A Comprehensive Guide to Oriental Rug Cleaning

When was the last time you had your oriental rugs cleaned? Recently? Ever? Proper oriental rug cleaning procedures are essential to keeping these prized possessions looking their best.

Most people choose these types of rugs for their unique decorative qualities, making them difficult to replace. It also goes without saying that high-quality oriental rugs don’t come cheap, making them a major investment in your home. They may also be a unique souvenir or family heirloom. 

Treating oriental rugs with the utmost care is a must for preserving their appearance and increasing their longevity. For these and other reasons, professional rug cleaning techniques are a necessity, not a luxury. 

Taking the right approach to keeping your rugs clean will both protect them and help ensure they contribute to the comfort and aesthetic appeal of your home for as long as possible. Below, our oriental rug cleaning professionals are sharing some key tips to help keep your rugs in great shape.

The Dos and Don’ts of Oriental Rug Cleaning

It most likely took some time for you to find the exact rug that reflects your taste, personality, and interior décor. Whether you have a Persian, Native American, or Oriental rug, it’s an investment and likely even a piece of art. You want your beautiful (and expensive) rug to remain in the best shape possible—now, and for years to come. Here are some foolproof ways to keep it looking brand new.

Do keep an eye on your air filters.

You may not realize it, but your rugs work hard by trapping dust and dirt and preventing it from circulating in the air throughout your home. You can reduce the workload of your rugs by making sure to change or clean the air filters in your HVAC system regularly. When these filters are primed to do their job properly, fewer dust and dirt particles will land on, and become impacted in, your rugs.

Do shake out your rug on a routine basis.

Oriental rugs require frequent maintenance, including regular shaking. Get in the habit of taking your rug outdoors once a week and shaking the dirt and dust particles out of it. This will help decrease the risk of dirt becoming encased in the rug’s fibers, simplifying your future oriental rug cleaning efforts. 

Do purchase a rug pad.

Did you know that the quickest place for a rug to wear out is not on top, but underneath? Every time it’s walked on, your rug is being worn (and possibly torn). Considering the amount of shifting that occurs daily, it only makes sense to protect the backing of your oriental rug as best as possible. A rug pad can give the underneath area of your rug the proper protection it needs and allow it to stay put—even when placed in high-traffic areas of your home. As an added bonus, the extra cushioning of a rug pad also feels great on your feet.

Don’t let your rug be treated like a doormat.

Doormats have a specific purpose: preventing dirt from being tracked into the house. If you don’t currently have indoor and outdoor doormats, taking this simple step can significantly decrease the amount of dirt that comes in contact with your rugs. 

Most people give family and guests a place to wipe their shoes before entering the home, but you can go one step further by encouraging them to remove their shoes altogether. This is a common practice in many cultures, and for good reason: shoes can bring all sorts of unhealthy and unpleasant substances from the outdoors into your living area.

Don’t forget to vacuum regularly.

Vacuuming is the best way to prevent dust and dirt particles from accumulating in your beautiful rugs. Regular vacuuming can also increase their lifespan and make them easier to deep clean when the time comes. In addition, vacuuming can improve the overall comfort and cleanliness of your home. Just be sure to always check the vacuum filter or bag before taking care of this chore. Otherwise, your efforts may be ineffective.

Do vacuum with the utmost care. 

While vacuuming is an important aspect of oriental rug cleaning, when done haphazardly, it could actually result in damage to your fragile rug. Consider the type of rug you have when vacuuming as you don’t want the vacuum’s suction to snag on its material. For example, if you have a flat weave area rug, you don’t have to worry about accidentally tearing the fabric as you would with a hand-hooked or braided area rug. To avoid snagging the loops of your rug, always adjust your vacuum’s suction and proceed carefully. 

Do some research on your rug.

When it comes to oriental rug cleaning (as opposed to carpets or upholstery), there’s not a “one-size-fits-all” solution. You need to first consider the material your rug is made of to know which cleaning method will work best. For example, is your rug made of silk? Wool? Jute? 

Read the manufacturer's instructions carefully and search for any warnings that may potentially ruin the fabric. If this information isn’t readily available, consider doing a bit of research on your rug’s origins and history to better understand the type of material it is woven from and the dyes and techniques that were used in its creation.

Don’t rub or scrub stains.

Stains are dreaded, and often can’t be avoided, especially if you have children or pets. Knowing what to do when an accident happens can save you from a headache and heartache later on.

Be sure to deal with stains immediately. Waiting allows the stain to set, which makes it much more challenging to remove. Follow these steps when dealing with stains:

1. Gently blot the area with a paper towel or a white cloth (colored cloth can result in dye transfer). 
2. Take just a small bit of warm water and wool-safe detergent to the area and spot clean. 
3. In a gentle motion, apply the detergent/water mix to the stain.
4. Followed up with lukewarm water to eliminate any leftover soap. 

Avoid using too much water on your rug, as it can leave watermarks that can be challenging to undo. 

For any stubborn stains, the best thing you can do is to partner with an expert oriental rug cleaning company, such as Chem-Dry.

Do call on professionals for annual oriental rug cleaning.

Once a year, your rugs should be cared for by professional oriental rug cleaners to reach the dirt and dust that has settled deep within the rug’s fibers and can’t be extracted with a vacuum. Opt for a rug cleaning company that has plenty of experience with delicate oriental rugs and the ability to tailor their approach based on the material and weaving technique your rug was made with.

For example, at Chem-Dry, we are experts at cleaning area rugs of all types. Our experienced team of oriental rug cleaners understands that your rug isn’t just a functional component in a high-traffic area. It is also a decorative piece in your home and likely has warm memories attached to it. 

We will care for your rug with this in mind, working to preserve its integrity and coloration while also freeing it of the dust and dirt that is preventing it from looking and feeling its best. Our specialized tools and high-quality oriental rug cleaning solutions can gently and effectively clean rugs of any age made from any kind of material, including silk, wool, cotton, and other natural or synthetic fibers.

Learn more about our oriental rug cleaning process today! Simply call (800) CHEM-DRY for details about connecting with an experienced professional in your area.