Persian and
Oriental Rug Cleaning
Oriental and Persian rugs are timeless investments — pieces of history and art you proudly display in your home. But beneath their beauty, they can harbour dirt and grime that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. Cleaning something so precious at home can be daunting. Read on for expert tips on oriental rug cleaning and persian rug cleaning.
Know Your Rug & Its Cleaning Needs
The term “Oriental rug” covers a broad range of styles — including Persian, Turkish, Chinese, and North African designs — each with its own unique heritage and construction. Due to their high-quality materials, they are wonderfully soft underfoot according to The Rug Seller. These rugs can be made from a variety of materials such as wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic fibres, and the type of material plays a crucial role in how you get a clean oriental rug and how to care for them.
Wool rugs, for example, are more resilient, while silk rugs are delicate and require extra caution. Always check for a care label on the back of your rug, and if you’re unsure, it’s wise to get a professional assessment. Understanding what your rug is made from ensures that you use the right cleaning methods and avoid accidental damage. This Carpet Wiki Article is a good read, as it explains how to identify your rug’s heritage and composition.
How Often Should You Clean Your Rug?
When it comes to cleaning Oriental and Persian rugs, frequency really depends on how much use they get. Rugs placed in busy areas of the home, especially those shared with kids or pets, should ideally get a professional rug cleaning every 6 to 12 months. For rugs in quieter, low-traffic spots, a thorough clean every 18 to 24 months may be enough. That said, even rugs that seem untouched can collect dust and airborne dirt, or even Carpet Moths- Enviro Clean have a very useful article on How to Get Rid of Carpet Moths. Check it out here. It’s best to inspect them regularly for signs of build up or bug attacks. It’s also a good idea to check if you have a warranty, as some manufacturers require professional cleaning at set intervals to keep the warranty valid.
Vacuuming & Spot Cleaning Tips
Regular vacuuming is essential to keep your Oriental or Persian rug looking its best. For most rugs, especially when vacuuming Persian rugs, aim to give them a once over 1 to 2 times a week — or daily if they’re in high-traffic areas. Always vacuum in the direction of the pile and avoid using beater bars, which can damage delicate fibres. Take extra care around fringes, as they can easily get caught and torn. For silk or antique rugs, skip the vacuum entirely and gently shake them outside to remove surface dust. Check out our blog on how to vacuum like a pro here.
When it comes to spills or stains, it’s important to act fast — but also to act smart. While you can blot fresh spills with a clean, dry cloth, we strongly recommend having any stain professionally assessed and treated. These rugs are often made from delicate, natural fibres that react unpredictably to DIY cleaning methods. Even well-intentioned home remedies can cause irreversible damage to the dyes or weave. So if in doubt, avoid experimenting — and always seek professional advice for any marks, stains, or odours.
DIY vs Professional Cleaning
DIY cleaning is risky for valuable or delicate rugs — incorrect methods can cause colour bleeding or damage. Even advertised “best rug cleaning product” may not be suitable for your investment piece, and could cause irreparable damage. Pro rug cleaning uses fibre-safe methods, deep dusting, hand-washing, and controlled drying for best results.
Rug Care Tips
🔄 Rotate regularly – Turn your rug every few months to prevent uneven wear, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic.
☀️ Avoid direct sunlight – Prolonged exposure can fade natural dyes; use curtains or blinds where possible.
🪑 Lift, don’t drag furniture – Dragging can stretch, tear, or distort the weave and pile.
🧽 Clean before storing – Professional cleaning removes dirt and pests before long-term storage.
📦 Store properly – Roll (never fold) your rug and keep it in a cool, dry, and moth-proof environment, ideally wrapped in breathable material like cotton or muslin.