How to Care for Your Oriental & Persian Rugs Between Cleanings

1. The Gentle Art of Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is the single most important thing you can do for your rug. It removes surface dust and abrasive particles that can wear down fibres over time.

• Frequency: For moderate-traffic areas, vacuum once a week. For high-traffic areas, twice a week is ideal.
• Technique is Everything: Never use a vacuum with a powerful, spinning beater bar. The stiff bristles can catch on the knots, pull out fibres, and destroy the pile. If your vacuum has an adjustable bar, disengage it or set it to the highest setting. Use suction only.
• Follow the Pile: Gently push the vacuum in the direction the rug pile naturally lays. You can feel this by running your hand across the surface; one way will feel smooth, the other rough.
• Mind the Fringes: Never vacuum over the fringes. The suction can easily tear and unravel them. Use your vacuum's upholstery attachment to gently clean them.

2. The Importance of Regular Rotation

Rotating your rug is a simple step that has a massive impact on its long-term health, protecting it from uneven wear and sun damage.

• Even Out Traffic Wear: Foot traffic patterns are rarely symmetrical. Rotating your rug 180 degrees ensures that all parts of the rug get a similar amount of wear over time, preventing noticeable "pathways" from forming.
• Prevent Sun Fading: If part of your rug is exposed to direct sunlight from a window, it will fade over time. Rotation helps to evenly distribute this light exposure, keeping the colours consistent across the entire piece.
• How Often?: We recommend rotating your rug once every 6 to 12 months.

3. Tackling Spills: Speed and Technique

When a spill happens, time is your enemy. The natural dyes in many specialty rugs can be sensitive, and liquids can be absorbed quickly.

1. Scrape First: If the spill has any solid parts (like food), gently scrape it off with a spoon or a dull knife.
2. Blot, Don't Rub: Using a clean, white, absorbent cloth, press firmly on the liquid stain to soak it up. NEVER rub the stain, as this will only spread it and push it deeper into the pile.
3. Use a Simple Solution: Lightly dampen a fresh cloth with cool club soda or a solution of a few drops of white vinegar in water. Dab the stain from the outside in. Avoid using store-bought carpet cleaners, which can be too harsh.
4. Blot Dry: Press a dry cloth onto the area to absorb as much moisture as possible. You can then prop the area up to allow air to circulate underneath until it is completely dry.