Persian Rug Washing: Protect the Lifespan of Your Rug

Persian rugs are more than just home décor. They're works of art that often have rich cultural significance. They also represent a significant monetary investment that you want to protect. Made of natural fibers like wool or silk and then dyed with organic pigments, these rugs are popular around the globe because of their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and craftsmanship.

Why Persian Rugs Require Specialized Cleaning

The history of Persian rugs dates back roughly 2,500 years. The traditional techniques used to make these ornate rugs have been passed down through the generations, and today, they’re one of the most luxurious home furnishings you can invest in. The delicate process used in manufacturing them creates the need for professional Persian rug washing.

Unlike machine-produced rugs, Persian rugs are handmade using natural fibers like wool, cotton, or silk. These materials are often sensitive to harsh chemicals and hot water. The agitation that comes from machine washing can do significant damage, making professional, hand-washing care essential.

One of the most appealing aspects of owning a Persian rug is that each one is unique, with different knotting styles and types of dyes. With this in mind, you don’t want to expose your unique piece of art to harsh chemicals or high heat. Choosing to work with a company like Aegis that offers professional Persian rug care ensures that you can protect the one-of-a-kind design that made you choose your rug in the first place.

In addition to protecting the design, professional washing protects the structural integrity of the rug. Dirt that settles into the foundation can deteriorate the fibers over time, so it’s important to get it out. A gentle approach ensures that your rug can last a lifetime while maintaining its luxurious look.

The Hidden Risks of Improper Cleaning Methods

When it comes time to clean your Persian rug, you may be tempted to find a recipe for a cleaning solution online or rent a standard carpet cleaner. Ultimately, the risk of taking those steps far outweighs the benefits of letting a professional clean your Persian rug for you.

Harsh chemicals can not only damage the threads that hold your rug together, but they can also severely diminish the vibrancy of the dyes used in your rug. Persian rugs retain natural oils from their dyes, and the wrong chemicals can cause colors to run or fade.

Using too much water when cleaning your Persian rug, or leaving it wet for too long, can also create problems. Odor retention, mold growth, and weakened fibers are all problems that stem from using too much water. This is why we use a proven method of hand-washing Persian rugs. We also thoroughly dry them to keep those problems from developing.

Finally, it’s important to avoid using a vacuum cleaner to spot-clean your Persian rug. These fine rugs are not designed to withstand heavy suction and beater bars that can fray their edges. Instead of trying to clean your rug on your own, let one of our team members clean it using our proven method.

The Role of Professional Hand-Washing in Preserving Persian Rugs

Our process of cleaning Persian rugs begins with a thorough inspection. While we can look things over at your house, we generally get an even better look once we transport the rug to our shop. This inspection also involves looking at the rug’s fiber type and color stability. We start our process of hand-cleaning your Persian rug by dusting it, a process that’s much more thorough and safer than using a vacuum.

We use soap specifically formulated for Persian rugs. This mitigates the risk of damaging the fibers or the dye in your rug. Then, we gently agitate the rug by hand to loosen embedded soils and rinse it thoroughly to remove all residue.

How Often Should a Persian Rug Be Professionally Washed?

One of the most common questions that we're asked involves how often to schedule professional Persian rug cleaning. There is no single answer to this question. The proper frequency of cleaning depends on several factors, including foot traffic, location, furniture damage, and whether your rug is exposed to pets or smoke. Generally, Persian rugs should be cleaned every one to three years. If you have pets, annual cleaning is a great idea. If your rug doesn’t get frequent foot traffic and neither pets nor smoke are threatening it, cleaning it every three years might be sufficient.

You’ll also need to consider where your rug is in your home. For instance, a rug that’s in the middle of the living room floor is probably walked on more than one that’s placed in a rarely used home office. Consider all these factors when deciding how often to schedule professional cleaning.

Choosing a Trusted Persian Rug Washing Service

When it comes to choosing the right company to clean your Persian rug, there are a few factors to keep in mind. First, look for a company with extensive experience. Aegis Fine Rug Cleaning has been cleaning rugs in and around our area for more than 40 years.

Additionally, consider reviews and testimonials from those who have already invested in the services. We have a huge list of long-term clients who have seen just how good we are at what we do.

Persian rug care is one of the most important aspects of owning one of these beautiful pieces of home décor. Schedule a cleaning to learn more about our expert Persian rug washing services.