How to clean a Persian rug at home — and when not to

The short answer

Most Persian rugs only need regular dry care at home: vacuum the front and back, shake or beat out grit outdoors, and blot spills straight away with cold water. Full wet washing is best done by a specialist rug washer every few years, depending on use.

Routine care

• Vacuum weekly with suction only or the beater bar switched off
• Vacuum in the direction of the pile, not against it
• Vacuum the back every few months — grit works up from underneath
• Never vacuum the fringe; flip it under or use a hand brush
• Rotate the rug once or twice a year so wear and light even out

Spills and stains

Act quickly. Blot — never rub — with a white cloth, working from the outside in. Use cold water only. Avoid household carpet shampoos, bleach, oxygen cleaners and hot water, which can strip or bleed dyes. Test any damp cloth on a hidden corner first.

Snow cleaning

In some cold countries, rugs are laid pile-down on clean dry snow and beaten gently. It can freshen wool rugs, but do not use it on silk, fragile or old pieces.

When not to clean at home

• Silk or wool-and-silk rugs
• Antique or fragile rugs, or pieces with worn foundations
• Rugs with bleeding dyes, pet urine or mould
• Any rug too large to dry fully within a day

Choosing a professional

Look for a washer who hand-washes rugs in a dedicated facility, tests dyes first and dries rugs flat. Ask how they handle colour run and fringes. General carpet steam-cleaners are not suitable.