Persian and Oriental Rug Cleaning Tips

How Not to Clean Your Oriental or Persian Rug (And What to Do Instead in SW Florida)

Persian and Oriental rugs are more than just floor coverings — they’re pieces of art, family heirlooms, and investments that deserve expert care. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned rug owners in Southwest Florida unknowingly damage their precious textiles with cleaning methods that do more harm than good.

As professional rug cleaners at Oriental Rug Salon, we’ve seen it all — from DIY disasters to store-bought solution mishaps. So, in this guide, we’re going to pull back the curtain and share what not to do when cleaning your Persian rug — and what to do instead.

Whether you’re in Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, or anywhere in SW Florida, this article is for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Persian and Oriental Rugs Require Special Care

Persian and Oriental rugs are handwoven masterpieces — often made from wool, silk, or cotton — with natural dyes that can be sensitive to moisture and pH levels.

Common Rug Cleaning Mistakes We See Often

Every week at Oriental Rug Salon, clients bring in rugs they’ve tried to clean themselves or allowed a steam cleaning company to try and clean them. Some are salvageable, others are…well, a lesson learned.

The Top Mistakes Include:

  • Using household carpet cleaners
  • Trying DIY vinegar or baking soda treatments
  • Steam cleaning by a carpet cleaning company or DIY rental machine
  • Over-wetting the rug
  • Scrubbing fringes
  • Dry cleaning
  • Pet accidents improperly addressed
  • Avoid DIY Spot Cleaners at All Costs

That spray bottle under your sink might say “safe for carpets,” but Persian and Oriental rugs are not average carpets. These store-bought cleaners often:

  • Contain bleach or alkaline agents
  • Cause color fading
  • Leave sticky residues that attract dirt

Better alternative? Blot gently with cool water and call a professional. We can help — 239-424-8171.

Never Use Steam Cleaners on Persian Rugs

Steam and heat are enemies of handwoven rugs. The intense temperature can:

  • Melt wool fibers
  • Break down silk
  • Cause shrinkage
  • Trigger dye migration

Steam cleaning is meant for synthetic, wall-to-wall carpets — not fine Oriental rugs.

Why Vacuuming Too Aggressively Is Dangerous

Sure, regular vacuuming is essential. But those powerful beater bars? They’ll destroy rug fibers and even pull at delicate knots.

What we recommend:

  • Use a vacuum cleaning on suction-only vacuum
  • Vacuum the back of the rug every few months
  • Gently sweep your area rug prior to vacuuming to help dislodge sediment, dust mites, and pollen
  • Be Cautious with Fringe – It’s Delicate
  • Here’s a video explaining how to vacuum an Oriental or Persian rug:  https://orientalrugsalon.com/videos/vacuum-area-rugs/

Fringe is not just decorative — it’s actually a continuation of the rug’s foundation.

Vacuuming or scrubbing it can unravel the entire edge. We’ve seen rugs lose inches of fringe from being caught in vacuums or mop heads.

Tip: Clean fringe gently by hand — or let us handle it with our fringe restoration service.

Over-Saturating Rugs Can Cause Mold and Dye Bleed

One of the worst mistakes you can make? Soaking your rug with a hose or bucket.

What happens:

  • Natural dyes run into each other
  • Wool becomes a breeding ground for mold
  • Backing can crack or warp

Proper rug cleaning is about controlled moisture — not drenching.

Using Harsh Chemicals Can Destroy Fibers

Avoid ammonia, bleach, degreasers, and all-purpose cleaners.

These:

  • Break down delicate wool and silk
  • Strip away natural oils
  • Cause permanent discoloration
  • Can lead to dry rot

Stick to WoolSafe-approved products — like the ones we use at Oriental Rug Salon.

The Myth of Store-Bought “Rug Shampoo”

That $12 bottle claiming to clean all rugs? It might work on machine-made, synthetic mats — but not your Persian or Oriental treasure.

Shampoos often:

  • Leave residues
  • Attract dirt
  • Contain surfactants that harm fibers

Trust the pros. We tailor our cleaning agents based on fiber type, age, condition, and dye stability.

The Right Way to Clean a Persian and Oriental Rug

Now that we’ve covered the no-no’s, let’s talk about what to do instead.

Professional Rug Cleaning By Oriental Rug Salon Includes:

  • Dusting to remove dry soil (the #1 cause of wear)
  • Specialty spotting and rug dye stabilization
  • pH-balanced hand washing
  • pH-controlled rinsing
  • Centrifuge drying or hanging in a humidity-controlled room
  • Fringe detailing
  • Final grooming and inspection
  • Appraisal or documentation (if requested)

We also offer repairs, mothproofing, pet odor removal, and rug storage solutions.

This is the standard at Oriental Rug Salon — and it’s why rug collectors trust us.

Why Choose Oriental Rug Salon in SW Florida For Your Area Rug Cleaning Needs

At Oriental Rug Salon, we specialize in authentic hand-knotted Oriental and Persian rugs. Our company is certified by:

We’re not just cleaners — we’re rug care professionals.

Serving Naples, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Estero, and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment

Your Persian or Oriental rug isn’t just décor — it’s an asset. Whether it was passed down through generations or purchased as an investment, don’t let improper cleaning ruin it.

When in doubt, call the pros.

If you’re in Southwest Florida, Oriental Rug Salon is your trusted partner. We’ve earned the respect of clients, rug collectors, and even museums.

Ready to give your rug the VIP treatment?

Call us today at 239-424-8171

Visit www.OrientalRugSalon.com

Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/OrientalRugSalon

  • Oriental Rug Salon offers free pick-up and delivery for most area rugs throughout SW Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions About Oriental Rug Care

Can I use vinegar to clean my Persian or Oriental rug?

No. Vinegar is acidic and can destabilize dyes and damage natural fibers. It’s best to avoid home remedies and contact professionals.

How often should I clean my Oriental rug?

Every 12-24 months is ideal, depending on traffic, pets, and exposure. We offer free inspections to help you decide.

Do you offer rug pickup and delivery?

Absolutely! We service all of SW Florida with complimentary pickup and delivery on qualifying cleanings.

My dog had an accident on my rug — what do I do?

Blot, don’t rub. Avoid DIY cleaners. Call us immediately for expert pet odor and stain removal services.

Is it worth repairing a damaged Persian rug?

In most cases, yes. A proper repair by Oriental Rug Salon can extend the life of your rug and preserve its value.