Oriental carpets, which are hand-woven and intricate, are one of the most distinctive and beautiful floor coverings available. One of the most well-known types is a Persian rug. These finely made rugs have a presence in any space thanks to their amazing detail.

6 Steps to Clean Oriental and Persian Rugs at Home

Cleaning and maintaining Oriental carpets demand a specific level of care and attention in order to keep them looking new. Ground-in dirt can harm the rug fibres over time, mildew may develop, and unattractive stains may tarnish the beauty of these works of floor art. Knowing how to properly clean your Oriental carpet can make a big difference. With these hints, you’ll be cleaning your Oriental rug like an expert in no time.

Difficulty:  3/5

Time: 2 hours for cleaning. up to 3 days to dry

Tools: 

• Vacuum or straw bristle broom
• Soft brush or cloth
• Water bucket
• Squeegee tool

Materials:

• Neutral pH, gentle liquid cleaner
• Baking soda
• Vinegar

1. Remove Debris From Rug

It’s critical that the soil and debris be removed from down into the mound. Over time, this ground-in filth might cause significant damage to the rug fibres. Start by flipping over the rug to expose its underside.

Run your vacuum back and forth over the rug’s surface. If there is a beater bar on the machine, leave it down but raise it high to agitate the rug surface and loosen any entrenched junk. A few passes over the entire back of the rug may help to remove as much extra fluff as possible.

When vacuuming the top side of the rug, be sure to retract the beater bar to avoid harming the rug’s fibres. Move slowly over the surface, keeping your movements in line with the fibres, and take care at the boundaries—you don’t want damaged fringes as a result of accidental suction. If you want to vacuum the borders, use a vacuuming attachment with caution. Repeat the procedure at least twice more.

You may use the old-fashioned technique if you are concerned about your vacuum is too strong. Wipe and sweep the carpet using a soft, straw bristle brush in one direction, from one end to the other, towards the fibres. This is particularly useful if you have a braided or hand-hooked rug rather than a flat weave rug.

2. Apply Natural Cleaning Solution

You may clean wool Oriental carpets in the same way you wash your other rugs. Never use boiling water or a harsh chemical to clean them. Cleaners for woollen textiles or carpets are effective.

If you’re concerned about colour bleeding, test the cleaner on a tiny portion of the rug first; however, this is rarely an issue with a high-quality Persian rug.

Fill a pail halfway with cool to warm water and the cleaning solution, then stir until it’s sudsy. To spread the water and suds over the rug, use a soft brush or towel. Always work in small one-square-foot sections forward and against the fibres of the carpet. If necessary, repeat this process.

3. Use Baking Soda and Vinegar and to Treat Stains and Odors

If possible, you should address any spills as soon as possible. Blot up the extra liquid with paper towels. Don’t rub the fibers back and forth; doing so may cause the stain to get entrenched even further.

Use a quarter cup of white vinegar with some warm water, or combine half a teaspoon of your natural cleaner in it. Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before blotting away the stain using a clean, white cotton cloth.

Mix together a solution of white vinegar and baking soda for tough stains. Apply, then leave it for an hour before cleaning the carpet in step two.

Before vacuuming the rug, sprinkle some baking soda on it to eliminate any musty smells. Don’t let dogs or children walk over the baking soda before you clean it off; you don’t want it to get into the rug fibers.

4. Clean the Rug Fringe

If your Oriental carpet has a fringe, you must clean it separately. First, comb it out so that it is flat. If the fringes are particularly dirty, first use a solution of white vinegar and warm water to remove any stains. Use a clean sponge to wash the fringe with plain water. Rinse it thoroughly in clean water after scrubbing any filth from the fringe with a clean cloth or brush.

5. Rinse the Rug

You may use a squeegee to remove any loose dirt and sudsy detergent from the rug. Always work in a forward direction with the sponge. If you need to wash away any excess detergent, do it with a light spray of water before going over it with the squeegee.

You may also lay some dry white towels or other absorbent fabrics on the rug and gently walk over them to pick up as much dampness as possible. Avoid saturating the rug, since this will make drying it more difficult.

6. Dry the Rug

It’s critical to dry your Oriental carpet completely before returning it to its regular spot. If you don’t, mildew, malodors, and even damage the rug weave, causing it to decay.

Rotate and air your rug in an open area three to four times a day. Consider utilizing a fan to speed up the drying process. Although you don’t want it in the direct sunlight for extended periods to prevent the weave pattern from fading, a bright location will be sufficient for only the day or two while it dries.

Because wool likes to retain water, it might take two or three days for your Oriental rug to dry completely.