Frequently Asked Questions - CALL US 757-486-6600

1-What are your hours?

Monday - Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM

*Sunday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

*We are CLOSED on Sundays for the summer months of June, July and August.

We are always available for a personal appointment after hours. Please call to arrange a time.

2-How long have you been in business?

We are a third generation business that has been serving our customers since 1936.

3-What type of rugs do you sell?

We sell most nationally known brands as well as rugs from almost all the rug weaving countries of the world. We also offer custom made rugs. Please contact us if we can help you further.

4-Do you match competitors prices? 

At Mark Gonsenhauser's Rug and Carpet Superstore we will not be undersold!  Our price match guarantee offers the most competitive prices anywhere. If you find a lower price we will meet it. This applies to in stock rugs only and is not valid on previous orders.

5-Can I have a rug custom made and how long does it take?

Absolutely, yes we can. As a direct importer we are able to accommodate orders for rugs in special sizes, colors, patterns and designs. Contrary to belief a custom rug is not necessarily more expensive than one purchased off the showroom floor. A custom made rug can take many months to design and create. We will give you an estimated time.

6-What is your return policy?

  • Rugs that were first taken on approval and then purchased may be returned for a store credit only within 10 days.
  • Rugs purchased outright (not taken on approval) can be returned for a full refund within 10 days.
  • All special orders are non-refundable.
  • All clearance rugs are final sale only and are not returnable.

7-What forms of payment do you accept?

Visa

MasterCard

American Express

Discover

Checks

Financing is available (click here for financing information)

Gift Certificates (click here for gift certificates information)

8-Do you deliver and pick up?

Yes, please refer to Pick Up and Delivery page for more details.

9-Can I have my rug appraised?

Yes we can appraise your rug. We are certified by the Oriental Rug Retailers of America Association. (click here for appraisal information)

10-How is the value of a rug determined?

Each Oriental rug is a unique handmade creation of fabric art. There are many factors that go into determining its retail value, especially if it's a pre-owned rug - age, condition, country of origin, quality of the wools, dyes, and knotting. Establishing a value is as much an art as a science but we are qualified to do it competently.

11-Should I insure my rug?

Valuable Oriental rugs are often covered by the fine arts portion of a homeowner's policy, and as a knowledgeable dealer we will be able to help guide you through the questions related to this issue.

12-What are knots per square inch?

Knots are what are used to hold the pile of the rug to the warps, or fabric base. In a fine Oriental rug, the knots are hand-tied and visible by curling the base and looking between the fibers. Fine silk rugs can have as many as 800 knots per square inch. Knots per square inch alone do not determine the value of a rug.

(click here to learn more about knots)

13-What country makes the best rugs and carpets?

There is no simple answer but as a knowledgeable dealer we will explain that certain regions specialize in certain styles of carpet. We will ask you for more details about what you're looking for and guide you to the type that will work for you.

14-What are the best quality dyes?

There is no simple answer to this question. As a knowledgeable dealer we will explain the difference between vegetable and chrome dyes and how their use has changed over the years and outline the advantages of both.

15-Can I use a silk rug on the floor?

Generally, yes. Pure silk is an extremely strong natural fiber and can take a lot of wear. The delicate types with very fine knotting should not be used in high traffic areas.

16-Do I need a pad for my rug?

We recommend that you use the appropriate pad for your floor and rug type. The proper padding extends the life of the rug, prevents slipping and sliding, helps cushion the impact of foot traffic and makes vacuuming easier.

Click here to read about our rug pads.

17-Should I rotate my rug?

To insure even wear, rotate your rugs end to end on a yearly basis. Oriental rugs fade as does upholstery, so you may want to avoid direct sunlight.

18-Can I vacuum my Oriental rug?

Generally, yes. We recommend a vacuum that has a beater bar. Apply the pressure in the direction of the pile, not against it to prevent pushing dirt into the pile. Regular vacuuming between cleanings will help prolong the life and beauty of your rug. However, remember that a hand made Oriental rug is a work of art and care should be taken in all phases of cleaning and maintenance.

19-How do I store my rug?

No room? Contact us about storing your rug for you.

If a rug is to be stored for a long period of time, use sheet or cloth for wrapping. Do not use an airtight plastic bag. Oriental rugs need to breathe and they will sometimes rot or mildew in a plastic bag. They could also be rolled up and kept in a chest with some Para dichlorobenzene crystals, which will have to be renewed every few months. Do NOT store rugs in a humid, damp, warm or poorly ventilated room. This causes mildew that usually has a musty odor, discolors fabrics, and weakens them so that they fall in pieces. Never leave an Oriental rug wet. Failure to remove all of the moisture might result in mildew. Do NOT store an Oriental rug in a hot closet. The base of a rug can dry out and become brittle destroying the strength and durability of the rug.

20-Are wool rugs susceptible to moth damage?

Moths can cause extensive damage to Oriental rugs. Not only do moths eat the pile but they also eat the knots on the back of a rug. Moths are especially attracted to areas such as those under furniture that remain relatively undisturbed. It is quite simple to eliminate these pests and safeguard against their return. Both front and back of a carpet should be sprayed about every six months with any one of a number of available moth sprays.

21-Do I need to clean my rug?

If cared for properly, a fine Oriental rug can last many generations. A professional washing will bring out the richness of color and softness of the wool and will help preserve your rugs beauty and value. Depending on the amount of foot traffic we recommend periodic cleaning of every 3-5 years.

22-How do I clean my rug?

Use a trusted professional Oriental rug dealer or cleaner to have your rug cleaned. Our facilities are here to serve you. (click here to learn more about cleaning).

23-Can I spot clean my rug?

Yes, spot cleaning your rug is fine. For best results we recommend the use of the appropriate antidote and procedure. Use this chart as a guide:

 Blotting & stain removing:

Match and apply the antidote/procedure below to the stain on the index

1.    Work quickly

2.   Blot up all excess spill with paper towels.
Do not Rub.

3.   Apply antidote as shown on list with a clean dry cloth, working from the edge to the center.

4.   Do not soak.

5.   Pat with paper towels. Dry with fan or hair blower.

6.   Restore pile with clothes brush.

CANDLE WAX: Place a blotter or brown paper bag over the spot. Put a hot iron over the blotter. Wait a minute or so until the wax is absorbed into the blotter. Move the iron constantly and do not let it stay in one place. Repeat if necessary.

CHEWING GUM: Press ice cubes against spot. Wait until it becomes brittle and breaks off. Use spot remover to vanish last traces. Saturate the spot with cloth soaked in vinegar or alcohol.

INK FROM BALLPOINT PEN: Saturate the spot with hairspray. Allow to dry. Brush lightly with a solution of water and vinegar.

Spot and stain removal procedure antidote chart

Procedure A: Detergent - Vinegar - Detergent - Water

Procedure B: Cleaning fluids - Detergent - Water - Ammonia - Detergent - Water

Procedure C: Detergent - Vinegar - Ammonia - Detergent - Water 

Procedure D: Detergent - Ammonia - Detergent - Water Detergent - Ammonia - Vinegar

Procedure E: Detergent - Water

   

Alphabetical Stain & Treatment Index

(Match each stain with its corresponding procedure under the Spot and Stain Removal section above)

Acid
Alcoholic Drink
Ammonia/Alkali
Beer
Berries
Bleach
Blood
Butter
Candy/Sugar
Carbon Black
Catsup
Charcoal
Chocolate/Cocoa
Coffee
Cooking Oil
Cosmetic
Crayon
Crème de Menthe
Dye-blue/black
Dye-Red

D
A
A
E
E
A
D
B
A
B
B
A
A
D
B
B
B
C
C
E

Egg
Excrement
Fish Slime
Fruit Juice
Furniture. Polish
Gravy
Hair Oil
Hair Spray
Hand Lotion
Ice Cream
Lacquer
Lard
Lipstick
Machine Oil
Mayonnaise
Mercurochrome
Merthiolate
Metal Polish
Milk
Mixed Drinks

B
C
B
E
B
A
B
B
B
B
B
D
A
B
B
E
E
A
A
E

Mud
Mustard
Paint
Perfume
Rust
Salad Dressing
Sauce
Shortening
Soft Drink
Soy Sauce
Starch
Tar
Tea
Tooth Paste
Urine
Varnish
Vaseline
Vomit
Washable ink
Wine

A
E
B
A
A
B
A
B
E
B
B
B
D
A
D
B
B
B
A
E

 
4153 Virginia Beach Blvd
Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Tel#: 757-486-6600
Fax#: 757-486-5304
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