What Is Dry Rot In An Antique Rug

Sometimes years or decades.

What is dry rot in an antique rug.

Dry rot in a rug is the deterioration of the foundation fibers usually cotton but sometimes wool jute or silk. This paper is chemical and ink free so there are minimum chances of damaging the rug. Photographed below is the back of the rug showing a strong water mark. This lengthy slow but relentless deterioration and weakening of the fibers leads to eventual damage that can be seen as rips tears slits or other structural damage in the fabric carpet or rug.

In the extreme it is a total lack of structural integrity and to a rug this means it can simply fall apart. Dry rot damage is a condition that can occur in older textiles and furnishings especially those with cellulosic plant or plant based fiber such as cotton flax linen jute and similar fibers. Dry rot occurs when a fabric is exposed to moisture and doesn t dry completely or when it has been stored in a humid environment. You will know your carpet has been subject to dry rot if it has become hard brittle and susceptible to cracking.

Often if a rug has been exposed to water and not properly dried it can take on dry rot which deteriorates the fibers. Buildup of chemical residue from using incorrect cleaning products can dry out the foundation fibers making them brittle and eventually causing them to rot. These fibers can slowly degrade over time. Delaying the proper drying of your valuable oriental rugs can result in staining rippling dye bleeding dry rot microbial growth and odor concerns causing permanent damage.

A rug that sits on a damp floor perhaps in a basement will tend to absorb moisture over time and degrade the fibers with mildew. Only when you are absolutely sure that it is dry roll it like tube and wrap it in paper that is specially created for this purpose. The rug will become very stiff and is no longer flexible a condition called dry rot the rug can t be folded or rolled without cracking the foundation which you can sometimes see or hear. Dry rot is a condition that can occur in older textiles and furnishings especially those with a cellulosic fiber such as cotton flax linen jute and similar fibers can slowly degrade over time.

Odors resulting from the slow drying of rugs and wet carpet can result in microbial growth which may effect the health of occupants susceptible to asthma triggers. Microscopic mold and mildew spores drift in the air and when moisture conditions are right they settle into the fabric and grow. Damage caused by pet urine has yellow discolorations on the top side of the rugs. That is why it is important to wash your oriental rugs by professionals.