Oriental & Persian Rug Cleaning | Frequently Asked Questions

The 7 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Oriental and Persian Rug Care

Oriental and Persian rugs are more than just beautiful floor coverings—they are valuable investments and often family heirlooms. Caring for them properly ensures their beauty and longevity for generations to come. At Oriental Rug Salon, SW Florida’s most respected Oriental and Persian area rug cleaning, repair, and appraisal company, we receive many questions about how to properly maintain these rugs. Below, we’ve answered the seven most common questions we get from our clients throughout Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties.

  1. How Often Should I Have My Oriental Rug Professionally Cleaned?

Oriental and Persian rugs require professional cleaning to maintain their appearance and extend their lifespan. The frequency of professional cleaning depends on several factors, including foot traffic, environmental conditions, and household members.

General Recommendation: A professional deep cleaning is recommended every 2–3 years to remove embedded dirt, allergens, and bacteria that regular vacuuming cannot reach. View our cleaning video here.

Households with Pets or Smokers: If you have pets, smokers, or household members with allergies or respiratory conditions, you should consider professional cleaning more frequently—about once a year.

High-Traffic Areas: Rugs placed in high-traffic areas, such as entryways and living rooms, may need cleaning every 12–18 months to maintain their beauty and prevent fiber damage.

At Oriental Rug Salon, we use a thorough hand-washing process that is both gentle and effective, ensuring your cherished rug is cleaned with the utmost care.

  1. How Should I Properly Vacuum My Rug?

Proper vacuuming is essential for maintaining your rug’s fibers and preventing premature wear. However, using the wrong techniques can cause damage.

Turn Off the Beater Bar: The beater bar on many vacuum cleaners can pull at delicate fibers and fringe, causing damage. Use a vacuum with suction only or one with an adjustable height setting. – View our vacuuming video here.

Vacuum the Back and Front: Flip your rug over and vacuum the back side every few months to loosen and remove deeply embedded dirt.

Use a Broom First: Lightly sweep your rug with a broom to loosen dirt before vacuuming. This is particularly helpful for rugs with delicate or loose weaves.

Taking these steps ensures that your Oriental or Persian rug stays clean without unnecessary wear and tear.

  1. Can I Have My Favorite Steam Cleaning Company “Steam Clean” My Rug?

The short answer is NO. Steam cleaning is not suitable for Oriental or Persian rugs and can cause irreversible damage. View our video here to find out why.

Fiber Damage: High temperatures and moisture can weaken natural fibers such as wool and silk, making them brittle over time.

Color Bleeding: Many traditional Oriental and Persian rugs are dyed using natural vegetable dyes. Steam cleaning can cause these dyes to bleed or fade.

Mold and Mildew Risk: Improper drying after steam cleaning can leave moisture trapped inside the rug, leading to mold, mildew, and even dry rot.

Instead, trust a professional rug cleaning company like Oriental Rug Salon, where we use a pH-balanced, submersion hand-washing process that is safe for all types of Oriental and Persian rugs.

  1. How Can I Spot Clean My Area Rug?

Accidents happen, and knowing how to properly spot clean a rug can help prevent permanent stains.

Use a Mild Solution: Mix a quart of water with a teaspoon of white vinegar and a teaspoon of neutral detergent. Always test in an inconspicuous area before applying it to the stain.

Blot, Don’t Rub: Gently blot the stain with a clean white cloth or paper towel. Rubbing can push the stain deeper into the fibers.

Dry Quickly: Use a fan or a hairdryer on the cool setting to speed up drying. This prevents moisture from soaking into the rug’s foundation, which could lead to damage.

If the stain persists, avoid using store-bought carpet cleaners, as they can damage the fibers. Instead, contact a professional like Oriental Rug Salon for expert stain removal.

  1. How Do I Choose a Rug Cleaning Company?

Selecting the right rug cleaning company is crucial to ensuring your rug is properly cared for. Here are some tips:

Look for Certifications: Choose a company that is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the International Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), and a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider.

Check Reviews and References: Read online reviews, check their website, and ask for referrals from friends or family who have used their services.

Ask About Their Cleaning Process: Ensure the company specializes in hand-washing Oriental and Persian rugs, rather than batch washing cleaning methods that may cause damage.

Oriental Rug Salon meets all these criteria and provides free pickup and delivery for most area rugs in SW Florida.

  1. How Do I Care for Old or Thin Rugs?

Older or thinner rugs require special care to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.

Use a Rug Pad: A high-quality rug pad provides extra cushioning, reduces friction, and prevents slipping. View our video here for more information on how rug pads preserve your cherished area rug.

Vacuum Gently: Use a carpet sweeper or a vacuum with a floor brush attachment to prevent damage.

Protect Against Moths and Insects: Apply a moth and insect repellent to protect against fabric-eating pests.

For fragile rugs, consider professional care from Oriental Rug Salon, where we can apply fiber protection and specialized treatments to safeguard your treasured investment.

  1. Does Oriental Rug Salon Offer Pickup and Delivery Services?

Yes! We understand that Oriental and Persian rugs can be heavy and difficult to transport. Oriental Rug Salon offers free pickup and delivery for most area rugs throughout Lee, Collier, Charlotte, and Sarasota counties.

To schedule a service, visit our website at OrientalRugSalon.com, call us at (239) 424-8171, or follow us on Facebook at Oriental Rug Salon.

For expert rug cleaning, repair, and appraisal services, trust Oriental Rug Salon—SW Florida’s leader in Oriental and Persian rug care!

Oriental and Persian Rug Cleaning Video Library