Will professional cleaning cause my rug to fade?

Rugs aren't usually cheap, especially Turkish rugs with gorgeous patterns that can really pull a lounge or bedroom together. If you've invested in a rug, you'll want to keep it looking as good as new for as long as you can. This can be tricky when rugs are literally walked all over and are very vulnerable to sunlight.

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If you've had a bit too much dirt trodden into your precious rug, you may feel concerned that a professional cleaning could damage your rug, or cause it to fade. We're here to put your mind at ease on this.

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Your local JAE team will inspect your rug, and test it prior to cleaning. If any potential issues are identified our technician will let you know first and discuss options. Though we may not always be able to guarantee the outcome of a treatment, we trust our expert knowledge to prevent this from happening. We work to take care of these issues for you, so you can rest assured that every effort is made to treat your rug with care to get the best results from our cleaning process. 

Sunlight is the main cause of rug fading

Over time when fabrics are exposed to sunlight, they tend to lighten and fade, causing them to lose their vibrant colours, making them look dull and lifeless. It is best to know how to protect your rugs from fading because of too much sun exposure.

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Here's how you can protect your rug from fading:

1. Rotate rugs regularly
   The more sunlight an area gets, the faster the colours will fade. Therefore, to maintain even colouring and wear around your rug, it is recommended at minimum to rotate your rug every 6 months, especially if it is placed in an area that is commonly used. This will help give your rug a more even appearance and maintain its value.

2. Avoid excessive sunlight
   While you may have fallen in love with where your rug has been placed, it is important to make sure you limit the amount of sunlight that hits it, to help protect its vibrant colours. A couple of ways this can be done are:

• Close drapes and blinds when possible, to minimise the chance of your rug fading.
• Use UV film/Low emission glass to prevent sunlight from causing damage to your rug.

3. Use a rug protector
   To help lower the chances of sun fading, talk to your local JAE experts about getting fabric protection. This will help protect your rugs against future stains, wear, and help slow down the deterioration process.

4. Professional cleaning
   Regularly having your rug professionally cleaned can help revive and enhance them. At JAE we have technicians who have specialised training in cleaning rugs, ensuring that your rug investment is well protected. ‍

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Can you reverse sun fading on rugs?

Once the sun fading has occurred, you do have some options to make it look bright and vibrant again. Sometimes the fibres deep in your rug still have colour, therefore professionals may be able to restore and revive its appearance.

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If your oriental rug is in need of a deep clean, give the team at JAE a call today and they will get your rug looking as good as new.

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FAQs:

1. Can professional rug cleaning damage or fade my rug?
   Reputable professional cleaners, like JAE, use specialized techniques and solutions tailored to your rug's material and dyes. They prioritize preserving your rug's original appearance, meaning fading is highly unlikely when you choose a qualified service.
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2. How can I tell if a professional cleaner will be safe for my rug?
   Always choose cleaners who conduct a pre-inspection and material test. They should be transparent about their methods and able to explain how they will protect your specific rug from fading or damage. Look for certifications and positive reviews.

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For other carpet and rug care tips, please see our articles on Laying Down the Rug Rules and Do I Need a Professional to Treat Stains.