The cleaning of Oriental and area rugs is a complicated and intricate process. A major concern during this process involves the rug fringes. There are two main reasons why fringes may require special treatments during or after cleaning. The first is cellulosic browning rug fringes are mostly made of cotton, or cellulose, which undergoes natural changes with time and may result in the development of a brown stain or discoloration called cellulosic browning. The second reason is the possible change in the color of the fringes during cleaning. This second form of color change is generally due to fugitive dye from the wet rug, which is absorbed in the fringes. There are at least two ways to clean or reclean rug fringes. The first approach is recleaning by hand with or without mild acid rinsing and rapid drying with a blower. The second, a stronger treatment involves bleaching with or without rinsing and/or rapid drying.
If browning or color bleeding is severe it will not be eliminated by the first approach, utilizing mild treatments. The second approach will result in white fringes, but may also cause some physical deterioration of the fringes. This deterioration is generally manifested in their strength loss, fiber loss, and/or "stringy" texture. Both procedures have their advocates, advantages and disadvantages. The first procedure does not weaken the fringes, but may leave then off white or slightly discolored. The bleach procedure can result in a change in texture of the fringes. The fringes may look stringy and break off during vacuuming and wear. Rxide for Browning is made specially to treat problem fringes. Redicing Agent Plus can also be used.