How to Clean Your Persian Rug at Home

If you’re wondering how to clean your Persian rug or Oriental rug at home without damaging it or needing professional help, you’re in the right place.

This article will guide you through the process of cleaning your Persian rug to make it look cleaner and remove dirt, extending the time before needing professional rug cleaning.

We’ll cover the equipment and materials needed, and then we’ll explain the step-by-step process of how to clean your Persian rug.

Table of Contents

Materials You'll Need

  • Cotton towels (preferably white and clean)
  • A brush for brushing the rug’s pile
  • Dishwashing foam or a similar soap (make sure it doesn’t contain bleach)
  • Wooden stick or a similar object for cleaning the fringes (optional)
Materials For Rug Cleaning
Dishwashing Foam, Clean Towels, Brush

Equipment You'll Need

  • Vacuum cleaner

The Cleaning Process

Step 1: Vacuuming Your Persian Rug

Before starting the actual cleaning process, vacuum your rug.

First, use the vacuum cleaner to vacuum the top of the rug, moving side to side, and avoid vacuuming the fringes to prevent damage.

Next, flip your rug over and vacuum the back, as this helps remove dust and debris from the pile of the Persian rug.

You can use the trick of flipping half of the rug over and vacuuming one half at a time, depending on your rug’s size.

Step 2: Preparing the Cleaning Solution

Mix your chosen soap with water to dilute it, ensuring it’s not too strong. Dip a clean towel into the mixture to begin the cleaning process.

Dilute soap with water.

Step 3: Cleaning the Persian Rug’s Surface

Gently wipe the rug with the dampened towel, following the direction of the pile. Focus on cleaning the surface of the rug and work in sections. Switch to a clean towel when the current towel becomes dirty to avoid redistributing dirt.

Wipe the surface of the rug gently and work in sections.

Step 4: Dry your Persian Rug completely

Expect the rug to dry within 30 minutes to an hour, as you’re only dampening the pile. Ensure it’s completely dry before walking on it or using it again.

Make sure to dry the rug completely.

Step 5: Cleaning the Persian Rug’s Fringes or Rug Fibers (Optional)

Place a wooden stick or similar object under the fringes (rug fibers at both ends of the rug), then use the same soap and water mixture with the brush to clean them. Work from one end of the rug to the other and let the fringes dry before moving to the other side.

Cleaning the Persian Rug’s Fringes
Place a wooden stick under the fringes and brush towards the end of the fringe.

That's How You Clean a Persian Rug or Oriental Rug

By following these steps, you can clean your Persian rug at home and keep it looking fresh between professional cleaning.

Remember to double-check the products you’re using and consult with a local professional rug cleaner if you’re unsure about a specific product.

For more rug care tips and advice, check out our other articles on rug care and consider subscribing for future updates.

Happy cleaning!

How To Spot Clean a Persian Rug

When dealing with spills or stains on Oriental or Persian rugs, one of the first steps to reduce the strength of the spill or stain is to scoop up the spill with a spoon, apply dishwashing foam over the stained area, and allow the foam to be absorbed for at least one minute.

Afterward, use a white cotton rag to rub the foam into the pile of the rug, then use another cotton rag to absorb the remaining liquid and foam until the area feels dry.

Next, use a small brush to brush the pile in the same direction as the rest of the rug. Finally, place a bowl underneath the stained area to help air-dry the rug. However, it’s important to note that this process may not completely remove the stain, and it’s recommended to take the rug to a professional cleaner if the stain remains noticeable.

We have made a dedicated video and article showing you how to spot clean your Oriental rug.

How to Shake the Dust Away

To effectively remove dust from a Persian or Oriental rug, shaking it can be a simple yet efficient method.

First, choose an outdoor location where you can freely shake the rug without disturbing your surroundings. If your rug is small to medium-sized, you can shake it by yourself. However, for larger rugs, it’s advisable to enlist the help of a friend or family member.

Hold the rug securely by the shorter ends, ensuring a firm grip. Lift it off the ground and start shaking it vigorously in an up-and-down motion to dislodge dust particles from the fibers. Continue shaking until you notice a reduction in the amount of dust being released.

Shaking your rug periodically not only helps maintain cleanliness but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment by reducing allergens and dust mites.

Frequently Asked Questions

How frequently should I opt for Persian Rug Cleaning?

The significance of maintaining an appropriate cleaning schedule cannot be overstated.

Infrequent cleaning can lead to the accumulation of dirt, while overly extended intervals may harm the Persian rug’s fibers. Although there is another perspective, it should not be considered the primary determinant.

Hand-knotted Persian rugs are generally skilled at concealing dirt and grime. It’s advisable to uphold a moderate cleaning frequency and continue cleaning until it is no longer required.

Typically, Persian rugs are cleaned every 3 to 5 years, but this duration may vary. However, taking the time to clean your Persian rugs at home will help extend the time you will need to take the rug for professional Persian carpet cleaning.

Can I clean my Persian rug myself?

You can give your Persian or Oriental rug a mild and light cleaning at home. We only recommend giving your rug a very light cleaning if your not a professional rug cleaner.

Only use simple cleaning material such as dishwashing foam (without bleach or any chemicals that can damage the rug).

If your rug looks dirty, has stains, strong odors, and needs more moderate to heavy cleaning, we highly recommend taking it to a professional rug cleaner.

Can I use a rug cleaner on my Persian rug?

It is important that you don’t use any chemicals on oriental carpet. They can also damage natural fiber/oil in traditional Persian carpets. The harsh cleaner may damage your carpet colors resulting in bleeding or abrasion.

We only recommend light cleaner such as dishwashing foam. You can check with your local professional rug cleaner about the cleaning mixture your planning to use.

When should I take my Persian rug to professional rug cleaning?

We recommend taking your rug to professional rug cleaning if it needs anything more than a light cleaning. For example, if your rug has strong odors, stains, heavy dirt or dust, then we recommend professional rug cleaning.

On average we recommend professional rug cleaning every 5 years. If your Persian rug is being used in a high-traffic area or getting high usage, than consider taking your rug to rug cleaning more frequently.

How do I remove odors from my Persian rug?

Often times odors are caused by stains or spills. It can be from drinks, food, or pets.

You can try spot-removing the stains, especially if the stain has just occurred. However, if the stain has been there for a long time we highly recommend professional rug cleaning to deal with the stain and odors.

Any use of special cleaning material is risky and can cause damage to your rug. Always consult with a local professional rug cleaner before using any cleaning products to treat odors.

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