"Proper Care and Cleaning of Navajo Rugs"

by Len Wood's Indian Territory, Inc. (eBay ID: Fine_Indian_Art)

Navajo Rugs - Common Causes of Damage

Direct sunlight, insects, moisture (including condensation), untrained pets, and pointed furniture legs are among the "passive" dangers to your Navajo rugs and blankets. Improper cleaning techniques often cause more damage however including color loss, bleeding (color run) and damage to wool texture.

Spills should be blotted immediately with a dry cloth and can be tested with additional blotting with a damp cloth.  Most Navajo rugs woven after 1875 use aniline dyes for red, orange and other bright colors and some can be subject to bleeding.

Long-Term Navajo Rug and Navajo Blanket Storage

Navajo rugs like to "rest" in similar conditions as people do. Cool, dry temperate conditions mean that a closet in the house makes a far better storage location than in the garage or in a non-climate controlled storage unit.  Primary concerns are humidity causing mildew damage, insect damage (moths, spiders, silverfish etc) , pets and rodents. Ideally rolling the rugs and blankets up (the "short way" , i.e. against and not with the direction of the interior warp) and placing within a cedar lined chest within the house . with the possible addition of a mothball filled cheesecloth bag (note: mothballs or crystals should never come in direct contact with Navajo rugs)

Navajo Rugs and Blankets - Cleaning & Repair

Navajo rugs should never be dry cleaned by anyone nor even handwashed by non-professionals. Dyes need to be set prior to washing so they do not bleed and care must be taken so that the qualities of the wool are not damaged in the process--different rugs and blankets and different dirt and stain problems often require differing cleaning treatment procedures. Items needing repair should be displayed on the wall or stored to avoid further damage until they can be professionally restored.

HOW TO GO ABOUT CLEANING AND RESTORING YOUR WEAVING: We at Len Wood's Indian Territory provide professional restoration, cleaning, de-bleeding, stain removal (including common pet stain removal) and repair services for your Navajo rugs and blankets. Restoration of holes, corner wear, selvage and edge wear is all possible through our professional restoration services. We also can appraise your weavings for insurance purposes and advise you on forming or dispensing of a collection. For more information, please visit our website, www.indianterritory.com.