsons.com).
After noticing a distinct musty smell when we would walk in our foyer entry, we determined it was the rug. Since we have placed it in a sealed bag with charcoal bickettes and most of the smell is gone, but now what - how can we remove the source of the smell, which I suspect is mold or mildew within the rug? I've been reading that some anitbacterial chemicals may actually inspire more highly resistant bacteria to develop - does vinegar and water work? Whats the best way to remove the source mold- for our health and the rug's?
Answer Hi Bob,
To remove mildew, you need to have your rug cleaned. A standard cleaning may work if you have a very small amount of mold, but soaking may be required if you have a lot. Soaking is a process where the entire rug is immersed in water, and we use it as a last resort as sometimes the colors of the rugs can run when this is done. Perhaps you can wait and see if the smell returns and then figure out just how big a problem that you have.
When finding a place that will clean your rugs, you want to make sure that they actually wash them and not steam or dry clean them, as this process will not help to remove the mold. If you see any mold growing on the back of your rug, a solution of cold water and a little bit of bleach, very carefully and lightly brushed onto the back of the rug with a toothbrush will help to remedy this problem. I have to emphasize that you should be very careful and very light, and use very little of this solution when you go along because you don't want to harm the rug's colors.
I hope this information is helpful. Please feel free to contact me should you need further information.
Best,
Katie
Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs
4210 Howard Avenue
Kensington, MD 20895
301-530-6660
www.jahannandsons.com
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