I’m no photographer, but…

I love a challenge as much as anyone else, but when customers or fellow rug cleaners send me photos of rugs for my opinion, I often (almost always!) have to ask for more or better images.  There isn’t a whole lot I can tell you about something I can’t see clearly.  I’m already handicapped by not being able to feel and handle the piece.  I thought it was time for me to lay down some ground rules, so…

This is what we professional Ruggies are looking for in any photo submitted for ID or consultation:

1:  A clear, well-lit image of the entire rug, showing all four corners.  The rug should have little to no furniture covering it.

2:  A clear, well-lit image of an 8”- 12” section of the back corner of the rug, showing BOTH the end & edge finish.  Include a coin of some kind (preferably a US Quarter) in the image both for scale and for clarity. If you can read the words on the coin clearly, the photo is a good one!

3:  A clear, well-lit image from both the front AND back side of any damaged areas or places of concern.  Please include in the image a ruler or open tape measure next to the damaged areas.  The ruler markings should be legible in the photo.

Several of the examples I’m going to share with you have come from the Facebook page “What Is My Rug?” where I am one of a handful of administrators.  The concept here is simple - you post photos of your “mystery” rug, and we will try to help you identify what it is.  Easy, right…?

NOTE: I want to stress that my intention is NOT to pick on anyone out there.  I simply wish to show examples, side-by-side, good and bad, so that you are able to see exactly what we’re looking for in a quality photo.  Once you see how best to photograph a rug, it will save you (and your chosen expert) tons of time and frustration down the road.

The "I HAVE EVERYTHING I NEED RIGHT HERE" photos:

This image shows all four corners clearly, is well lit, and there is no furniture covering any of the design elements.

This image clearly shows the end & edge finish, and the coin is legible.

The "IT'S NOT AWFUL BUT...MAYBE ANOTHER PHOTO IS CALLED FOR" photos:

Not much wrong with this photo other than it's taken from a little too far away for my liking.

This photo of the same rug leaves much to be desired.
While the edge finish is fairly visible, I'm left wondering what is going on across the fringe end.
It's too far away to really "read" the knot shape and style.
A close-up with a coin included for clarity would have helped a great deal.

The "I REALLY CAN'T TELL YOU MUCH." photos:

The tape measure is just too far away to count knots per square inch.

This one gives me a definite vertigo feeling.

Too close!!

Artistic shot.

Design motifs are so interchangeable between countries that you can't identify a rug based on that information alone.

I saved this next photo for last because it is my favorite example of what NOT to do. It has something for everyone! The lighting is bad, the photo is fuzzy, the rug is covered in furniture. Is it a 10 x 14 or a 5 x8? The photo was sent to a friend of mine for ID purposes because this rug may end up in court as part of an insurance fraud scam. It was the ONLY photo available and I could only scratch my head in wonder.

???

I hope my latest ramblings will help you with your future rug photo submissions! I look forward to seeing them either on Facebook or in my email. :)

As always, I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com

American Sarouk - Painted Beauty



Typical American Sarouk

I am often asked what my own favorite type of rug is. I have several, but the most affordable and utilitarian of my faves is the American Sarouk. They are well made, pretty to look at and they have such an interesting story...

Mottled Dyes

Called “American Sarouk” because they were specifically designed for American tastes and woven in Northwest Iran, these rugs are easily recognizable for their rich red and blue colors and detached floral spray patterns.  They are known for their durability and lustrous feel.  

Original Yarn Color on the Back,
Over-Dyed Yarn Color on the Face

The American Sarouk was produced for export and shipped primarily to New York in the 1920’s and 1930’s by the boatload. They were welcomed for their quality and sheen, but sadly, not for their color.  The rugs were simply too orange.  The remedy for this was to build warehouses where workers would spend their days over-dying or painting the orange-red areas with a more popular burgundy-red.  It was an interesting and effective solution to a costly problem.  Nearly 100 years later, those dyes are still holding fast, but are beginning to show signs of mottling and breaking down. While this should not affect a rug’s value, it may appear unsightly to some.


I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com

Wet Rugs Happen

Storms happen. Overflows happen. Pipe breaks happen. Sewer back-ups happen. 
Wet rugs happen.  



Not the best method, but it's a start!

In the event of a small, clean water flood such as a dishwasher over flow or washing machine overflow, you will want to remove the water from the rug as quickly as you can.  Draping rugs over fences or railings is not recommended. Rather, extract as much water out of the rugs as possible and dry the rugs flat to minimize any potential drip-dry dye bleeding or permanent discoloration.  If you dry outdoors, dry the rugs upside-down to minimize sun fading.  Professional cleaning is always recommended so that any impurities and alkaline detergents can be properly removed.

It is important to note that if wet rugs are allowed to dry too slowly, or in a place that is not humidity controlled, it is only a matter of time (hours, NOT days!) before mold and mildew begin to grow and for the dyes bleed.  Do try to get to them as quickly as possible.

Heavy, dirty and unsanitary.

If your textiles have been exposed to a Category 2, or worse, a Category 3 situation, you will want to contact a company that has technicians specially trained to properly clean, deodorize and sanitize your rugs before returning them to your home.  Never try to tackle this type of clean up on your own – it could pose a serious health hazard to you and your family.  Call a professional to help you.

I can be contacted by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com

Area Rug Storage

For those of you who are part-timers here in Florida or for anyone thinking about taking up your area rugs for the hot summer months, the following guidelines may be useful to you…

Step  #1: Cleaning
To better protect your rugs from damage that may occur while you’re not looking, it is best to first clean your rugs. Proper, professional cleaning prior to storage will do a couple of things: it will remove dirt and oils that may lead to dry rot if left unclean and it will remove any potential moths or other insects that may be hiding in the fibers of your rug.

Step  #2: Wrapping
Where are you going to store the rugs? In an attic, basement or garage?  Behind the sofa? The location will determine how you should package the rugs.  A cool, dry place is best and a simple brown craft paper wrapping will usually suffice.  If an attic or garage is the only option, you should really consider wrapping in Ty-Vec –a breathable, water-resistant, hard to puncture paper.  If the rug is not being stored in your living space, I would further recommend the addition of moth flakes to the bundle.  It’s a little smelly, but the added protection from unwanted bugs and rodents is priceless!

Step #3: Rolling vs. Folding
If at all possible, avoid folding your area rugs for storage. Folding will put undue stress on the foundation and can contribute to cracks, holes and permanent creases, especially in the case of latex-backed rugs.  Rolling the rugs for storage is always best.

Step #4: Elevate!
Rugs in storage should not be placed on the floor or against the wall. If possible, get the bundles up on to a table or across a few chairs. This will help condensation from building up where the package meets a solid surface.  I don’t even have to tell you how this will help in the case of a flood, a real concern during hurricane season here in Florida!! Speaking of water damage…

Disasters happen.
Have a plan... Just in case.



Step #5: In Case of Emergency
Please have someone looking out for your property when you’re not there! Even if it’s just a neighbor who will call you in case of rising waters or obvious roof damage after a storm. Hopefully, you will be able to get those wet rugs to a professional cleaner soon! Leaving rugs rolled up while wet will increase your chances of mold and mildew damage as well as contributing to

run colors and rot.

As always, I am available to answer any questions you may have… Keep them coming!

You can reach me by email: Lynn@rugadvocate.com