Renaissance Rug Cleaning Inc.
(503) 963-8565
Open 9:30-5:30 M-F
Closed weekends
no appointment is needed
for drop-off & Pick-up,
Persian Rug Cleaning

How Are Persian Rugs Cleaned

Cleaning Persian rugs requires care and attention to ensure that issues such as dye instability and weaknesses are addressed and consider before washing
Wet Cleaning: Wet cleaning involves using water and mild cleaning solutions to remove dirt and stains. However, this method requires careful control of water usage to prevent over-wetting, which can lead to mold and mildew growth
Hand Washing: Some high-quality Persian rugs are hand-washed by experts. This labor-intensive method ensures a thorough and gentle cleaning process. The rug is soaked in water, and mild cleaning agents are applied. Then, it's carefully agitated by hand to remove dirt. The rug is rinsed thoroughly and dried in a controlled environment to avoid damage.
Can Persian Rugs Be Steam Cleaned
Steam cleaning or hot water extraction is a method for cleaning synthetic wall-to-wall carpets and upholstery, it's strongly not recommended for Persian rugs. Persian rugs are handmade and crafted using natural fibers and dyes, which can be sensitive to the heat, strong detergents, and high pressure of steam cleaning systems. Steam cleaning can potentially cause the following issues:
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Color Bleeding: The high temperature and moisture from steam can cause damage to dyes in Persian rugs and results in bleed or fade, leading to permanent damage to the rug's vibrant colors.
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Shrinking and Warping: Natural fibers like wool can shrink and warp when exposed to moisture and heat, leading to changes in the rug's shape and size.
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Delicate Fibers: The intricate and delicate fibers in Persian rugs can be easily damaged by the intense pressure of steam cleaning, vacuums systems leading to napp distortion fraying or unraveling of the rug's edges or designs.
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Mold and Mildew Growth: If the rug is not dried properly after steam cleaning, typically in home rug cleaning it can create a favorable environment for mold and mildew growth, which can further damage your oriental rug.
Instead of steam cleaning, it's generally recommended to use methods such as dry cleaning, hand washing, or professional rug cleaning that are better suited for preserving the delicate fibers, colors, and craftsmanship of Persian rugs. Always consult with a professional rug cleaner who specializes in cleaning Persian rugs to determine the most appropriate and safe cleaning method for your specific rug.
How Often Should Persian Rugs Be Cleaned?
Persian rugs should undergo professional cleaning every one to four years, depending on the level of foot traffic and exposure to dirt. Cleaning intervals vary by use, location of rug in a home and number of occupants and pets in a home
Professional cleaners have experience handling delicate rugs and use specialized methods to clean them effectively. When persian rugs are properly deep cleaned in many cases they can go years or more between washing.
Persian Rug Washing

This pic is from the owner's trip to Zollanvari Gabbeh rug producer wash house in Iran.
Much like this wash floor in Iran all Iranian rugs, Persian rugs are meant to be washed not steam cleaned or shampooed. We hand wash Persian rugs much the same way and the way on s floor for an authentic rug hand washing service.