How to Clean Oriental Rugs at Home Like a Pro

Oriental rugs bring a timeless and subtly colorful look to any space, but the foot traffic, dust, and dirt they’re subject to means that they need to be cleaned every once in a while.

While cleaning an oriental rug isn’t as simple as mopping the floor or tossing a washable rug in the washing machine, it can be done at home with just a few supplies.

Here’s what you need to know about how to clean an oriental rug.

Do’s and Don’ts for Oriental Rug Cleaning

Oriental rugs can last decades when properly cared for, so keep these things in mind when cleaning them.

• Do shake and vacuum your rug regularly: Regular vacuuming and shaking out is one of the best ways to prevent the buildup of dirt, dust, and grime. Vacuum weekly and shake out seasonally for the best results.
• Do test out detergent and stain removers in a small area before use: While any wool-safe cleaner is unlikely to harm your oriental rug, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Apply a small bit of cleaner to a hidden spot and let it sit overnight to watch for discoloration.
• Do gather your supplies before starting: You’ll need a vacuum, clean towels, a garden hose, wool-safe detergent, a soft-bristled scrub brush, vinegar, and a large squeegee to clean your oriental rug,

Avoid doing these things when cleaning an oriental rug, or you could risk ruining it.

• Don’t let it sit damp: Your oriental rug must be bone-dry before it’s brought back inside. Letting a still-damp rug inside the home can lead to molding and mildewing.
• Don’t scrub too hard: When scrubbing in the detergent, work gently, rather than harshly. Too strong movements can damage the pile or discolor it.

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How to Clean Oriental Rugs at Home

Bring the Rug Outside

You’ll need to take the oriental rug outside to clean it, as you’ll need a large space to clean, soak, and dry it. Place it on top of a paved surface or deck, and make sure to sweep the surface off before bringing the rug out.

Vacuum It

Vacuum the rug to remove any surface-level dirt or dust that’s caught in its fibers. Remember to vacuum toward the pile, rather than working against it.

Hose It Down

Use a garden hose to thoroughly soak the oriental rug. Work from the side of the rug closest to you to the other end.

Apply Detergent

Next, apply a wool-safe detergent, like Woolite or EcoVer Wool & Silk, to the surface of the rug. You won’t need much here—a few tablespoons dispersed across a large rug will be plenty.

Use a soft-bristled scrub brush to work the detergent into the fibers.

Spot Treat

Combine two tablespoons of vinegar with a cup of water to create a wool-safe stain remover. Blot it onto any stubborn stains until the stain begins to lift away.

Use the Squeegee

Gently push a large squeegee across the oriental rug toward the fibers. This will squeeze out excess moisture and soap without further saturating the rug. This may take multiple passes, depending on the size and moisture level of the rug.

Time to Dry

Set down a layer of towels atop a dry surface. Lift up the oriental rug (you may need help—it could be quite heavy) and place it on top of the towels.

Let it dry in the sunshine for a day or two and rotate or flip it as needed until the entire rug is bone dry. Finish by vacuuming to restore the pile.

When to Get It Professionally Cleaned

While oriental rugs can be cleaned at home, there may come a time when your rug needs some professional help.

Consider reaching out to an upholstery or dry-cleaning professional if your rug has large set-in stains or some serious odors, or if it’s an especially valuable heirloom rug.