
Oriental rugs are delicate, and excessive dirt and dust can overwhelm their hand-woven fibers, leading to unnecessary wear and tear and premature aging.
Not sure how to clean oriental rugs without damaging them? These beautiful, handcrafted rugs are made with natural dyes and materials, so they need extra care compared to synthetic rugs.
Proper oriental rug cleaning helps maintain the rug’s intricate designs and vibrant colors for generations. Below are the most asked questions from rug owners to help you maintain the beauty of your rug while ensuring it stays clean.
How often should a rug be cleaned?
The frequency of oriental rug cleaning depends on several factors. For instance, is your rug located in a high-traffic area, or is it in a seldom-used room? Do you have children or pets? Does anyone in the home smoke?
These aspects play a key role in deciding how often your rug should be cleaned. For many households, cleaning the rug once a year is generally a reliable guideline to follow for maintaining its condition.
Can I power wash my oriental rug?
When you invest in a power washer, the excitement to explore its various applications can be quite high. The power washer uses high-pressure water jets to remove dirt, grime, mold, and mildew, providing a deep clean that standard washing methods often can’t achieve.
It is also important to know that every powerful piece of equipment, like power washers, comes with limitations. While they are ideal for quick cleaning, using them on rugs that are deeply cherished may be a mistake. The high pressure produced by power washers may compromise the integrity of the rug and can make it dull while also ruining the pattern and color.
Can I use baking soda to clean my oriental rug?
Yes, you can use baking soda to clean stains on your rug, but being careful with it is essential without compromising on the quality.
First, you need to sprinkle some of the baking soda over the rug to let it absorb odors and loosen up some dirt. Let the solution sit there for 15 to 20 minutes, then vacuum thoroughly to remove the solution.
For harder stains, mix the baking soda with some water to create a paste, gently apply it to the stained area, and brush with a soft bristle brush or microfiber cloth to clean it.
Can I hose down my oriental rug?
Hosing down your oriental rug is not a great option and is not even recommended by many experts. Every kind of water hose comes with a lot of water pressure features, which can damage the delicate fibers, dyes, and natural foundation of the rug.
Consider professional cleaning services to preserve the beauty and longevity of your oriental rug.
How should I clean my hand-knotted rug?
Hand-knotted rugs are highly valued for their detailed design and the skill involved in their creation. They are crafted by hand and are more prone to damage when cleaned roughly with the hand.
For that, it is best to leave the hand-knotted oriental rug cleaning to expert cleaning specialists who use their methods without ruining the unique beauty of your rug.
How should I vacuum my oriental rug?
Vacuuming your oriental rug properly helps preserve its intricate design and longevity. To maintain its beauty, follow these steps carefully:
- You can use the vacuum’s suction mode to clean the rug or also attach a brushless nozzle to prevent your rug from getting damaged. Avoid using a rotating brush.
- Flip the rug over and vacuum the back side to loosen the dirt that has been sitting underneath it.
- Avoid vacuuming over fringes to prevent them from tangling or fraying. You can use a handheld vacuum or clean them by hand if it is necessary.
- You can vacuum your rug every once or twice a week to maintain cleanliness but don’t overdo it to avoid ruining the fringes.
- Before cleaning the rug, make sure to inspect the signs of wear and tear before vacuuming, as this might even worsen the existing damage.