How to Clean Oriental Rugs

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: July 21, 2024 Approved

Oriental rugs are a common style of rug that originate from countries like Iran, China, and India. These rugs are known for their rich colors and unique designs and can be found in thousands of households across the world. Oriental rugs come in all shapes and varieties and are usually made from materials like wool or cotton, but can also be made from things like silk or synthetic material. Adding an oriental rug to your house can bring a room to life, but like most rugs, they are prone to getting dirty. Luckily, if you use the proper techniques to clean and care for your rug, you can keep your rug looking new for a long time. ^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Taking the Proper Precautions

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1
Check the rug's label. Lift the corners of your rug to reveal the rug's label. Usually, on the label, it will have instructions on the safest way to clean your Oriental rug. Rugs can be made of silk, wool, cotton, or synthetic material and each requires a certain degree of finesse when cleaning. Cotton and wool rugs are generally more durable and easier to clean.
- If you have a silk rug, consider taking it to a professional instead of cleaning it yourself in the case of severe stains. ^{[2]
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2
Vacuum and tend to the carpet regularly. Vacuuming your rug at least once a week will lift recent debris and dirt from it and keep it smelling and looking new for a longer time. Vacuuming also prevents the wool fibers in your rug from becoming packed down. ^{[3]
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- Do not frequently vacuum antique or silk oriental rugs as it can damage them and reduce their value.
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Oriental rugs can be prone to sun damage, so keep it away from windows if you can. Keeping an oriental rug in the sun will cause the colors to fade over time. ^{[4]
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Research source} If your rug has to be in direct sunlight, rotate it at least once a month. While the colors are still likely to fade, at least they will fade evenly. ^{[5]
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4
Test to see if your carpet is colorfast. Some carpets are colorfast and won't bleed when wet, while others will. If the rug's label reads "dry clean only," then there's a good possibility your rug is not colorfast. If you want to test your rug, saturate a small corner of the carpet with room temperature water, then press on it with a clean white cloth. If there is dye on your rag, then your carpet is likely to bleed if you clean it yourself.
- In the case that your carpet is not colorfast do a light cleaning but avoid getting your carpet wet or using chemical cleaners on it.
- If you need to deep clean a carpet that is not colorfast, your best option would be to bring it in to be professionally cleaned.
Heavy pieces of furniture that sit on top of your oriental rug can work down the fibers and damage your carpet over time. To prevent this, rearrange your furniture every six months. This will even out the wear and tear on your rug and increase its longevity. ^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Doing a Quick Cleaning

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1
Sweep your rug. Use a broom with straw bristles or a carpet sweeper to do the initial cleaning of your rug. ^{[7]
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Research source} Sweep in one direction from end to end. Don't rub your broom back and forth because you could end up damaging it. Once you're done sweeping the entirety of the rug, repeat the cycle and go over it a second time.
- Electric carpet sweepers use static electricity to pick up dirt and are the safest method for quickly cleaning an antique oriental rug.
2
Vacuum the rug on both sides. Lay out your rug in an empty area and vacuum over the rug slowly to remove excess abrasives, hair, and dirt that can damage your rug over time. Repeat this process three or more times to get all the dirt and debris from the rug. ^{[8]
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Research source} Avoid the rug's fringes because they can become stuck in the vacuum's sweeper. Once you're done vacuuming, flip the rug over and repeat the process on the other side.
- Make sure you vacuum in the direction of the rug fibers, not against them.
- When cleaning an expensive or antique rug, make sure to use the carpet tool because a revolving brush can damage your rug and hurt its value. ^{[9]
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If you can pick your rug up, you can take it outside and shake it to remove embedded dirt and other particles. If your rug is too big to shake, hang it on a clothesline and beat it with your hands. You should see the dust and dirt come off of the rug as you do this. ^{[10]
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4
Spot clean your rug. It's best to tend to spills as soon as they occur because if they dry it will be much harder for you to get the stain or smell out of your rug. As soon as the spill occurs blot up as much of the liquid as you can, with a paper towel or clean rag. ^{[11]
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Research source} Once you've soaked up the spill, dampen a rag and use cold water to blot the stain again.
- Do not rub back and forth on the spill because you could end up rubbing the stain deeper into the carpet.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Performing a Deep Cleaning

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1
Vacuum both sides of the rug. Bring your oriental rug outside so that you can lay it out on a flat surface. Sweep and clean the area before you begin to clean your rug. ^{[12]
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Research source} Vacuum the rug until most of the dirt and debris is lifted from it, then flip it over to the other side and repeat the process. After you vacuum, shake the rug to remove any additional dirt or debris.
- You can also use an electric sweeper if your vacuum is not effective. ^{[13]
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Soak the entirety of the carpet on one side then flip it over and spray the other side with water. You should only have to do this for a few minutes on each side for your oriental rug to become saturated with water. ^{[14]
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3
Fill a bucket with cold water and a mild liquid soap. You can use a mild liquid detergent or dish soap to clean your rug. Fill a bucket with one gallon of cold water and three tablespoons of your mild soap. Mix the solution together in your bucket. ^{[15]
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- You can also use a mild shampoo for oriental rugs that are made from wool. ^{[16]
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4
Test your solution by cleaning a small part of the carpet. You can use a long haired brush or a non-shedding sponge to clean your carpet. Dip your sponge or brush into your water and soap solution until it's saturated and lightly go over a small part of the rug. Wait up to ten minutes to see if the cleaning solution has an adverse effect on it before proceeding to the next step.
- If the cleaning solution is changing your carpet's color or making the colors bleed, stop cleaning it and take it a professional.
Lather your rug in the direction of the nap, or so that the fibers lay down, opposed to sitting up. ^{[17]
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Research source} Lather your carpet enough to create suds on the surface of the rug.
Rinse the remainder of the cleaner off with the garden hose. Once you're done doing one side, flip the rug over and rinse the other side of it. The suds on the top of the rug should be washed off thoroughly before drying.
7
Dry your oriental rug thoroughly. Wet rugs can build mildew over time and create a bad odor. Once you're done rinsing your rug, it's important that you allow it to dry before putting it back to where it belongs. Use a squeegee to squeeze the rest of the water out of your rug, then allow it to dry flat on the ground. Remember to flip your rug over so that both sides can dry. ^{[18]
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- If drying is taking too long try pointing a fan on to quicken the process.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Using Alternative Methods

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1
Use talcum powder to remove unwanted odors. After vacuuming your rug thoroughly, sprinkle some talcum powder on the surface and allow it to sit on the rug overnight. The powder will absorb unwanted odors left by pets or smoke. The next day, use your vacuum to lift the powder from your carpet.
- You can purchase talcum powder at many different department stores.
2
Use vinegar, water, and detergent to remove pet or coffee stains. Mix 1/4 cup (59.1 mL) white vinegar and 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) liquid dishwashing detergent with 2 cups (473.17 mL) of room temperature water in a bucket and use it to remove harder stains. ^{[19]
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- The vinegar's acidity prevents the colors in your carpet from running and can eliminate unwanted odors.
If your rug is expensive, made of material like silk, or has sentimental value, it may be a good idea to take it to a professional rug cleaner rather than trying to do it yourself. Carpet cleaners have years of experience working with different types of rugs and will know the best course of action for your problem. While it will cost money, it may be worth it so you can avoid repairs in the future.

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I get grease out of one corner of our Persian rug? Our dog would chew greasy bones there.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Start by cleaning the spot with degreasing dish soap mixed into cold water. Use a sponge to blot the stain. Rinse the spot with clean water, then dry it with a cloth. If this technique doesn't work, you can try using vinegar. If the stain remains, it's best to take it to a professional rug cleaner.

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Question

What can I do when the dye rubs off?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

If the dye starts to rub off of your rug, stop cleaning it. It's best to take the rug to a professional rug cleaner. If you keep cleaning it yourself, you will likely damage the rug.

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How do I get dog urine out of oriental rugs?

Community Answer

Try using the vinegar and water method to get rid of pet odors and stains. Keep in mind that the quicker you clean it, the less hard it will be to get it out of the rug.

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Tips

Oriental rugs should be washed every two to three years to preserve them. ^{[20]
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Make sure you don't use rough brushes on the rug, as it can damage the fibers.

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Handle your rug with care while you're cleaning it, as wool gets weaker when it's wet. Continue to use special care with your rug until it's dry.

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How to Clean Oriental Rugs

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Taking the Proper Precautions

Doing a Quick Cleaning

Performing a Deep Cleaning

Using Alternative Methods

Expert Q&A

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