How To Clean A Persian Rug At Home
Persian rugs can be a beautiful additional to your home and life. A high-quality, well-maintained Persian rug can tie together your decor and ultimately be passed down to future generations. These rugs are sometimes an expensive investment, and as such, it is worthwhile to learn how to care for and maintain your rug to keep it in the best condition possible. Regular cleaning and care also helps keep your children and pets safe from dirt, bacteria, and pests.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning Company has been in business here in Seattle since 1900, so we have seen our share of Persian rugs and are familiar with the best practices for cleaning your rug and keeping it looking great long-term. Here is how to clean and maintain your Persian rug at home, between professional deep cleanings.
Vacuum Frequently
Cleaning your Persian rug begins with vacuuming. In our cleaning facility, this is always the first step before we bring it to the wash deck. At home, you should aim to vacuum your rug every week or every other week, depending on how much traffic it gets. In a wool rug, dirt can build up without being visible. This buildup dulls the color of your Persian rug over time, and it can also attract pests and insects.
Use a suction-only vacuum cleaner with no beater brush, as the brush can damage the fibers of the rug. Do this with a buddy who can hold on to one end of the rug to keep it in place during the cleaning. A well-made wool Persian rug can stand up to most common vacuum cleaners, but more delicate ones should be vacuumed less frequently and with a gentler vacuum.
Along with your once-a-week vacuuming of the top of the rug, it’s a good idea to flip the rug over and vacuum the underside every month or two. This reduces the risk of insect infestations and increases the time you can go between professional cleanings. This is also a great time to move your furniture off the rug and rotate it!
Rotate Your Rug
To keep your Persian rug clean and in great condition, you need to rotate it on your floor every few months. This keeps dirt from building up in all the same spots on your rug. It also reduces fiber crushing from any furniture that sits on the rug. Make yourself a schedule, so you can vacuum the bottom of your Persian rug and then rotate it on the same day quarterly.
Air Out Your Rug
Twice a year, you should hang your Persian rug up on a clothesline, preferably on a sunny, breezy day. I like to do this as part of spring and fall cleaning. This reduces moisture and dust buildup and helps prevent insect damage. It can also eliminate household odors.
Clean Up Spills Immediately
As soon as you notice a spilled drink or a pet accident, it is important to act fast to reduce the risk of staining. Start by blotting the liquid gently with white paper towels, not pressing down too hard. Allow the towel to sit and absorb as much as possible in a few minutes. You can reduce odor and stains from urine by applying a mixture of white vinegar and water at this stage.
Next, flush the remainder of the liquid out of the rug with clean water, blotting again to remove it. Afterwards, you should hang it to dry outside if possible, or set up a fan next to the rug to get it dry as quickly as possible.
It is important not to scrub the spill, since it can spread the stain, cause bleeding, and even damage the fibers. If after these steps you still have a stain or an odor, it’s time to take it to the professionals. We recommend calling a rug cleaner as soon as possible to give us the best chance of getting the stain out. If you live in Seattle or Tacoma, Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning offers free pickup and delivery, and we can usually pick up within a few days.
Get A High Quality Rug Pad
We recommend using a rug pad, especially on wood floors. A good rug pad keeps your Persian rug from rubbing against the floors, which degrades the underside fibers over time. A pad also improves air flow, reducing moisture buildup in the rug. Too much moisture can result in mold, mildew, and insects. Rug pads also act as a barrier to protect your floors from spills and accidents.
Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning offers three different thickness options for rug pads, which we will custom cut for your rug size. Our experienced rug technicians can recommend the best option for your needs, based on your rug’s pile, composition, and placement in your home.
When To Call In The Professionals
When it’s time for more than spot cleaning, it is not a good idea to clean your Persian rug at home. That task is much better left to the professionals, who have the correct tools, cleaning products, and experience to clean your rug. Improper cleaning reduces the lifespan of Persian rugs. It can cause color bleeding, yellowing, a musty smell, and changes in the texture of the rug. You may even cause damage to the rug fibers.
You should aim to get your Persian rug professionally deep cleaned every 1-3 years, depending on the foot traffic in that area of your home, as well as whether you have children or pets. Regular deep cleaning reduces bacteria and allergens, helps prevent insects, and ensures your rug is in great shape for future generations.
Quick Tips:
- Take off your shoes inside your home to avoid tracking dirt and bacteria on your rugs.
- Avoid using over-the-counter carpet cleaning products on Persian rugs.
- Keep up with general housekeeping to reduce dust and dirt buildup.
- Get in touch with Fuzzy Wuzzy Rug Cleaning for a free quote today!