How to Clean an Antique Rug: A Rug Expert’s Guide (Simple & Safe Methods)
The safest way to clean an antique rug is with gentle weekly vacuuming, careful blotting for spills, and professional deep cleaning but avoid steam cleaners, hot water, or strong chemicals, as these can damage the fibres, dyes, and structure of your rug.
- By Mehdi Sharafi
- Last updated: November 19, 2025
Antique rugs are more than decoration; they are pieces of history. Whether you own a Persian, Turkish, Caucasian, Arts & Crafts, or tribal rug, proper cleaning is essential to protect its beauty, structure, and value.
This guide explains how to clean an antique rug safely, what to avoid, and when to call a professional.
Why Antique Rugs Need Special Care
Antique and vintage rugs are usually:
- Hand-knotted from wool, cotton or silk
- Dyed with natural vegetable dyes
- More delicate than modern carpets
- Vulnerable to moths, dry rot, moisture, and colour bleeding
Because of this, steam cleaners, strong chemicals, and modern carpet machines can damage them.
How to Clean an Antique Rug (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Regular Dusting & Vacuuming
Routine surface cleaning keeps your rug healthy.
How to vacuum an antique rug:
- Use a low-suction vacuum
- Vacuum with the pile direction, not against it
- Avoid fringes (they tear easily)
- Lift the vacuum head slightly to reduce pull
Extra tip: Flip your rug every 6 months to avoid uneven fading and wear.
2. Spot Cleaning for Spills
If a spill happens, act fast.
How to treat a fresh spill:
- Blot, don’t rub, use a clean white cloth
- Dab gently with cold water
- Let it air dry naturally
- Never use supermarket stain removers
If a stain remains, call a specialist.
Read Also: Can You Wash Jute Rugs?
3. Deep Cleaning (Leave This to the Professionals)
Antique rugs should never be deep cleaned at home.
We recommend a professional wash every 2–5 years, depending on foot traffic.
Need Help in Rug Cleaning?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s Harmful |
|---|---|
| Steam cleaning | Causes colour bleed and weakens wool |
| Soaking the rug | Leads to mould, shrinkage, and fibre damage |
| Hot water | Can shrink the rug and remove dyes |
| Harsh chemicals / bleach | Permanently damages fibres |
| High-powered vacuums | Pulls out knots and fringe |
| Scrubbing stains | Breaks fibres and spreads damage |
Moth-Proofing Antique Rugs
Moth larvae eat wool, especially in quiet, dark areas.
Prevent moth damage by:
- Keeping rugs clean and dust-free
- Moving furniture occasionally
- Using lavender or cedar blocks
- Storing rugs rolled (not folded)
- Having rugs professionally moth-treated every few years
When Your Rug Needs Restoration
It may be time for restoration if you notice:
- Fraying edges
- Holes or threadbare patches
- Missing fringe
- Water damage
- Sun fading
- Uneven wear
Why restoration matters?
Proper restoration protects:
- The rug’s structure
- Its market value
- Its lifespan
- Its appearance
At Sharafi & Co, our expert weavers restore rugs by hand using traditional methods.
How Often Should You Clean an Antique Rug?
| Situation | Cleaning Frequency |
|---|---|
| Light use | Every 2–4 years |
| High traffic | Every 1–2 years |
| Pet households | Yearly |
| Spills or stains | Immediately |
| Antique investment pieces | By a professional only |
Safe At-Home Care Checklist
- Vacuum weekly (low suction)
- Shake lightly outside
- Rotate every 6 months
- Treat spills immediately
- Keep away from damp basements
- Use underlay to prevent slipping
- Store rolled, not folded
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest way to clean an antique rug?
Use low-suction vacuuming, gentle blotting for spills, and professional cleaning for deep washes. Avoid chemicals, steam, or hot water.
What should I do if I spill something on my antique rug?
Blot the spill immediately with a clean white cloth. Use cold water only. Do not rub, and avoid supermarket stain removers.
How do I protect my antique rug from moths?
Keep it clean, vacuum regularly, move furniture occasionally, and use natural repellents like cedar or lavender. Professional moth treatment is also helpful.
Can antique rugs be steam cleaned?
No. Steam cleaning can cause colour run, fibre weakening, and shrinkage. It is unsafe for antique and hand-knotted rugs.
Summary
Antique rugs are delicate, hand-made pieces that need special care. Light cleaning at home is fine like gentle vacuuming and quick blotting for spills but deep cleaning should only be done by a specialist. Avoid steam, hot water, and chemicals, as these can ruin the fibres and colours. Regular maintenance, moth prevention, and occasional restoration will keep your antique rug looking beautiful for many years. Sharafi & Co offer expert cleaning and restoration in London for all handmade and antique rugs.
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