When is it time to have your antique rugs professionally cleaned?

Antique rugs are exceptionally valuable investments that often double up as the centerpiece of any home. Handwoven with incredible skill, and boasting of rich cultural history, each rug tells a story — and each is crafted to stand the test of time.

But for all their beauty and durability, even the finest antique, Oriental, and Persian rugs aren’t immune to wear and tear. Foot traffic, dust, pet accidents, spills, or even direct sunlight take their toll. While regular vacuuming might keep surface dirt at bay, it’s not always enough to preserve the integrity of these delicate heirlooms. Dust accumulates in the rug’s foundation, causing the fibers to deteriorate more quickly.

So how do you know when it’s time to ditch the DIY and call in a professional? Are you confident you know how to wash Persian carpets without ruining their fibers?

In this article, we’ll outline some clear signs that it’s time for your next antique rug cleaning. We’ll also talk a bit about why this is important, and outline some tips on how to clean Persian rugs the right way.

Why Cleaning Persian Rugs is So Important

Before we list the key signs that it’s time for a clean, we’ll answer a question that’s probably on your mind: Why do you need the assistance of professional Los Angeles rug cleaners in the first place? There are a few reasons.

• Unlike most other purchases, antique rugs increase in value over time. Protecting them means protecting your investment.
• Antique and Persian rugs are particularly prone to wear and tear — especially when the proper rug cleaning process isn’t followed.
• Dust trapped in the rug can cause fibers to weaken and the rug to deteriorate over time.
• Handmade antique and Persian rugs are the result of expert craftsmanship and require delicate handling, even though they are often more durable than modern synthetic rugs. With proper care, these rugs can be preserved to last for generations.

Regularly washing Persian rugs can protect your investment, your health, and your peace of mind. Doing it with the help of the professionals ensures you cover all bases.

Five Signs It’s Time For An Antique Carpet Cleaning

Antique rugs, by definition, are at least 100 years old. Naturally, they are prone to developing certain issues, regardless of which region they originate from or how detailed and meticulous the work is. The following signs signal time for an antique carpet cleaning, no matter whether classified as Oriental, Persian, or otherwise.

1. You Begin Noticing Stains
   

   The most obvious sign that you need a professional cleaning is a visible stain on the carpet. This could come from wine spills, pet accidents, or food stains — all of which can seep into the fibers if not handled correctly. Home remedies may seem like they’re effective, but majority of the time the stain reappears. Stubborn stains require fully submerged deep washes, which only a professional can pull off.

2. You Smell Something Stale or Musty
   

   Another clear sign that your Persian rug needs professional cleaning is a lingering odor. This can result from moisture trapped in the fibers, unnoticed spills, or pet-related accidents. Musty smells often indicate years of dust buildup combined with trapped moisture and stains—conditions that can permanently damage your rug if not addressed promptly.

3. Your Allergies Start Acting Up
   

   Dust and debris has a way of settling into Persian and other antique rugs. It could  appear in the form of surface debris, or visible dust clouds every time the rug is moved. This problem may be particularly prominent in rugs that lie in high-traffic areas, or in parts not covered by any furniture. It’s also an issue that requires expert assistance.

   Regularly vacuuming both sides of your rug helps maintain its appearance, but over time, dust and debris that become deeply embedded in the fibers can cause the rug to wear out.

4. You Notice the Color Starting to Fade
   

   Antique rugs are known for their rich, vibrant dyes. If you notice that the colors are looking dull or faded, it could be due to accumulated dirt, sun damage, or improper in-house cleaning methods that leave soap residue trapped in the fibers. A professional antique carpet cleaning can help restore some of that original vibrancy while also ensuring the dyes aren’t further damaged in the process.

5. You Haven’t Cleaned Your Rug in a While
   

   If it’s been more than 12 months since your last professional rug cleaning, it’s time to schedule one. Even if your rug doesn’t look dirty, contaminants may be lurking within the fibers. Routine deep cleaning ensures the longevity and value of your antique piece, preventing irreversible damage over time. To make matters smoother, you can also benefit from the convenient rug pickup and delivery service offered by Thomas Rug Cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How to clean an antique rug?

  Antique rugs should only be cleaned using gentle, specialized techniques that respect their age and craftsmanship. Never use store-bought cleaners or harsh chemicals for such carpets. A professional rug cleaner will analyze your rug’s condition, fibers, and dyes before applying the most appropriate method.

• How to wash Persian rugs?
  

  Cleaning Persian rugs is not a straightforward process. The rugs must be fully submerged in water and cleaned using techniques tailored to each rug, since no two rugs are exactly alike. Machine washing or soaking in strong detergents could cause the colors to bleed, the dyes to fade, or even damage the fibers themselves.
  

• Do I need professional help for cleaning antique rugs?

  Yes, it’s highly recommended that you get expert support for Persian carpets cleaning. There are several benefits of professional vs DIY rug cleaning, especially if you’re unsure of your rug’s composition or value.

• How to clean a Persian rug at home?

  Beyond weekly vacuuming and occasional spot cleaning, we do not recommend antique carpet cleaning at home. Homeowners who aren’t familiar with the history and make of their rugs, or how to deal with delicate fibers, end up using chemicals or wrong equipment that damages rugs and ruins investments.

• How do I set a rug cleaning frequency?

  How often should I clean my rugs? It’s a question that’s hard to answer without knowing your rug’s make, age, and composition. While you can carry out regular maintenance (vacuuming, spot cleaning etc) as required, reach out to the Thomas Rug Cleaning Company for Persian rug cleaning in Los Angeles at least once a year. This is the best way to preserve its fibers and ensure its longevity for another hundred years.