Persian rugs are absolutely fantastic in any type of surrounding, but they require a lot of care and maintenance to keep them in the best possible condition they can be. No matter how careful we might be over the years to keep our Persian rugs pristine, the fact is, they are bound to acquire some damage sooner or later. After all, they are made from very sensitive material which means that wear and tear is inevitable eventually. So, to ensure that you are taking care of your Persian rug the way you should be, here is a handy 7-step guide to Persian rug care.

Step One

The first thing you should do in your Persian rug care routine is making sure that it’s out of direct sunlight. Believe it or not, sunlight can severely damage a rug, causing the colour to fade and making the rug much lighter than it was originally. This applies significantly to antique rugs, so keep note!

Step Two

It’s so important, especially if your rug is in direct sunlight, to rotate it frequently. Then, if the colour is fading, at least it will be spread evenly across the rug! Even if it isn’t in direct sunlight, it’s still essential to rotate your Persian rug at least four times a year – once for the start of every new season.

Step Three

When furniture sits on top of a Persian rug, this will create a natural pathway, or “imprints” in the rug. It’s important to move the furniture placement on the rug frequently. This will prevent any long-term damage on one area of the rug.

Step Four

Step four in your Persian rug care routine should be to flip the rug end over end, in order to straighten the fringes that may be twisted. Flip it over so that it’s upside down, and shake the rug gently to ensure the fringes are straightened. Whatever you do, don’t comb the fringes, because the natural fibres can become damaged.

Step Five

This one is rather obvious, but if you want to keep your Persian rug looking at its best, it’s vital to vacuum it regularly. Not only will this get rid of any dust or build-up on the rug, but it will also ensure that the natural fibres do not become packed down. When vacuuming, it is best not use the beater bar. Over time, it can cause damage by pulling the fibres through. Suction is more important to power brushing. If you have no choice but to use a beater bar, set it at the very highest level to keep it from digging into the pile, or shut off the bar rotation if possible. Read more about vacuuming and rug care at Rug Chick.

Step Six

It’s important to clean any spillages almost immediately after they occur, to prevent any long-lasting stains sinking into the rug. However, make sure you don’t use soap or bleach to do so, because this will damage the rug. Blot the spill with a paper towel, and use only water to clean up the mess. If you have a serious stain, contact carpet cleaning professionals right away to take care of it.

Step Seven

Take all the relevant steps to keep your Persian rug dry and away from any moisture. If your rug gets wet, get it dry immediately. Also, take care when allowing pets or small children to be around an antique rug.