Free Pickup & Delivery (8' x 10'+, Metro Atlanta) | 15% Off Drop-Off Service
Protect your handmade treasures with specialized care designed for delicate fibers and natural dyes.
Oriental and Persian rugs require specialized care because they are often handmade, dyed with natural pigments, and constructed using delicate fibers. Improper cleaning methods can cause permanent damage, including color bleeding, fiber distortion, and shrinkage.
For Atlanta homeowners, humidity and improper DIY cleaning methods increase these risks. Understanding how these rugs should be cleaned helps protect their appearance and long-term value. See why safe cleaning for Persian rugs matters.
Handmade Oriental rugs are treasured home investments that require specialized cleaning care.
Unlike modern machine-made rugs, Oriental and Persian rugs are often:
Artisan-crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations
Colored using vegetable or natural dyes that require gentle handling
Made from wool, silk, or cotton foundations that are sensitive to moisture
These characteristics make them more sensitive to moisture, heat, and harsh cleaning agents. Proper care from professional rug cleaning services helps preserve their beauty and value. Understanding Persian and Oriental rug types can help you better care for your investment.
The intricate hand-knotted construction of Persian rugs requires specialized cleaning methods.
Using the wrong cleaning method can cause:
Colors migrate and stain other areas of the rug
Rug loses its original shape and lies unevenly
Soft wool becomes rough and prone to breakage
Delicate fringe becomes tangled or torn
Trapped moisture leads to mildew and persistent smells. See our guide on pet urine damage on Persian rugs.
Important: Steam cleaning and aggressive spot treatments are especially risky for handmade rugs. These methods can set stains, cause dye migration, and permanently damage fibers.
DIY rug cleaning often fails because:
Consumer machines saturate rugs without proper extraction capabilities
Store-bought solutions can damage natural dyes and fibers
Aggressive brushing can fray wool and distort pile direction
Atlanta's humidity makes proper drying nearly impossible at home
Even one improper cleaning can permanently alter a rug's appearance. The cost to repair damage often exceeds what professional cleaning would have cost initially.
Professional rug cleaning includes careful inspection and fiber testing before any cleaning begins.
Professional cleaning typically includes:
Each rug is tested to determine the safest cleaning approach for its specific materials and dyes.
Abrasive dirt and debris are carefully removed before any moisture is introduced.
Gentle hand washing or controlled immersion using pH-balanced solutions designed for natural fibers.
Complete removal of all cleaning residues that could attract soil or damage fibers over time.
Climate-controlled drying prevents shrinkage, odors, and mold growth.
This careful rug cleaning process protects both the fibers and dyes while delivering a thorough clean.
Recommended Frequency
Every 12 to 36 Months
Most Oriental and Persian rugs should be professionally cleaned within this timeframe, depending on several factors.
The ideal cleaning schedule depends on:
High-traffic areas need more frequent cleaning
Pet owners should clean more often
Dusty environments require attention
Entryways and living areas soil faster
Don't wait too long: Waiting too long allows abrasive soil to damage fibers. Regular professional cleaning for rug cleaning in Atlanta helps preserve your investment.
Watch for these indicators that it's time for professional care:
Colors that once vibrant now appear faded
Fibers feel rough or crunchy underfoot
Musty or unpleasant smells that don't go away
White or light fringe has turned gray or brown
More sneezing or respiratory issues when near the rug
These signs indicate it's time for professional care. Don't wait until damage becomes permanent.
Professional cleaning reveals the true colors and beauty hidden beneath years of embedded soil.
Common questions about caring for your handmade rugs
If you own a handmade or valuable rug, professional cleaning helps preserve its beauty, structure, and lifespan. Avoid the risks of improper cleaning.