How to Clean and Fix Heavily Worn eSalerugs

Sometimes a general cleaning and shampoo of esalerugs after they have been used for years isn’t enough to quite get them back to the way they used to be. But don’t think that it’s time to toss that rug out just yet. Steam cleaning and a de-warping method are things you can do yourself that just take a little time and elbow grease.

Steam Cleaning Prep

Many people think because of the delicacy of the rug, steam cleaning a rug would be very expensive. In fact, cleaning an oriental rug is so easy, you can do it yourself if you rent a steam cleaner. There are certain tips and tools to ensuring that your oriental rug is steam cleaned properly. Steam cleaning is great because it will gently lift fibers as it cleans that may have been smashed by foot traffic and heavy furniture. Your rug may look brand new when you’ve finished a steam cleaning session. Start by doing a thorough general cleaning. Not vacuuming your carpet before a steam cleaning will grind the dirt permanently into the rug due to the design and function of steam cleaners. Put plastic down underneath the area where you are going to clean your rug.

Steam Cleaning Your Rug

You can rent a steam cleaner from any home improvement or hardware store. Try the steam cleaner on an inconspicuous corner of the rug. If the steam cleaner causes any damage, discontinue immediately. It’s rare, but sometimes the rug is so old or delicate, that it can’t handle a steam cleaner and you’ll have to stick to hand shampooing. If there is no damage, proceed to clean the rest of the rug. Start with the underside of the problem area. Start from the center and work your way outwards so you don’t step on the damp parts you already cleaned and make them dirty again. Run the steam cleaner over the rug in a small, circular motion for about 5 seconds in each spot. Be sure you don’t push too hard or it will damage the rug. Flip the rug back and forth and repeat the process until clean.

Drying Your Rug

A rug that’s wet tends to warp, and you’ll notice the corners starting to curl inwards. This does not mean you have damaged your rug, and it’s easy to fix. Warping is caused by a shrinking of the fibers as they dry, so try these steps when drying your rug, or fixing a rug that is already warped. Lay plastic down on an outdoor surface to make sure no dirt gets into your nice, clean rug. Use a squeegee to squeeze out any moisture in the direction of the nap. Roll the rug into a cylinder and let the water drip out of the rug. Hang the rug from a clothesline to let it dry. The weight of hanging the rug should prevent any warping.