Cleaning quite-valuable rugs without spending a fortune

morganlefay

I have recently acquired a few of my late Mum's persian rugs. She was a heavy smoker and they hadn't been cleaned for years, but they are (or would be if not stinky and filthy) very nice, and a bit valuable and I'd like to get them clean and give them to my DD who is just about to buy her first flat, which has nice wooden floors on which the rugs would look stunning. Can anyone tell me how I can safely clean them or get them cleaned without spending a fortune, or ruining them !

superflygal

Hi there,

I imagine any water and soap combo may make the colours run or bleed. Maybe try an inconspicuous patch with some 101 carpet cleaner?

HTH,

SFG x

patchwork_cat

If they are really expensive then I would go for someone like chem-dry and have them done professionally.

BitterAndTwisted

I agree, if they're precious a specialist cleaner would be best. You could try and freshen by vacuuming both sides, sprinkle with bicarbonate of soda then a dry-brush and airing them outdoors NOT in direct sunlight.

A lot of persian rugs and carpets are not colour-fast so wetting it could ruin them although you could do a spot-test with cold-water and a non-detergent soap like Stergene somewhere inconspicuous

Butterfly_Brain

I would go for a professional because they are expensive rugs you don't want to ruin them.
Shop around and phone a few contract cleaning companies and get at least 3 quotes