Let’s Talk Fringe, you either Love it or Hate it!
Short or Long there are many ways to make fringe “Work for You!” Fringe is the part of the rug that requires extra attention for Care and Cleaning. It’s the part of the rug that gets the dirtiest, and requires the most labor. We at Northcenter can give your fringe that extra Care & Cleaning, Replace, or Removal if requested.
WHAT IS FRINGE?
On hand woven rugs, the fringe tassels are the warps of the rug. These are the strands that wool (or silk) pile knots are twisted and tied around to create that rug. Each single tassel strand (usually cotton) runs from one end all the way through the middle of the rug to the opposite side. It is the “Skeleton of that rug.”
Fringe in most cases has little or no significant impact on the value of a rug, because it is a byproduct of the weaving process. But if the fringe tassels untie, are torn, or wear off, the knots of the rug can begin to pull away and unravel, and this has a concerning impact on the value of the rug.
Machine woven rugs have fringe added on after the construction, usually sewed or glued on. So when the fringe on these rugs gets filthy, or damaged, it’s an easy choice – tear off the old and add on some new.
With hand woven rugs, where the fringe tassels are the foundation that the rug knots are tied around, it’s not that easy. Fringe that gets torn by the vacuum cleaner, chewed off by the dog, or worn off from foot traffic, needs to be handled right away… and in the right way with a professional.
Fringe Care & Cleaning
Regular Maintenance
Vacuum the rug regularly to remove dirt, dust, and debris. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a canister vacuum on low power to avoid pulling or damaging the fringe.
Avoid Overlooking Fringe
When vacuuming, pay attention to the fringe and gently run the vacuum cleaner over it to remove any trapped dirt or particles.
Hand Cleaning
If the fringe appears dirty or stained, you can hand-clean it with mild soap and water. Fill a bowl or basin with cool water and add a small amount of mild liquid soap. Gently agitate the fringe in the mixture, being careful not to tangle or mat the fibers. Rinse off the soap with cool water and blot the fringe dry with a clean towel. Hang it or lay it flat to dry completely before placing it back on the floor.
Spot Cleaning
For small spills or stains on the fringe, you can spot clean using a mild detergent or carpet cleaner specifically designed for delicate fabrics. Follow the product instructions and use a clean cloth or sponge to gently blot the stain, working from the outer edges towards the center. Rinse with clean water and blot dry.
Professional Cleaning
If your rug or carpet with fringe requires deep cleaning or if the fringe is heavily soiled or stained, it is recommended to hire a professional rug cleaner. Here at Northcenter Rug we will effectively clean the fringe without causing damage to the rug.
Avoid Excessive Fringe Handling
Besides regular maintenance and spot cleaning, it’s important to avoid excessive handling or pulling on the fringe, as this can lead to unraveling or fraying. Direct foot traffic away from the fringe areas to minimize wear and tear.
Trim Fringe Ends
Over time, the edges of the fringe may become frayed or tangled. To keep the fringe looking neat, use sharp scissors to carefully trim any loose, uneven or frayed ends. Always cut parallel to the fringe, avoiding cutting any remaining intact fibers.
Remember, prevention is key in maintaining the cleanliness and condition of fringe. Regular vacuuming, prompt spot cleaning, and careful handling will help extend the life and beauty of your rug or carpet fringe.
Here at Northcenter Rug Cleaners we make life easier by taking extra care with your rugs fringe. Contact us so we can answer any questions and help with preserving your rug. Need new fringe? Check out Area Rug Repair here.
