Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 1/5/2011

Question
My mother-in-law has a 9x12 silk oriental carpet which she has had for about 17 years. She wants to have it cleaned and has an appointment with a carpet cleaning company today. First, I want to know the proper method for cleaning this type/size of carpet and also the approximate range of prices that she might expect. She lives in So. California. By the way the fringe and edges of the carpet are still in very good condition. There is minimum traffic (except for her) on this rug.

Answer
Hi Mary,

If the carpet cleaning company attempts to clean the rug in-home, find another company.  Silk rugs should be cleaned very carefully using a little bit of mild soap and water.  Dry cleaning is not effective, and steam cleaning will ruin the rug.  Find a company that sells or specializes in the cleaning of Oriental rugs, and you should be fine.  Silk rug cleanings varies depending on the country of origin of the rug and the type of silk used, but you can expect cleaning to run between $300-500.  I hope this information is helpful.

Best,
Katie

Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs
4210 Howard Ave
Kensington, MD 20895
301-530-6660
www.jahannandsons.com