Tips for Cleaning an Oriental Rug

Cleaning Process

• While you can always call upon the help of a professional cleaner to make sure that your rug gets the proper cleaning that it needs, you can also take care of it at home and save both time and money. Vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove any loose dirt and debris. Make a solution of warm water and mild detergent. Make sure that the detergent does not contain bleach. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the solution and mix it well to dissolve the detergent.

  Using a sponge dipped in the solution, gently scrub the carpet. Start on one side and work your way down, being sure to scrub with rather than against the nap. Use enough of the solution to dampen the carpet, not saturate it. Rinse the carpet with a clean sponge dipped in clear water. Go over the entire rug with the damp sponge to get rid of the soap. Use a squeegee to help expel any excess water from the rug so that it can properly dry. Place a fan nearby to help circulate air and the rug will dry faster.

Keeping Your Oriental Rug Clean

• Prevention and awareness will help to keep your rug clean. Ideally, your rug should only need to be washed every three to five years. Vacuum regularly if your rug is in an area that may get dirty. Avoid vacuuming the fringe on your rug if it has it, as this will only damage the rug. Rotate the rug every now and then to change the flow of traffic and distribute the wear and tear.

  Avoid storing a damp rug. If you plan to store your rug after cleaning it, make sure that there is no residual moisture as it will mold. Store your rug in a cool dry place wrapped in a sheet or thin blanket. Do not wrap it in plastic, as this could cause it to rot from the lack of air.

  Clean up spills as soon as they happen. Treat stains with a solution of white vinegar and water and dry the carpet with a hair dryer on the cool setting or by using a fan to circulate air around the rug.