Handmade Rugs
Care and Cleaning

Routine Cleaning

For handmade Persian or Oriental rugs, daily or weekly cleaning can be done using gentle methods that do not disturb the natural lanolin of the carpet. If the lanolin is reduced, the carpet fibers can become quite brittle and the carpet will lose its natural resiliency and luster.

Non-electric carpet sweepers and simple straw bristle brooms work very well for pile rugs for they are far more gentle than a suction vacuum cleaner. Beater bars are definitely out for the beating action is far too rough for your rug. With a carpet sweeper or bristle broom, you can clean your rug as often as you want. For best results, try to clean your handmade rug at least once a week.

Accidental Spills

The first thing to know about dealing with accidental spills is that you should act as quickly as possible.

For liquid spills, blot the spill with a paper towel to soak up as much as you can. Do not scrub or rub, just blot. For solids, blot with paper towel and then scrape any remainder with the dull edge of a knife or spoon.

Make a solution a quart of tepid water with 2-3 drops of a mild unscented colorless detergent like Ivory Soap and 1-2 teaspoons of plain white vinegar. Do not use apple cider vinegar!

Apply the solution to a white washcloth and use it to blot the spill area. Don't use too much liquid and avoid wetting the back of the carpet. Rinse the area with tepid water between blottings, using your washcloth to apply the water. Do not use a colored washcloth for its dye may bleed into your rug.

You can also use hair shampoo, which is a very gentle soap which will not strip the natural oils in the wool. Use very sparingly and only if necessary.

Pay close attention while you are working. Start with a small area first. If you see any dye run or discoloration resulting from your cleaning efforts, stop immediately and seek expert care.

Thoroughly dry the rug by placing a heavy, absorbent WHITE towel over it. Press it down by placing a heavy object on it. Then let the carpet air dry or use a non-heated fan to speed up the drying process. It's a good idea to elevate the stained area using a chair or stool so that the air circulates freely while the carpet is drying.

If your handmade rug is an antique or you are worried at all about damaging it, take it to a cleaner that specializes in Oriental or Persian rugs for expert care.

Professional Cleaning

Every five or six years, you should have your handmade rug professionally cleaned by a professional rug cleaner that specializes in Oriental and Persian rugs. They use a special tumbling machine that gently removes the dirt and dust that penetrates the carpet. Never use moth-proofing treatments, dry cleaning or steam cleaning on your handmade rug.

Wet Rugs

If your handmade rug becomes damp or is saturated with water due to a flood or for some other reason, hang it up to dry outside. Do not let your handmade rug to sit wet or damp for any length of time! Before placing it back on the floor, check that it is dry throughout, front and back.

Rotating a Handmade Rug

Every few months, rotate your rug to reduce continual wear on specific spots on the pile. This also helps to lessen the impact of sunlight, which can cause faded areas if the rug is positioned the same way for too long.

Important Notice

These instructions work very well for most handmade rugs, however, if your rug is of particular value or is an antique, you should seek the advice of a rug cleaner that specializes in the care of handmade rugs.

Disclaimer: Hanassab Imports takes no responsibility whatsoever if following these instructions causes any damage to a handmade rug. We cannot stress enough the importance of using professional cleaning services. Please feel free to call us if you need assistance in caring for your handmade rug.