PERMOTH RUG CARE
Rug Care Specialists Since 1932
RUG CARE SERVICES
Few things in your home or office take as much abuse, or are as important to how your space looks, as your area rugs and carpets. Regular rug cleaning and maintenance are essential to making sure that the only piece of art you’re supposed to walk on stands the test of time. Contact us today to learn what we can do for your rugs and carpets and schedule a pickup!
Rug Cleaning
Rug Repairs
Rug Padding
Pet Odor Removal
Stain Protection
Appraisal Service
MOTH, MOLD & MILDEW TREATMENT
At Permoth, we are proud to offer exclusive access to a state-of-the-art facility offering the only treatment guaranteed to eliminate all moth eggs and larvae, without any risk of damaging your rugs.
This unique freeze-dry process destroys living tissue at a cellular level and is proven effective at removing all types of biological contaminants from delicate textiles. Combined with a thorough cleaning afterwards to remove remaining debris, the process rids your rugs of any and all unwelcome guests.
If you suspect your rugs may be harboring moths or mold, contact us immediately for a phone consultation. The sooner we are able to treat your rugs, the less damage these pests can cause.
HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR RUGS HAVE MOTHS
It can be difficult to notice a moth infestation until your rugs have already been badly damaged. The four signs below can help you spot a problem before it becomes a catastrophe.
Flying Moths
The most obvious indicator that your rugs and other textiles may be harboring moth eggs and larvae is the presence of flying moths. Adult moths do not live very long and exist only to breed, after which they die immediately. If you see adult moths in your home, the good news is that the adults themselves are incapable of eating so pose no risk on their own. The bad news is they are only looking for a place to lay their eggs or have emerged from an already infested textile somewhere nearby.
Moth Eggs
The presence of moth eggs in your carpet is the most certain way to confirm an infestation. In wool-pile rugs, eggs are typically deposited just below the top of the fibers and anchored in place with a gel. Often times the egg cluster will come loose before hatching and fall to the base of the fiber. These loose egg clusters can be seen when brushing the pile with a brush or fingers, which will jostle some to the surface, and look like small white particles.
Moth Casings
Once they have consumed their fill, larvae will pupate and emerge as winged adult moths. The adult leaves behind the pupal casing which protected it during gestation. These casings will appear as whispy, white filaments, often aligned with the pile of a carpet. These are a sure sign that a generation of moths has been through your rug.
Moth Damage
The most unfortunate way to tell that there may be moths in your rug or carpet is by the damage that they leave behind. Moth damage appears as localized patches of shortened or missing wool pile. Often times, the damage won’t be immediately apparent. Larvae will attack the bottom of the fiber, leaving the top intact and in-place. It won’t be until vacuuming or cleaning that the clipped fibers come away completely, revealing the extent of the damage.
MOLD & MILDEW
Mold and mildew are caused by opportunistic fungi that thrive on organic materials, like the natural fibers in handmade rugs and carpets. Moisture and darkness are the typical catalysts for a mold or mildew growth – rugs in storage or underneath furniture are most commonly affected. The fungus will attack the elastic backbone of natural fibers, making them brittle and stiff. Left unchecked, this will break down the entire structure of the rug.
The same freeze-dry process used to eradicate moths is also extremely effective against these fungi, killing both the fungal network and the spores they use to spread. Contact us today if you suspect your rug may be harboring live mold or mildew.
PROTECTING YOUR RUGS
Keeping your textiles safe from moths and mold can be difficult. They are notoriously hardy and polyphagous, capable of surviving on a wide range of foods. Adults are small, primarily nocturnal, and prefer traveling on the ground to flying, making them unobtrusive and difficult to spot. Eggs are durable, hard to spot and identify, and complete eradication can be difficult, even for professionals.
Mold typically grows in the places you don’t see – under furniture, on pieces in storage. Early stages of growth are hard to spot.
This being the case, there are some things that you can do to prevent your rugs and textiles from being attacked.
Moth-proofing
Traditionally, mothballs have been a common method for preventing infestation. Unfortunately, the chemicals in mothballs are odorous and potentially toxic. Instead we provide a spray based repellent that is non-toxic, odor-free, and pet-friendly. This will prevent moths from landing and laying eggs in your carpets and textiles.
Proper Storage
The most commonly infested textiles are those in medium- to long-term storage. Moths strongly prefer warm, dark places to deposit eggs and items that go undisturbed for long periods of time are at great risk of becoming affected. Mold and mildew are also a major risk for rugs in storage. Unnoticed leaks and airborne moisture provide ideal conditions for growth.
All stored textiles should be sealed in airtight, water-proof material to prevent moths and mold from attacking. If you intend to store your rugs for any period of time, we can wrap and seal them using heavy-duty plastic to keep them safe.
Regular Maintenance
Rugs should be inspected on a regular basis, typically during regular cleaning every 3 to 5 years. Moths are preferentially attracted to soiled materials as this provides more diverse nutritional value to larvae. Mold and mildew also benefit from soiling, often carried in by dirty water. Regular cleaning will help to prevent moths and mold from being attracted to your textiles.
CONTACT US
Open Mon – Sat; 9a – 5p
Phone: 847-681-1901
Email: [email protected]
Visit our Showroom and Cleaning Facility in the Minasian Building
1244 Chicago Ave, Evanston IL
A MINASIAN RUG CARE COMPANY
NEW LOCATION
Visit us at our NEW LOCATION in the Minasian building
1244 Chicago Ave, Evanston IL
Open Monday – Saturday; 9a – 5p
