Persian rugs are known for their intricate designs and plush pile. But just like any floor covering, they attract dirt, dust, spills and wear from foot traffic. So knowing how to properly clean a Persian rug is key to preserving its beauty and value.
In this guide, as a professional custom rugs manufacturer, I’ll walk you through the dos and don’ts of how to wash a Persian rug at home. Whether yours is silk, wool or a blend, my tips will help you deep clean your rug without causing damage.
How to Wash a Persian Rug
Check the Rug’s Material
Before anything else, you need to identify what your Persian rug is made from. Most often, they are crafted from wool, silk or a cotton/wool blend.
The cleaning method can vary quite a bit depending on the material. So check the label or tag if your rug has one. If not, here’s how to figure it out:
Wool – Dense and soft pile that springs back into place when pressed down. May shed lint easily.
Silk – Very fine, soft and silky fibers with a subtle sheen. More delicate than wool.
Cotton – Flat woven structure without much of a pile. Can feel rough or scratchy.
This info will dictate the washing techniques and products best suited to clean your persian rug without causing harm.
Vacuum Thoroughly
Before washing, you need to remove all the dry soil and grit worked down into the fibers. This prevents the particles from getting wet and settling deeper into the pile.
Thoroughly vacuum both sides of the entire rug. Make sure to get the fringes along the edges too.
Pro Tip: Use a vacuum with adjustable height and suction. For high piles, raise the setting to avoid damaging the ends of the fibers.
Hand Wash Outdoors
The best way to clean a Persian rug is by hand washing it. This allows you to treat stains, dislodge dirt and brighten it up without overly wetting the rug.
Here’s the safe method for how to wash a Persian rug by hand:
Supplies Needed
- Garden hose with spray nozzle
- Mild liquid detergent (wool safe)
- Soft bristle brush
- White cotton towels
- Soft plastic brushes
- Optional: Rug wash shampoo
Step-by-Step
- Lay the rug flat on a hard, outdoor surface like a driveway or patio. Ensure it’s not in direct sunlight.
- Lightly hose the entire top side of the rug. From fringes to fringes.
- Mix a wool-safe detergent with warm water in a bucket. Use very little soap – start with 1 tsp per gallon of water.
- Dip your brush into the solution. Gently scrub across sections of the rug, working the soap into the fibers.
- As you go, use white towels to blot excess water. Don’t rub! Just pat.
- Once scrubbed, rinse with clean water. Hose off detergent residue.
- Flip rug over and repeat washing process on back side.
- Stand rug on end and hose out fringes. Brush and hose edges too.
- Lay flat until no longer dripping. Then transfer to a drying surface.
Optional: For tough odors or stains, use a small amount of specialty rug shampoo instead of detergent. Test first!
Caution: Avoid excessive water. Over-wetting can damage the rug’s foundation and cause fibers to break.
Transfer to Drying Area
With pile rugs, laying flat to air dry risks water pooling at the foundation. This can grow mold and bacteria.
The best way to dry a washed Persian rug is standing it on end or hanging over a railing or clothesline. This allows air to circulate inside and water to drain out.
Place it with a very slight tilt, so gravity helps pull moisture out faster. Rotate periodically so all areas get evenly dried.
Fluff, Brush and Rotate
As your freshly washed rug dries, check it periodically to fluff and straighten the pile. Use soft plastic brushes made for rugs and carpet.
Gently brush across the fibers with the grain. Then brush again against the grain to lift and separate. This restores the lush look of your Persian rug after washing.
For even drying, periodically rotate your rug to move sections in and out of sunlight. Avoid direct sun exposure though!
Pro Tip: Adding an oscillating fan helps circulate air at the base to speed drying. Just don’t aim it directly on the fibers.
Within 1-3 days, your rug should be fully dried out. The drying time depends on its size, density and weather conditions during the process.
Tips for Spot Cleaning
Even if you deep clean your Persian rug annually, spot cleaning in between keeps it looking its best.
Here’s how to safely lift fresh stains:
- Blot gently with white cloth
- Spray vinegary water or rug cleaner
- Lightly tamp with brush
- Blot again with towel
- Allow to fully dry
Repeat the process for stubborn spots but don’t overly scrub the area. This can damage fibers and the rug’s backing.
Caring for Different Materials
Beyond the standard washing method I described, there are additional care considerations for certain Persian rug types:
Silk – Use only the gentlest cleaners without bleach or brighteners. Skip brushing. Blot stain remover and water instead of rubbing it in.
Wool and blends – Ensure detergents are specifically for wool use. Rotate periodically to evenly fade colors.
Cotton – Wash and dry flat. Direct sunlight Transfer wet cotton rugs much faster to prevent mold.
In Summary
Even intricate Persian rugs are durable enough to handle an occasional thorough washing. Just be extremely careful about over-wetting the foundation. And always use specialized products suited for its fibers.
So there you have it – everything you need for cleaning your prized Persian rug. With this proper process for how to wash a Persian rug, you’ll keep it looking beautiful for decades to come.