Expert: Jahann and Sons Persian Rugs - 12/9/2007

Question
I know that persians are ideally supposed to be removed from the home and sent out for cleaning. This is not practical in our situation. Can I have Stanley Steemer or other house steam cleaning services come in and clean them without ruining them? We have a small dog and a child in the home so I need to clean these somehow. I've tried a Hoover home unit, but the areas are too large and the water is very thick and dirty after just one cleaning.
Thanks,
Ronnie

Answer
Dear Ronnie,
I am afraid that you already know the answer to your question.  Oriental rugs cannot be successfully cleaned in-home without ruining your floors.  The shampoo process has to go through the rug entirely to clean it.  Dry or steam cleaning does not clean the entire rug, just the surface of the pile, which is not advisable seeing that you have a dog which probably dirties the rugs and a child which no doubt crawls on them.  To properly clean these rugs, you must send them out.  An in-home service will most likely claim that they clean oriental carpets, and they will no doubt improve, but you run the risk of color loss or running when you use a steam cleaner.  Wait until a good time to send out your rugs for a real cleaning.  In the meantime, consider vacuuming the back of the carpet flipping the rug over and vacuuming it on the front.  Repeat this process until no more dust flies out of the rug.  If you do not dedust your rugs, you will make a mud when you clean it.  This sounds like what is happening in your case.  If you happen to be in the Washington, DC area, that is the location of our shop, and we'd be happy to help you with the cleaning.  We pick up and deliver at no charge too.  If I can help you with anything else, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best,
Katie (ruglady@jahannandsons.com)