How to Clean a Persian Rug to Save Money

Persian rugs are highly prized and become heirlooms because of their value and longevity when they receive proper care. To keep your rug in tip top shape, you may want to consider professional cleaning from time to time; however, you can save a great deal of money by cleaning your Persian rug yourself.

Cleaning your Persian rug yourself is not difficult. Just follow the steps below:

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• baby shampoo
• cold water
• long bristled soft brush

1. VACCUM YOUR PERSIAN RUG ON BOTH SIDES
   
   Vacuum your Persian rug on both sides. Vaccum the upper surface of your rug. Then, turn the rug over and vacuum the back side of the rug. This will serve two purposes, it will remove dust and dirt from the back of the rug and it will beat the rug so that more dust and dirt are removed from the upper surface. Roll the rug back and see the dirt that has been beaten out of your Persian rug. Vaccum the floor and repeat the process. When you are satisfied that the rug has been thoroughly beaten, turn it over once again and vaccum the upper surface of the rug.

2. CLEAN WITH COLD WATER AND BABY SHAMPOO
   
   Test for colorfastness by using a cold water and baby shampoo solution on an inconspicuous area. Using a long-bristled soft brush, dip the brush in the water solution and clean a small area. If colors do not run, then you are safe to clean the entire rug with your cool water and baby shampoo solution.

3. DRY YOUR RUG
   
   You will want to dry your rug as quickly as possible. A squeegee can be used to remove excess moisture. Keep your rug flat while drying. Using fans will help move the air and help your rug dry more quickly. Using a dehumidifer in the room (with large rugs) will also help your rug dry more quickly.
   
   After your rug feels dry to the touch, turn it over. The back will probably still be damp. Allow the back to dry before turning the rug back over. Vacuum to soften the nap.

Tips & Warnings

• To increase the longevity of your rug, vacuum frequently, as dust and grit bite into the fibers of your Persian rug and weaken the fibers.
• Do not clean a silk Persian rug yourself.
• Do not clean your Persian rug while it is laying on a hardwood floor. Instead, before cleaning, remove your Persian rug to a floor that will not be damaged by water.

[igislandgirl]

on 9/17/2009 Thanks for the awsome tips on cleaning a persuan rug.