Rug Ideas: Your One Stop Rug Shop!

If you are in the market for a rug stop by our showroom as we carry a variety of sizes and styles. From handmade to machine made, from large palace sized rugs to runners, we have a great selection that will bring a new vibrancy to your home.

Come in today so we can show you just how easy it is to brighten up your living room, dining room, bedroom or any other space in your house that could use a textile touch. We also carry rug pads & offer spill protection and moth proofing for extra protection for your rugs.

We are everything rug, so if you are looking to buy a new rug, clean/repair an old one, or have a custom job contact us so we can guide you with our 50+ years of expertise. Rug Ideas is your one-stop rug shop!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Special Tips For Pet Owners

Do you have a pet? Join the crowd. About 70 million US households have pets - and that number represents a 35 percent increase from 1988, according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association.

Dogs especially have urine retention problems when they're puppies, elderly or sick. For puppies, packs of 100 temporary absorbent pads can be purchased from pet supply stores. These work better than newspaper, so spread them around on the spots where your puppy tends to gravitate. When Fluffy makes a mess, throw the pad out.

Sometimes when a new dog is introduced into a home where another dog has been, they will mark spots in the house in the same way they mark territory in the neighborhood. Cats also mark territory inside the house.
You can combat pet odors and stains in many ways:
-Check out the CRI Seal of Approval products that are specifically designed for pet stains and odors.
-Vacuum more frequently to capture pet hair and dust drifting from Fluffy's fur.
-Have your carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months, or more frequently.
When dealing with urine spots, don't use a steam cleaner, because the heat will set the stain and the smell.
Carpet cleaning firms *like Rug Ideas* know how to permanently remove pet stains and odor, where possible.

If you have caged pets, check pet-supply stores for scent-killing products (mineral or earthen products sold in bags), which you place near their cages. Plain old baking soda or clove oil on a cotton ball may mask the stench. If fleas should become a problem, keep in mind that your carpet is probably harboring eggs - keep up a regular vacuuming schedule! Check with your veterinarian for treatment options as well as tips for getting fleas out of the household environment.

*sourced from 'Carpet Cleaning Tips for Dummies' by Elizabeth B. Goldsmith

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Happy New Year From Rug Ideas!

We at Rug Ideas would like to wish everyone a happy and safe New Years celebration! We have made many new friends this year and plan to make even more for 2013, which is coincidentally our 60th anniversary under our parent company, Sobco International. We strive to always bring you the best customer service as well as the expert repairs/cleaning/appraisals that we are known for.

We want to remind everyone that we are running great sales during the month of January, so stop by our showroom so we can help you find the perfect rug for your home or office. We have an extensive selection of beautiful handmade rugs and runners, as well as stock some machine made pieces as well for people on a budget. 

And if you have a rug that is in need of repair, Rug Ideas is your answer as we have a team of master weavers who handle specific types of rugs which they have expertise in, so you know your repair will come out fantastic. We can take care of securing ends, replacing the selvages(sides), reweaving, as well as custom jobs including new canvas backings(for tufted rugs), leather strips to prevent curling and downsizing of rugs.

And if you have had any holiday parties where your rug/s have been dirtied/soiled, bring them in or call us right away so we can help you with cleaning and stain removal to get them back into shape. Here's wishing you a Happy New Year and a festive Holiday Season...from Rug Ideas!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

How to Store Your Rugs

The biggest dangers for rugs placed in storage are BUGS, FLOODS, and THUGS. Insect damage, flood or mildew damage, and theft are the most common problems we hear from clients who have placed rugs in a local storage unit or placed in a far corner of a closet or garage. Many times rugs with high appraised or sentimental value are placed in storage to save them for family members, or to save them from a remodel mess, or to protect them from the summer sunlight. You want to make sure you are not actually causing damage by incorporating the wrong storage procedures.

• DO clean rugs before wrapping for storage. The first, most important piece of storage advice is to always store rugs clean. Never wrap up dirty rugs. Have them washed properly and then prepared for storage, otherwise there’s a chance you’ll wrap hungry little rug-snacking critters in with your rug in a nice, protected environment, and in a year or more, when you open it up again, you could be in for an ugly, expensive surprise.You must clean your rugs of food and liquid material because though moths are normally the storage “bad guys” – ANY insect will eat sugars and other food materials, and they will eat the wool fibers that are holding this meal for them too.

• DO roll your rugs starting at the bottom end to the top end, fuzzy side inside. To find the bottom end of your rug, you want to “pet” your rug to determine when you are going WITH the nap, and AGAINST the nap. When you run your hand WITH the grain, it will take you to the tassels of the bottom of the rug (where the weaver began weaving your rug). Roll from this end. Folding rugs causes cracking over time, so do not fold rugs being put in storage.

• DO roll your SILK rugs with the fuzzy side outside. Wool and cotton rugs have more “give” to them than silk rugs, so when placing silk rugs into storage, roll them with their fuzzy silk side outside.

• DO wrap your rugs in TYVEK or brown acid-free PAPER. Wool has a moisture content even when it is dry, so changes in heat will cause it to “sweat.” Because of this you can NEVER wrap wool rugs in plastic or you will create a mildew problem. Tyvek Paper is best (tear and water resistant).

• DO elevate your rug packages off of the ground. Many storage facilities are built in lowlands that have a tendency to flood during bad weather, so whether in your home or their location you always want to keep rugs at least six inches off the ground in case flooding occurs.

• DO make certain nothing heavy is stacked on top of your rugs. Heavy items can cause damage to the rug’s foundation.

• DO acquire insurance to protect your rugs when placed in a storage facility. You also want a photograph and appraisal on file in case you need them.

Find the Best Rug Storage Location
For those of you who like to switch your rugs out to create a fresh look in your décor, or to save them from too much wear, take care to properly store your rugs according to theTextile Museum in Washington, D.C.
The best location for the storage of your collection would be in a room that is cool, dry and where blinds or curtains block natural light. Few of us have the luxury of having a spare room that we can devote to storage, and have to make do with closets, cupboards and under beds.While it is possible to adapt many spaces in the house for storage, avoid using attics and basements, which are usually without climate control and suffer the largest swings in temperature and relative humidity.

Maintaining Rug Storage Areas
Most moth and carpet beetle infestations appear in rugs that were improperly stored. Sometimes infestations will start while the rug is in use, and then quickly accelerates when the piece is stored. It is, therefore, important to have a good housekeeping plan for your storage areas. Every couple months unroll at least one rug to make sure that there is no evidence of infestation. Choose a different rug each month. Wipe off shelving and shelf padding, and if necessary clean or replace dustcovers and padding. Vacuum the room thoroughly to eliminate insect-attracting dust. Remove dust from all baseboards and windowsills as well.

sourced from: referralcarpetcare.com & arearugfacts.com
Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

The Americas - Navajo Rugs

Navajo Rugs have a tremendous visual impact, which reflects the strength of Navajo culture and their tradition as a people. Weaving designs evolved from simple beginnings in the 18th century, and became more elaborate in response to changing demands during the second half of the 19th century. Today, they have returned to a newfound simplicity. The method of weaving has remained virtually unchanged, and is basically the tapestry- or flat weave technique used in Middle Eastern kilims.

The Spanish introduced sheep into Old Navajo Land near New Mexico in the 16th century, and the nomadic Navajo acquired large flocks from them and became famous for the blankets that they wove for their own use. During the complex history of banishment and then their return to a diminished territory, Navajo's weaving was influenced by many factors, including shortage of wool and the weaving of their neighbors, the Pueblo.

When the Navajo first acquired their flocks, they spun the yarn from their own fleece, and they have returned to this today. During the intervening period, they bought commercial yarns that were available in a choice of string, bright colors. Today's pieces are brightly colored, sturdy, and largely made up of stripes or diamond motifs. Unlike Middle Eastern work, individual Navajo weavers may become well-known for the quality of their weaving and designs, and a particular weaver's work can be more expensive that that of other weavers. The weaving is done by women who learn through a "watch and do" process.

*sourced from 'Carpet Style' by Barty Phillips

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Gabbeh Rugs For Sale!! 25% OFF

Today we are showcasing 2 great Gabbeh rugs that will brighten up anyone's home. They are both Rug Ideas production rugs and utilize hand spun wool and have all natural vegetable dyes. These are "green rugs"!
Take a look below:

The rug above measures 3'7" x 5'4" and has a great price of just $1950. And if you buy it before the year (2012) ends we'll give you an extra 25% OFF! That's a great bargain for a beautiful, high quality Gabbeh from Iran.

Next we bring you another Gabbeh with the same hand spun wool and natural vegetable dyes. Take a look below:

The above rug measures 3'8" x 5'2" and has a price of $1975. Buy this rug before 2012 ends and you will get the same 25% OFF as the last Gabbeh shown! Pick up one or both of these lovely pieces today at Rug Ideas!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

50% OFF Every Rug! Our Black Friday SALE Is Here!!

Our Big Tent Sale has begun and we are ready to give you the biggest savings of the year. Every rug in our inventory is now 50% OFF during our Black Friday/Thanksgiving weekend SALE! We have machine made and luxurious handmade rugs, runners, tapestries, shag rugs & unique pieces, all HALF OFF!!

And right next to our tent is our large showroom where EVERY rug is 50% OFF! Come on in and see our large selection of rugs that come in many styles and colors. We can help you find a piece that will liven up your home, or maybe you'd like to buy a holiday present for someone and get 50% savings!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Black Friday Is 2 Days Away - 50% OFF All Rugs!!

Just a reminder that our Big Tent Sale starts in 2 days on Black Friday, Nov. 23rd. This is the time to get an absolutely great deal on every rug that we have in the store... everything is 50% OFF! We'll be open 9am-6pm on Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturday. It's also a great time to bring in your rugs as we are giving a free appraisal if you do so! Join us Thanksgiving weekend for a savings extravaganza!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Area Rug Deep Cleaning - Shades of Grey

A customer brought in an area rug recently into our showroom that needed cleaning. This rug had not been cleaned in over 5 years and one area that showed just how dirty it had gotten was the fringes. Sometimes a person doesn't realize just how dirty their rug is because dirt and dust have evenly been put on the rug. Take a look at some before pics below:

The dirt makes a hazy look on the rug; it desperately needed one of our deep cleanings. We thoroughly dusted the rug before we completely wet washed it with specialty wool shampoo. We then naturally dried it and the result came out great. Take a look below:

This rug now looks new, and look at those fringes! Who would have thought they were actually white?! Our customer was thrilled with her rug cleaning and is coming to our Big Tent Sale this black Friday to take a look at some runners for her home. If you have a rug that is long overdue for a deep cleaning, bring it in to Rug Ideas so we can help you get it back into great shape!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Tiger Rugs - China and Tibet

The cat rugs of Paotao were woven in the early 20th century. Paotao is close to Mongolia, a cold, rugged and dusty land, and the rugs were used for sitting or sleeping on. But tigers and leopards have been portrayed in Tibetan rugs for over 100 years. They were originally woven for the high lama to sit on, but as the animals became scarcer, rugs woven with tiger and leopard images, abstract stripes, full skin, three-dimensional body and head designs, paw prints and spots appear.

The term 'tiger rug' usually refers to rugs woven in Tibet, although such carpets are woven in the same regions as carpets with dragon designs, too. The designs are usually based on tiger skins rather than on the live animal, but occasionally it may be highly abstract with perhaps a small square of stripes surrounded by a wide border.           .                        

                                                

Some rugs provide realistic, almost cartoon-like representations of tigers, but they are not always classed as tiger rugs in the trade. Tigers are the lords of the mountains and woods, joint controllers of winds and water, the traditional enemy of the dragon, and associated with strength, virility, and the West.  Symbolically, stylized tiger rugs may represent aspects of Tantric meditation. Excellent copies of old tiger rugs are produced in large numbers today in Tibetan/Nepalese workshops.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

The 10 Commandments of Rug Care/Maintenance

What do you do with your valuables? You take care of them. Why not do the same thing to your Persian and Oriental rugs? They are expensive and can last for many years and maybe for generations. The more you take care of them, the better they look and the longer they last in your home.

Here at Rug Ideas we present you with some simple and general ideas for your rug protection, care and maintenance. For more precise and detailed instructions, please contact us or consult a professional.
1- Depending on the foot traffic, you should rotate your rug and turn it around maybe once a year for even and balanced wear.
2- Do not let your rug be exposed to direct sunlight. The colors will fade away through time. Use appropriate curtains and draperies
3- Vacuum your rug regularly. Do not wait until it gets dirty. Dust and soil would damage the fiber of your rug resulting in its shorter life. When you vacuum your rug, be careful with the fringe.
4- When something (liquid or …) is spilled or dropped on your rug, act quick before it sets in, absorbed or dried.  Scoop us the spill as much as you can and then use dry cloths, or paper towel to blotter and absorb the liquid as much as you can.
5- Do not try to remove the stains with unknown and un-tested chemicals bought from the stores. Stain removal is a little complicated and depends on the nature of the stains, construction and material of the rug, dye used in the rug and different other variables. This is not a do it yourself job.
6- If the stain is solid (chewing gum, wax and …) use a spoon to remove it and follow the step #4 above.
7- Do not ask wall-wall carpet cleaners to wash your rugs or remove stains from your hand knotted carpets. They do not know the construction of wool/silk rugs and may damage your rugs buy using harsh/strong chemicals.
8- We at Rug Ideas provide special expert rug cleaning with local free pick up and delivery. Contact us for free estimate and more details (tel. 310-860-0460).
9- If your Persian carpet or Oriental rug is damaged, have it fixed by us by expert repairer. It will extend the life of your lovely rug. The damage will progress if you do not take care of it in time.
10- Take different pictures of your rugs and place them where you can find them. Having other information such as size, the country of origin and … may help in the case of theft, fire or other unexpected events.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085

Afghan War Rug

Today we are showing you a great handmade Afghan rug in our inventory that fits in the category of 'war rugs'. The war rug tradition of Afghanistan has its origins in the decade of Soviet occupation of Afghanistan from 1979, and has continued through subsequent military, political and social conflicts. Afghan rug-makers began incorporating the apparatus of war into their designs almost immediately after the Soviet Union invaded their country. They continue to do so today in the wake of the United States' 2001 invasion of Afghanistan which ousted the Taliban government of Mullah Omar but has failed to bring an end to violence in the country. The rugs produced in response to these events are among the world's richest traditions of war art of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

The terms Baluch and war rug are generalizations given to the genre by rug dealers, commercial galleries, collectors, critics and commentators. The distinctive characteristic of these rugs is their capacity to convey their makers' experiences and interpretations of the circumstances and politics of war and conflict in the region. Come on in to our showroom to see this piece for yourself; we are offering this unique handmade historical rug at the great price of just $295!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
Tel. 310-770-9085