Oriental and Persian Rug Cleaning Myths
What Every Rug Owner Needs To Know
Let’s be honest—there’s a lot of nonsense floating around when it comes to cleaning Persian and Oriental rugs. From sketchy DIY hacks to outdated advice passed down like old wives’ tales, rug owners are often left confused and—worse—at risk of damaging their precious heirlooms.
Oriental Rug Salon is here to bust the biggest rug cleaning myths once and for all.
Myth #1: All Rugs Can Be Cleaned the Same Way
Nope. This is one of the most dangerous assumptions out there.
Why it’s false:
Hand-knotted Persian rugs, machine-made synthetics, wool, silk, cotton—they all have different needs. Treating them the same is like washing a silk blouse like a pair of jeans. Bad idea.
The truth:
Each rug needs a custom cleaning approach tailored to its fiber, dye, knotting, and age.
Myth #2: DIY Cleaning Is Just as Good
Tempting, right? Grab a cleaner off the shelf or “Google” how to clean Oriental rugs and give your rug a scrub. What could go wrong? Everything!
Why it’s false:
Store-bought cleaners often contain harsh chemicals that can bleach natural dyes, weaken fibers, or leave sticky residues that attract even more dirt. We’ve seen rug owners order “Oriental safe” cleaning solutions online or in their favorite big box store only to rush home and ruin their area rug.
The truth:
Professional rug cleaning isn’t just deeper—it’s safer, more thorough, and extends the life of your rug. Also, never allow a carpet cleaning company the opportunity to surface clean your cherished area rug. Here’s why.
Myth #3: Vacuuming Damages Handmade Rugs
Some folks are afraid to even touch their rug with a vacuum. But is that fear justified?
Why it’s false:
Regular vacuuming (done correctly) is actually one of the best things you can do to preserve your rug.
Tips to do it right:
Use suction only—skip the beater bar.
Vacuum the front AND back to remove loose embedded dirt.
Vacuum once every two weeks.
Myth #4: Pet Accidents Can’t Be Fully Removed
We get it—your beloved pet had an oops moment on your Persian rug. But is the rug ruined forever?
Why it’s false:
With proper treatment, pet urine (and its odor) can be neutralized completely—if you act fast and call a professional. Click on this link to view a video on the affect pet urine has on a wool or silk area rug.
Pro tip:
If your pet has an accident on your area rug (urine or feces), blot the liquid with a white paper towel (or if feces, use a spoon and remove as much of the solid as possible). Combine a 50% mixture of WHITE vinegar and 50% cold water and use a white paper towel or wash cloth to dab some of this mixture in an inconspicuous place on the rug to test for color bleed. If there is no color bleed, saturate the area of the accident with the mixture and allow to dwell for about 5 minutes. Blot the area to recover as much of the solution as possible. You can speed the drying process up by using a hair dryer on the cool setting or place white paper towels or a cloth on the area and weigh down until the area is dry.
Myth #5: Rugs Only Need Cleaning When They Look Dirty
Looks can be deceiving. Just because a rug looks clean doesn’t mean it is.
The truth:
Dirt, allergens, and bacteria sink deep into the fibers long before discoloration shows. This buildup can silently wear away at your rug over time.
Recommendation:
Get your rug professionally cleaned every 12-36 months, regardless of appearance. Click on this vide for more cleaning information.
Myth #6: Steam Cleaning Is Safe for All Rugs
Steam cleaners are great for wall-to-wall carpeting, but not for Oriental or Persian rugs.
Why it’s false:
Steam can cause dyes to bleed, dry rot, shrink natural fibers, and damage hand-knotted weaves.
The truth:
Professional full-immersion hand washing is the gold standard for fine rug cleaning.
Myth #7: Dry Cleaning Is Best for Delicate Rugs
Sounds fancy, right? But “dry cleaning” and Oriental rugs don’t mix. Dry cleaning is a clothing method – not a rug care strategy.
Why it’s false:
Dry cleaning uses solvents that can strip natural oils from wool and damage delicate dyes.
Better option:
Hand-washing using pH-neutral, wool-safe solutions.
Myth #8: Cleaning Shrinks or Ruins Rugs
Ever heard the horror story of a rug coming back two sizes too small?
Why it’s false:
When done by professionals who know what they’re doing, cleaning will not shrink or ruin your rug.
How we prevent this:
- Controlled moisture
- Temperature-regulated drying
- Gentle grooming and blocking
Myth #9: Natural Fibers Don’t Need Special Care
Wool is tough, right? Silk’s natural? So no big deal?
Why it’s false:
Natural fibers are actually more delicate in some ways. They absorb oils, trap odors, and react strongly to heat and moisture.
The truth:
Wool, silk, and cotton rugs need expert care tailored to their unique chemistry.
Myth #10: All Rug Cleaners Are the Same
If only. Sadly, not all rug cleaning services are created equal.
The truth:
Many carpet cleaners dabble in rug cleaning, but lack the training, certification, facility, or tools to clean high-end rugs properly.
Ask before hiring:
- Do you specialize in hand-knotted rugs?
- Do you clean rugs in your facility, or on-site?
- Is your company a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider?
- Are your technicians certified in rug cleaning?
- Does your company carry general liability insurance in the event that my rug is ruined at your plant?
Why Proper Rug Cleaning Matters
Oriental and Persian rugs are more than décor—they’re investments. Some are even heirlooms passed down through generations. Without proper care, these treasures can degrade, fade, or fall apart far sooner than they should.
Benefits of professional rug cleaning:
- Preserves color and softness
- Removes abrasive dirt
- Prevents moth and mold damage
- Extends lifespan
- Helps maintain the rugs value
What to Look for in a Rug Cleaning Professional
Choosing the right cleaner can mean the difference between preservation and permanent damage.
Checklist:
- Certified by IICRC, the CRI and a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider
- Offers hand-washing or full-immersion techniques
- Provides free pickup and delivery
- Provides you with a written report after the rug has been inspected along with pictures and a final price for cleaning
- Transparent about pricing and methods
Our Step-by-Step Oriental and Persian Area Rug Cleaning Process
Want to know how the pros do it? Here’s our comprehensive process for cleaning Oriental and Persian rugs:
- Inspection & Dye Testing
- Identifies stains, damage, and colorfastness and provides client with a written report along with photographs
- Dusting (Vibrates loose dust and debris from both sides).
- Pre-treatment (Targets spots and spills with fiber-safe agents).
- Immersion Hand Washing (Gently cleans the entire rug in a pH-balanced bath).
- pH condition rinse to ensure that no cleaning solutions are left behind and that rug fibers are conditioned.
- Centrifuge Water Extraction (Spins out moisture without stressing fibers).
- Controlled Drying (Rugs are dried flat, then hung in a humidity-regulated room).
- Final inspection by the Rug Master (Includes grooming, fringe work, and optional protectant).
Oriental Rug Salon – A Higher Standard – A Cleaner Clean
Oriental Rug Salon is a leading Oriental and Persian area rug cleaning, repair, and appraisal company serving clients throughout SW Florida. We are a Certified Partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the international Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI), and a WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. Our cleaning solutions are allergen free and safe for all natural fibers, pets, infants, and allergen sufferers.
Oriental Rug Salon offers clients free pick up and delivery for most area rugs and we offer secure storage solutions.
For more information about Oriental Rug Salon and the services we offer, visit us online at https://orientalrugsalon.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OrientalRugSalon/ You can also call us at 239-424-8171.
Final Thoughts: Know Better, Care Better
When it comes to Persian and Oriental rug care, knowledge is power. By recognizing the myths and leaning into professional guidance, you’ll protect your rugs—and your investment—for decades to come. Don’t fall for shortcuts. Trust experience, craftsmanship, and a little common sense.
FAQs: Answering Common Oriental and Persian Rug Cleaning Questions
How often should I have my rug professionally cleaned?
We recommend every 12–36 months, or sooner if the rug is in a high-traffic area or exposed to pets or spills.
What should I do if my pet urinates on my Oriental rug?
Blot gently with a clean towel and avoid scrubbing. Then, call a professional for deep decontamination.
Do rug pads really help preserve rugs?
Yes! Rug pads reduce friction, prevent slipping, and help maintain the rug’s shape. Click on this link for a video explaining rug pads.
What makes a rug cleaning service “expert”?
Look for companies that specialize in Oriental rugs, offer hand-cleaning techniques, and are certified by reputable industry organizations. Click on this link for more information on what to look for in an expert Oriental rug cleaning company.
