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How to Wash a Persian Rug – Step by Step
Oriental rugs are rugs that have adorned people’s homes for centuries, especially Persian rugs. Originating from Iran (ancient Persia), these rugs can be handmade or machine-made, the material varies from wool, silk, or cotton, and they differ from other rugs in the elaboration and variety of their design and the knotting that makes up the pile. They are also quite expensive compared to other types of rugs. Precisely because they have tightly woven knots, giving them the characteristic of being soft and making each rug a unique piece, this characteristic means that Persian rugs tend to accumulate more dust and dirt. Don’t worry, Clean Express Laundry will give you amazing tips on how to keep your rug cleaner for longer.
How often should I clean my Persian rug ?
The frequency is determined by each family’s lifestyle, as we don’t want the rug to be cleaned unnecessarily, since this will lead to unnecessary wear and tear on the fibers, or conversely, a prolonged absence of cleaning will accumulate more dirt, soot, and soil. A common Persian rug needs a light cleaning (vacuuming) at least once a week, but this can vary. If the rug is in a low-traffic area, where no shoes are worn, you can go months without needing to clean it. On the other hand, if you have children and pets, it’s advisable to increase the cleaning frequency.
How do I clean my Persian rug at home?
Vacuum! Yes, vacuum your carpet thoroughly! This is the first step to eliminating dirt and debris. Vacuum slowly and in both directions of the carpet’s pile. Vacuum the reverse side of your carpet as well. Good vacuuming prevents the accumulation of dirt and the proliferation of mites. Do not rub the vacuum cleaner brush on the carpet; remove the brush function and let the air do the cleaning. If you have enough space in your home, hang your carpet and beat it with a broom to remove dust, just like our grandmothers used to do. An old method with better results. In the case of stains or yellowed dirt on the carpet, use a damp, lint-free cloth moistened with a solution of dish soap and water (one teaspoon of dish soap diluted in 1 liter of water), gently wipe the entire carpet, and scrub the stains with a soft-bristled brush, without rubbing too hard. Let it dry naturally. Remember not to wet the carpet; instead, simply wipe the fibers with a damp cloth. The purpose of this cleaning is to intermittently remove dust and give the fibers a refreshed feel. Once the fibers are dry, use a soft, clean brush to “soften” them.
Deep Cleaning – Do it yourself vs. Professional Cleaning Alternative
Your rug needs professional cleaning at least once a year, but you can always go the “do-it-yourself” route. You need to consider a few things here. Is your rug colored (does it bleed color when submerged in water)? You can do a color test or read the washing instructions on your rug’s label. So let’s get to the cleaning: * After vacuuming and shaking to determine if your rug bleeds color or not, pour cold water on both sides of the rug. Let the rug soak. Mix water and neutral liquid soap or rug shampoo in a bucket. Now pour 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 by using the squeegee to remove all excess water and any remaining product residue. Hang your rug in a well-ventilated, shady place (never expose a Persian rug to direct sunlight). Using a fan can speed up the drying process. Professional cleaning uses products specifically designed for Persian rugs with antibacterial properties, as well as stain removal and anti-mold products. A machine performs the rinsing and spin-drying process properly, ensuring that no dirt or product residue remains in the fibers, and the drying process is faster than at home.
Small acts of care make all the difference!
- Stain Removal – It’s best to deal with the spill as soon as it happens. This prevents the stain from getting deeper and, in that case, it would be difficult to remove. Try to remove it in less than 15 minutes, using a cloth or paper towel to blot up the excess. With a damp cloth soaked in warm water and a little vinegar, dab the stain. Do not rub from side to side, as this will cause the liquid to penetrate your carpet.
- Avoid walking on carpets with shoes – avoid it as much as possible! Walking on carpets with shoes on them increases the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. Be careful!
- Rotate your rug – Occasionally change the position of your rug, especially if people only walk on one part of it, so it will be more even. Professionals advise that you rotate your rug 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 beautiful, new piece in your home. Remember, Persian rugs become more valuable over time. If you’d like help keeping this expensive piece of furniture looking new and refreshed, contact Clean Express Laundry and check out our promotional prices.