Dry Rot in Rugs

What is Dry Rot in Rugs?

When you think of dry rot, you probably relate it to rubber belts and the tires on your car after they’ve been in use for many years. However, wool, Persian, and oriental rugs are also susceptible to dry rot, which is a condition that occurs when the fibers of a material encounter prolonged exposure to moisture, heat and/or sunlight. When this happens to natural fiber rugs, they can become brittle and eventually disintegrate. In order to prevent dry rot in your luxury rugs, it’s essential to keep them clean and dry and avoid prolonged exposure to heat, humidity, and direct sunlight.

Uric Salt and Rugs

Humidity and moisture include pet urine, which may appear dry after time but leaves behind uric salt which will continue to deteriorate your rugs from within. The uric salt will collect on the foundation fibers trapping moisture that is not perceptible to human touch. The high pH deals the fibers a second damaging blow. Those years of pets “tinkling” left unabated exacerbate the situation.

Hire a Professional

Annual cleanings by a certified professional are recommended to prolong the life of the rug and not let it fall victim to dry rot.

At Austin Rug, our team is familiar with rugs of every shape, size, and material. Whether it’s keeping up to date with cleaning methods for the newest synthetic fibers, or preserving the colors in a 400-year-old rug, we take the time and care necessary for your floor coverings to stay in their best condition.

Visit our page on Why We Are Different to learn more.

About The Author: Tim Petzold

Meet Tim Petzold, the Owner and Founder of Aegis Fine Rug Cleaning, a trusted and highly-respected fine rug cleaning company in Austin, Texas. Tim has dedicated his entire adult life to building his business and takes pride in its reputation for legendary service. He is a duly certified Rug/Master Textile Cleaner/Restorer who has been in business since 1983. Tim’s goal is to educate and assist people in making informed decisions regarding their Oriental and Persian rugs. His business model is based on providing exceptional service, and he never cuts corners or skips steps to offer a lower price. Welcome to Tim’s blog, where he shares his expertise and insights on fine rug cleaning.