
Oriental & Persian Rug Care Tips | SWFL Rug Cleaning Experts
Protect Your Cherished Area Rug with Expert Rug Cleaning from Oriental Rug Salon
Your Rug Is More Than Just Decor
Let’s be honest—your Oriental or Persian rug isn’t just a pretty floor covering, right? It’s a treasured heirloom, a handcrafted masterpiece, and in many cases, a family story woven into every fiber. But tropical climates like ours in Southwest Florida? They can be tough on rugs.
From sun exposure to humidity and accidental spills, these beautiful pieces need a little TLC to stay vibrant and strong.
Not sure how to care for yours? Don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll walk through simple, effective ways to maintain your rug’s beauty. And when it’s time for a professional touch, Oriental Rug Salon is just a call away.
Protect Your Rug from the Florida Sun
Sunlight Is Sneaky—It Fades Colors Quietly
Ever notice how furniture near windows loses color over time? Your rug suffers the same fate.
Here’s What You Can Do:
- Rotate your rug every 3 to 6 months to even out fading.
- Use UV-blocking window film or keep blinds closed during peak sunlight hours.
- Move rugs around the house seasonally.
- Have your area rug fibers protected with a fiber protector with UV blocker
- Avoid placing rugs in direct sun whenever possible.
Pro tip: Rugs dyed with natural vegetable dyes age more gracefully than those with synthetic dyes.
Vacuum Like You Mean It
Grit = Damage Over Time
Grit is the silent killer of rug fibers and in SW Florida, our soil is loaded with damaging sand. It settles deep and acts like sandpaper every time you walk across it.
How to Vacuum An Oriental or Persian Area Rug
- Use a vacuum without a beater bar (those rotating brushes can damage fibers).
- Gently vacuum both sides if possible.
- Go with the grain of the rug’s nap, not against it.
- Avoid vacuuming fringes—these are delicate and can unravel quickly.
- Take a look out our video explaining the proper way to vacuum your cherished area rug
Reduce Wear and Tear
Your Rug Is Functional Art—Treat It That Way
High-traffic areas can leave rugs looking worn fast. But with some planning, you can slow down the damage.
Try These Tips:
- Rotate the rug regularly.
- Add a rug pad underneath to absorb impact and prevent slippage.
- Choose the right pad material for your flooring (rubber for hard surfaces, felt for soft ones).
- Cut the pad slightly smaller so the edges of the rug lie flat.
No pad? Expect early fraying and wear patterns.
Handle Spills Without Stress
Don’t Panic—React Smart
The #1 mistake we see? People grabbing the harshest chemical in the cabinet and scrubbing like there’s no tomorrow.
Instead, Do This:
- Stay calm.
- Blot gently with a white towel or paper towels—don’t rub!
- Check the towel for dye transfer. If the colors bleed, stop and call us.
- If there’s no bleeding, blot with a damp white towel with a 50% mixture of cool water and 50% WHITE vinegar.
- Let the DIY mixture set for five minutes
- Dry blot again.
⚠️ Avoid bleach and alkaline based cleaners. They destroy color and fiber.
Want extra protection? Ask about our professional rug fiber protector—it makes accidents easier to clean and keeps rugs looking newer longer.
Say No to Mold, Mildew & Dry Rot
Moisture + Wool = Disaster
Southwest Florida’s humidity is no joke. If rugs stay wet, mildew forms fast, and dry rot can destroy cotton foundations.
Common Moisture Traps:
- Plants placed directly on rugs.
- Rugs stored in garages
- Spills or leaks that aren’t properly dried
- Pet urine accidents
Prevention Checklist:
- Don’t set pots or vases directly on rugs.
- Elevate stored rugs off the floor and away from walls.
- If your rug gets wet, dry it quickly using fans or call us.
- Never wrap rugs in sealed plastic. If you do store in plastic, cut slits to allow the rug to breathe
A dry rug is a happy rug!
Trust the Oriental and Persian Rug Experts at Oriental Rug Salon
Based in Cape Coral, Oriental Rug Salon is your go-to source for Oriental and Persian rug cleaning in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte County, FL. We specialize in deep cleaning, pet urine and odor removal, stain protection, rug repairs and rug appraisals.
We’re proudly certified by:
- Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC)
- International Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI)
- WoolSafe Approved Service Provider
Have a question about your rug? We offer free expert advice, honest guidance, and solutions backed by decades of experience.
What Sets Oriental Rug Salon Apart?
- Free pick-up and delivery throughout Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties for most area rugs.
- Customized hand-cleaning for wool, silk, and blended rugs.
- Inspection and appraisal services.
- Rug storage and fiber protection options.
- Certified technicians
- Appraiser and Rug Master on staff
Whether your rug was passed down from a grandparent, purchased at a consignment shop, passed down by a family member, or picked up on your last overseas trip, we’ll treat it with the same care we’d give our own.
Your Rug Deserves a Quality Cleaning By Oriental Rug Salon
Owning a Persian or Oriental rug is like owning a piece of history. These rugs tell stories through their weaves, colors, and designs. But in a warm, humid climate like Southwest Florida, they need a little help staying beautiful.
With regular maintenance and occasional professional cleaning, your rug can last for generations.
Need expert care for your treasured rug?
Call Oriental Rug Salon at 239-424-8171
Visit us at: www.OrientalRugSalon.com
Connect with us on Facebook: @OrientalRugSalon
We proudly serve Lee, Collier, and Charlotte Counties with free pick-up and delivery.
FAQs: Caring For Your Oriental and Persian Rug
How often should I have my rug professionally cleaned?
Every 2 to 3 years for average use—more often for pets, spills, or heavy traffic. Click here to watch our video on rug cleaning.
Can I clean my rug at home with a carpet machine?
Please don’t! Steam or shampoo machines can cause dye bleeding and fiber damage. Let pros handle it. Click here for our video on why you should never have your area rug steam cleaned.
Do you offer stain protection services for Oriental and Persian area rugs?
Yes! Our professional fiber protectant repels stains, moisture, and even pet accidents. Click here to view our video on stain protector for Oriental rugs.
Can you clean silk rugs?
Absolutely. We specialize in cleaning silk, wool, and blended Oriental and Persian rugs.
What happens if my rug is already damaged?
We offer expert repairs, reweaving, and restoration. We’ll bring your rug back to life.