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How to Wash a Persian Rug – Step by Step
Oriental rugs are rugs that beautify people's homes for centuries, especially Persian rugs.
Originating in Iran (formerly Persia), the rugs can be hand or machine made, the material varies from wool, silk or cotton and they differ from other rugs by their elaboration and variety in their design and in the tying of the knots that make up the coat. and, they are quite expensive compared to other types of rugs.
Precisely because they have tight knots, giving the characteristic of soft rugs and making the rug a unique piece, this characteristic makes the amount of dust and dirt more present in Persian rugs.
Don't worry, Clean Express Laundry will give you amazing tips on how to keep your carpet cleaner for longer.
How often should I clean my Persian rug?
The frequency is determined by the lifestyle of each family, as we do not want the rug to be cleaned unnecessarily, as this will lead to unnecessary wear of the fibers or, conversely, a prolonged period of absence of cleaning will store more dirt, soot and dirt.
A typical Persian rug needs a little cleaning (vacuuming) at least once a week, but this can vary. If the rug is in a place with little circulation of people, without wearing shoes, you can go months without having to clean it. On the other hand, if you have kids and pets, you might want to intensify your cleaning.
How to clean my Persian rug at home?
Aspire! Yes, vacuum your rug very well! This is the first step in eliminating dirt and debris. Vacuum slowly and in both directions of your rug's fur. Vacuum the reverse side of your mat as well. Good vacuuming prevents the accumulation of dirt and proliferation of mites. Do not rub the vacuum cleaner brush on the carpet, remove the brush function and just let the air do the cleaning function.
If you have enough space in your house, hang your rug and beat it with a broom to remove the dust, just like our grandmothers used to do. Old method and best result.
In case of stains or yellowish dirt on the rug, use a damp, lint-free cloth, moistened with a solution of kitchen detergent and water (one coffee spoon of detergent diluted in 1 liter of water), gently wipe the entire rug, rub the stains with a soft-bristled brush, without rubbing too hard. Let it dry naturally. Remember not to dampen the rug, just run a damp cloth over the fibers.
The purpose of this cleaning is to intermittently clean the dust and give the fibers a fresh feel.
When the fibers are dry, run a soft, clean brush over the rug to “soften” the fibers.
Deep Cleaning - Do It Yourself vs Professional Cleaning Alternative
Your carpet needs professional cleaning at least once a year, but you can always go the do-it-yourself way. You need to consider a few things here. Is your rug colored (looses color when submerged in water)? You can take the color test or read the washing instructions on your rug's label.
So let's go to cleaning:
* After vacuuming-shaking and knowing if your rug is migrating color or not. Pour cold water on both sides of the mat. Leave the mat soaked. Mix it in a bucket of water and mild liquid soap or rug shampoo. Now throw and gently rub this solution onto your rug.
* Rinse until no more foam comes out, use a squeegee to remove excess water and product. Finish using the squeegee to remove all excess water and any product that may have remained. Hang your rug in a ventilated place in the shade (never expose a Persian rug to the sun). Using a fan can speed up the drying process.
In Professional Cleaning products suitable for Persian rugs with anti-bacterial power are used, and products for removing stains (if there are stains) and anti-mold are also used. A machine does the proper rinsing and centrifuging, so that no residue of dirt and product remains on the fibers, in addition to drying being a faster process than done at home.
Little care makes a difference!
- Spot Cleaning – It is better to take care of the spill as soon as the accident occurs. This prevents the stain from getting deeper, in which case it would be difficult to remove. Try to remove in less than 15 minutes, using a cloth or paper towel to remove excess. With a cloth dampened in warm water and a little vinegar, wipe over the stain. Do not rub from side to side, this will cause the liquid to penetrate your rug.
- Avoid walking with shoes on the rug – Avoid as much as you can! Walking on the rug is proportional to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Be careful!
- Rotate your Rug – From time to time, change the position of your mat, in case people walk on just one part of it, so it will be uniform. Professionals advise you to rotate your part once every six months.
- Avoid direct sunlight – Avoid leaving it exposed to direct sunlight, especially if it has strong colors, as sunlight fades the rug.
Be kind to your rug so you'll always have a nice, new piece in your home. Remember Persian rugs are more valuable over time. If you want help keeping this expensive piece of your home, always new and refreshed, get in touch with Clean Express Laundry and check out our promotional prices
