How Do I Safely Clean My Oriental Rug?

Cleaning area rugs runs many of the same risks as cleaning carpet: Rugs can be permanently damaged by improper or poorly mixed chemicals, or by improper brushing. But for some rugs—particularly expensive handmade wool rugs and many antique or semi-antique rugs—there are additional dangers: Dyes can run; fringes, backing, and the rug itself can tear; the rug can shrink or warp; and colors can become distorted.

Another key difference between carpet and rug cleaning is that, in most cases, rugs should ...

Spot cleaning of area rugs helps to reduce stains, but a professional will clean it more thoroughly.