True Oriental rugs are hand-knotted using wool, silk, cotton, and other natural fibers. The cleaning procedures used must conform to the standards for natural fibers. Wool, for example, doesn’t respond well to high pH and high temperatures. Rug cleaning plants that specialize in restoring these rugs use only acceptable procedures for the work entrusted to them.

 

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New Orientals are often chemically washed to “age” them. Proper chemical treatment (washing) will result in a softening of the carpet and the colors without damaging the fibers and shortening the rug’s life. Heavy washing and painting (re-dying) will weaken the fibers and may cause dye transfer later on. Purchasing an oriental from a reputable dealer is a wise decision that will avoid deceptive and damaging practices.

Orientals need regular vacuuming just like any other carpet. A vacuum with a beater bar will lift and vibrate the rug, loosening the embedded soil. If it is small enough, the rug can be hung outdoors, removing dust and dirt with a soft brush. Beating the back of the rug will expel soils from the nap. The backing can also be vacuumed occasionally.

Use of padding under an Oriental will help it hold its shape and protect the backing from damage from grit. Speaking of shape, older Orientals are not regular in shape due to the handwork involved in their construction. If the rug lies flat, a variation in dimension of three to six inches (not uncommon) is certainly not objectionable. Modern looms can eliminate this width variation, even though the work is still hand done.

Oriental rugs need professional cleaning every one to three years, depending on the amount of foot traffic they experience. However, spots and spills can be treated at home after you check to be sure the rug is colorfast. In most cases it will be, but to test, rub a damp, white cloth over a dark color. The rug isn’t colorfast if any of the color rubs off onto the white cloth.

Colorfast rugs can be spot-cleaned by blotting the spot with paper towels or a clean, white cloth, and then rinsing with clean water. Dry the treated area thoroughly by blotting with a clean, dry cloth. Avoid the temptation to scrub the rug using laundry detergent. Detergent will bleach the rug dyes, while excess rubbing can damage the fibers. Solvent-based spot cleaners also should be avoided.

 

 

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Consumer Reports editors in How to Clean and Care for Practically Anything.