Cleaning Tips | Rug Cleaning Bellevue | Seattle Rug Cleaning Experts | Rug Repair Bellevue and Seattle
Expert Guide: How to Clean and Care for Your Area Rug
A fine area rug is more than just a floor covering—it’s a work of art that brings warmth, texture, and personality to your home. Whether your rug is a hand-knotted Persian, a modern wool design, or a luxurious silk or bamboo silk piece, proper cleaning and care will preserve its beauty for generations.
At Palace Rug Gallery in Bellevue, we’ve specialized in professional rug cleaning, washing, and restoration since 1993. Here are our expert tips to help you protect your rug and keep it looking its best.
1. Cleaning Spills and Stains
If a spill happens, act quickly—the faster you respond, the less likely a stain will set.
- Blot, don’t rub. Use a clean white cotton cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Rubbing forces the spill deeper into the fibers.
- Mix a small amount of cold water with a drop of mild dish soap, and gently blot the area. Always test the solution on a corner of the rug first to make sure it doesn’t affect the color.
- Avoid harsh cleaners, bleach, or carpet shampoos. These can damage natural fibers and dyes.
- After cleaning, dry the area thoroughly by blotting again and using a small fan if needed. Never roll or fold a damp rug.
If the stain is large or from substances like wine, pet accidents, or oil, it’s best to contact a professional rug cleaning service. Home cleaning products and carpet cleaning machines can cause permanent damage.
2. Regular Vacuuming and General Cleaning
Regular vacuuming helps remove dust, dirt, and grit that can wear down your rug fibers over time.
- Use suction-only vacuuming. Avoid using any rotating brush or beater bar—these can pull wool fibers and fringe threads, causing long-term damage.
- Vacuum in the direction of the pile to protect the weave.
- For delicate rugs, use the lowest suction setting or a handheld vacuum.
- If your rug is placed on hardwood or tile floors, use a high-quality rug pad underneath. Pads prevent slipping, reduce friction, and protect both your rug and your floor.
3. Shedding and Sprouting: What’s Normal
New wool rugs may shed during the first few months. This is completely normal and will lessen with time and regular cleaning.
You might also see occasional “sprouting”—small yarn ends sticking up from the rug’s surface. This occurs naturally in hand-knotted and hand-tufted rugs.
👉 Do not pull these yarns. Instead, trim them carefully with a small pair of scissors, flush with the surface of the rug.
These natural characteristics are part of what makes every handmade rug unique.
4. Professional Cleaning for Wool, Silk, and Bamboo Silk Rugs
Even with regular vacuuming, fine rugs collect dust and particles deep within the pile that household vacuums can’t remove. That’s why professional rug cleaning is essential every few years.
At Palace Rug Gallery, our cleaning process is done by hand using traditional washing methods, not by machine. We use pH-balanced shampoos and natural rinsing techniques that are safe for wool, silk, and antique rugs.
- Professional washing removes deep soil, allergens, and odors.
- It revives colors and restores softness.
- It prevents damage caused by trapped dirt and moisture.
⚠️ Important: Silk and bamboo silk rugs are far more delicate than wool. These fibers can be damaged easily by water, heat, or improper cleaning agents.
Never allow a carpet cleaning company to clean your rugs in place at home.
Wall-to-wall carpet cleaners are not trained in fine rug care and often use strong chemicals or high-pressure steam that can cause fiber damage, color bleeding, and texture changes.
Always take your silk or bamboo silk rug to a professional rug cleaning specialist—someone experienced in handling handmade and natural fiber rugs.
5. Sunlight, Rotation, and Storage
- Sunlight: Prolonged exposure can fade natural dyes. Rotate your rug every few months to ensure even wear and prevent fading.
- Rotation: Rotating also helps distribute foot traffic evenly, extending the rug’s life.
- Storage: When storing a rug, roll it (never fold) and wrap it in breathable cotton or muslin fabric. Avoid plastic wrapping, which traps moisture and can lead to mildew.
6. The Beauty of Handmade Rugs
Slight irregularities in weave, texture, and color are normal in handmade rugs—these are not flaws but part of their character. Each piece tells the story of its weaver, their skill, and their tradition.
7. How Often Should You Professionally Clean a Rug?
For most rugs, a professional wash every 2–4 years is recommended. Rugs in entryways, dining rooms, or homes with pets or children may need more frequent cleaning.
Between professional washes, vacuum regularly, address spills promptly, and rotate your rug seasonally.
8. A Clean Rug Is a Happy Rug
A properly cared-for rug not only enhances your home but can last for generations.
At Palace Rug Gallery, we take pride in our expertise and personal care for every rug that comes through our doors.
If you’re looking for professional rug cleaning in Bellevue or Seattle, visit us at:
📍 11550 Northup Way, Bellevue, WA
📞 425-454-7879
or email us at palacerug@msn.com
We professionally clean, repair, and appraise fine rugs from all over the world.
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