How do you deep clean a Persian rug at home?

Cleaning a Persian rug at home can seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, you can keep your rug looking beautiful for years to come. Here are some tips for deep cleaning a Persian rug in your own home.

Why Deep Clean a Persian Rug?

Persian rugs are expensive investments that can last for decades or even centuries with proper care. Over time, dirt, dust, oils, and other contaminants become embedded in the fibers, dulling the rug’s color and design. Vacuuming alone cannot remove these deep-down soils. That’s why periodically deep cleaning a Persian rug is recommended to revitalize its appearance and extend its lifespan.

When to Deep Clean

In general, you should plan to deep clean an Oriental rug every 1-2 years. High-traffic areas or rugs with light colors may need more frequent cleaning, while rugs in low-traffic rooms can go longer between professional cleanings. Look for these signs it’s time to deep clean your rug:

• Visible dirt, dust, or stains
• Colors look dull or faded
• The rug feels stiff or crunchy
• The rug has a musty odor

Supplies Needed

Before getting started, gather these recommended supplies:

• Vacuum cleaner – Use a vacuum with adjustable suction and brush roll on/off control.
• Rug shampoo – Look for a gentle, wool-safe formula.
• Soft brush – Use a soft-bristle brush to work the shampoo into the rug.
• Clean towels – Have plenty of clean cotton towels on hand.
• Fans – Speed drying time with fans or air movers.
• Furniture sliders – Protect floors and make moving furniture easier.
• Gloves – Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

Preparing the Rug

Take these steps to get your rug ready for deep cleaning:

1. Vacuum the rug thoroughly to remove surface dirt and debris.
2. Inspect the back and edges of the rug. Vacuum the back if needed.
3. Test the rug for colorfastness. Dampen a white cloth with the cleaning solution and blot an inconspicuous area of the rug. If any colors bleed, do not wet clean that rug.
4. Move furniture off the rug so you can access the entire surface.
5. If possible, take the rug outside for cleaning. Otherwise prepare the floor underneath with plastic sheeting.

Deep Cleaning Steps

Follow these steps to deep clean your Persian rug:

1. Pretreat stains. Use a small amount of rug shampoo and water to gently blot any stained areas of the rug. Allow to sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a soft brush. Blot stained areas with clean towels.

2. Mix rug shampoo. Dilute liquid rug shampoo in warm water per label instructions. Shake or stir to mix thoroughly.

3. Apply cleaning solution. Working in manageable sections, apply the diluted shampoo liberally across the rug’s surface. Use a soft brush to gently scrub the wet shampoo into the rug fibers. Focus on high-traffic lanes and heavily soiled areas.

4. Rinse. Use clean towels soaked in plain water to blot and absorb the shampoo out of the rug. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. Change towels frequently to remove all residues. Repeat rinsing until water runs clear.

5. Extract water. For faster drying, use towels or a wet vacuum to extract excess water from the rug.

6. Air dry. Lay the rug flat to air dry, periodically flipping and rotating it. Place fans nearby to speed drying. Make sure the rug dries completely within 24-48 hours to prevent mold or mildew.

7. Fluff pile. Once totally dry, fluff up the rug’s pile by brushing your hand across the surface. Vacuum once more.

After Deep Cleaning

• Keep furniture off the rug until completely dry.
• Vacuum daily during the first week as pile resettles.
• Do not walk on the damp rug to avoid soil and stain setting.
• Consider professional cleaning for rugs that can’t be moved outside due to size.
• Stick to regular vacuum and spot cleaning between deep cleans.

When to Call a Professional

While you can deep clean many Persian rugs at home, some situations call for hiring a professional rug cleaning service:

• Rugs that are too large to move outside or carry up and down stairs
• Rugs with stubborn pet urine, food, or drink stains
• Heavily soiled vintage or antique rugs
• Rugs made with delicate natural dyes
• Rugs with fringe or intricate designs needing special care

Professionals have powerful truck-mounted cleaning systems and advanced stain removal techniques to thoroughly clean rugs while preserving their value. They can also handle big area rugs that are too large and heavy to clean at home.

Protecting Your Investment

Once your rug is deep cleaned, keep it looking fresh between professional cleanings with these tips:

• Vacuum regularly using a brush roll on/off vacuum.
• Immediately blot spills and spots.
• Rotate the rug to evenly distribute wear.
• Place rug protectors under heavy furniture.
• Bring small rugs to a professional for cleaning every 1-2 years.

Conclusion

With some elbow grease, the right products, and these DIY steps, you can give your Persian rug a much-needed deep cleaning right at home. Remember to always check for colorfastness, work in manageable sections, rinse thoroughly, and completely air dry the rug. Proper deep cleaning removes embedded dirt, revives colors, extends the life of expensive Oriental rugs, and keeps them looking beautiful for generations.