Oriental Rug Cleaning: Do’s, Don’ts & How to Clean Rugs

Expert Guide to Cleaning Oriental Rugs: Do's, Don'ts & Maintenance Tips

To be honest, cleaning the Oriental rugs is not just a matter of tidiness; it’s really an essential step in preserving their overall value, appearance, and lifespan.

Oriental rugs, including the Persian style and Turkish style as well, are heirloom-quality textiles which are often handmade with all the natural fibers like wool and silk. 

Note it down: like, without proper care, all these elegant floor coverings can wear prematurely, lose their intricate beauty, or harbor allergens.

This is our comprehensive guide which walks you through how to clean a rug, specifically the Oriental and area rugs, in 9 detailed steps, including all the essential rug cleaning do’s and don’ts, expert advice, and also the frequently asked questions.

What Is an Oriental Rug?

Oriental rugs refer to handwoven rugs which are produced in Asia, particularly in countries like Iran (Persia), Turkey, China, and last but not least, India.

Mainly Persian rugs are a subcategory of Oriental rugs; an interesting fact is that, while all Persian rugs are Oriental, not all Oriental rugs are Persian.

Which is typically made from wool, silk, or cotton, Oriental rugs are valued majorly for their craftsmanship and durability.

However, their delicate fibers and dyes require special attention during cleaning and maintenance.

How to Clean a Rug: 9 Proven Steps for Oriental and Area Rugs

1. Vacuum Regularly but also Carefully

Vacuuming is one of the simplest but most essential steps in cleaning rugs at home. Regular vacuuming removes surface-level dirt before it can settle deep into the fibers, causing damage.

Do:

• Use a vacuum with suction only or disable the beater bar.
• Vacuum both sides of the rug weekly to remove embedded soil.
• Vacuum underneath and around heavy furniture.

Don't:

• Use a vacuum with aggressive bristles or high suction on fringe or edges; this can damage the weave.

Tip: For high-traffic areas, vacuum 2–3 times per week. In low-traffic zones, once a week is sufficient.

2. Shake and Beat the Rug Seasonally

When learning how to clean area rugs at home, shaking and beating the rug is an age-old, effective method to remove hidden dirt.

How to:

• Take your rug outside.
• Shake vigorously or gently beat it with a rug beater.
• Let it air out for a few hours to remove odors and moisture.

3. Test for Colorfastness Before Cleaning

Many Oriental rugs are dyed with natural pigments that may bleed. Always perform a colorfastness test before any water-based cleaning.

How to test:

• Dampen a white cloth with water or diluted detergent.
• Press onto a small, inconspicuous corner.
• Check for color transfer.

Be careful that if the color bleeds, do not continue DIY rug cleaning. In that case you should consult a professional Oriental rug cleaner.

4. Spot Clean Immediately and Gently

Accidents happen. Knowing how to spot clean a rug properly is crucial for stain prevention.

How to spot clean:

1. Blot the stain using a white cotton cloth (never rub).
2. Apply a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and water or a small amount of club soda.
3. Blot again with a clean cloth.
4. Sprinkle baking soda for odor control if necessary.
5. Rinse with water and blot dry.

Avoid:

• Bleach, ammonia, or hot water.
• Colored rags or aggressive scrubbing.

5. Deep Clean with Mild Detergent

Wondering how to deep clean a rug at home? Here’s a safe method for most wool-based Oriental rugs:

DIY Rug Cleaning Steps:

1. Mix ¼ cup of wool-safe detergent in a bucket with room temperature water.
2. Dip a soft sponge and lightly scrub in sections.
3. Rinse each section with clean water.
4. Blot with a towel to remove moisture.
5. Let air dry flat and out of direct sunlight.

Do not machine wash or steam clean Oriental rugs. This may cause shrinkage, dye bleeding, or fiber breakdown.

6. Never Let Moisture Linger

Trapped moisture leads to mold, mildew, and rug rot.

Best Practices:

• Dry rugs thoroughly after cleaning.
• Avoid placing rugs in damp areas (basements, bathrooms).
• Use a fan or dehumidifier during the drying process.

7. Use Rug Padding for Protection

A quality rug pad can extend the life of your Oriental rug by reducing friction, minimizing wear, and keeping the rug in place.

Benefits:

• Prevents sliding and bunching.
• Reduces foot traffic damage.
• Enhances underfoot comfort.

8. Rotate Your Rug to Prevent Uneven Wear

Rotation ensures consistent exposure to light and traffic, preventing fading and warping.

Rotate every 6-12 months, especially in rooms with windows or heavy foot traffic.

9. Schedule Professional Cleaning Every 1-2 Years

Even if you're vigilant with at-home care, nothing replaces the results of professional Oriental rug cleaning.

Why it’s worth it:

• Experts use cold water immersion and air washing.
• They can treat fragile fringe and identify fiber types.
• Prevents irreversible damage from improper DIY methods.

Expect to pay $10-$20 per square foot. Always choose specialists in Oriental and Persian rug care, not general carpet cleaners.