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Rug water damage, burns, mildew, and rot
When a handmade oriental rug is exposed to water, the cotton foundation can be weakened and start rotting if it is left without correct drying. A common cause of such damage is when a potted plant is placed directly on a rug. The plant is watered regularly and if the pot leaks the rug under the pot stays permanently damp. Within a few weeks the foundation of the rug can become so weak that chunks can be pulled from the rug by hand. If you are placing a plant on a handwoven rug try to place it on a slim leg stool so you can see under the pot and check regularly for leaks.
The best thing you can do in a situation where water has been spilled on your handmade rug is to use a spoon to scoop up as much water as possible out of the rug and empty it into a bowl. You would then need to place a cloth to soak up the excess water and you should be fine.
Another common occurrence that is sometimes out of our control is flood damage. Unfortunately, in these situations you would not be able to remove the water out of the rug yourself. It is necessary to call an expert to arrange the collection of your rug as soon as possible so that the water stays in the rug for as short a time possible.
Rotted rugs are very delicate and usually break apart as soon as the cleaning process begins. It is imperative to secure the damaged areas of the handmade rug prior to beginning cleaning. The securing is not to keep the damage in place but rather to keep the areas not damaged in place and prevent them from getting any worse and thus easier to repair.
The images below show an old handmade Tabriz rug that was subject to rot and mildew damage. We had to cut out the damaged area entirely and completely reweave it.
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