Today, many Persian rugs hail from modern Iran. Handwoven floor coverings and wall hangings, these intricate artworks are based on a tradition that dates back more than two thousand years. Available in a diverse range of types and styles like Kashan and Tabriz, Persian rugs require expert cleaning. Many rug owners are unaware that steam cleaning is not suitable for Persian rug maintenance and in this blog, we’ll look at the reasons why.
Damaging rug fibres
Steam cleaning injects hot water at high pressure into the fibres of the rug before extracting it. This method might be suited to synthetic carpets, but is lethal to Persian rugs. Natural fibres typically react badly to such extreme heat and excessive moisture, leading to distortions, shrinkage and in some cases, even rot.
Dye bleeding
Persian rug colours often come from natural dyes with a sensitivity to moisture and temperature differences. Steam cleaning forces dyes to migrate and bleed into each other, resulting in blurred patterns and dull colours reducing their value and appearance.
Creating mud
When water is pushed into Persian rug but inefficiently extracted during a steam clean, it combines with dirt particles trapped in the fibres, creating a kind of mud within the rug. This makes the rug even dirtier and complicates cleaning efforts further. It can also cause mildew and unpleasant odours.
If you need experts in Persian rug cleaning around Essex, we can help. At the Rug Cleaning Studio, we replicate traditional cleaning techniques in a modern setting that safely but effectively revitalise Persian rugs. Call us now to find out more.
