Kashan Rugs: The Complete Buying Guide — History, Prices & Where to Buy

A well-cared-for Persian rug can last 50, 100, even 200 years. A neglected one may deteriorate in a decade. The good news: caring for an authentic hand-knotted Persian rug is simpler than most people think. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Persian rug care, cleaning, and maintenance.

Daily & Weekly Care

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is the single most important thing you can do for your Persian rug. Dirt and grit that gets trapped in the pile acts like sandpaper, cutting the fibers over time. Vacuum your rug weekly in high-traffic areas, bi-weekly in low-traffic areas.

How to vacuum correctly:

• Use the suction-only setting — do NOT use a beater bar/brush roll on a hand-knotted rug
• Vacuum in the direction of the pile (run your hand across the rug — the direction that feels smooth is the pile direction)
• Never vacuum the fringe — this damages it
• Vacuum the back of the rug periodically to loosen embedded dirt

Rotation

Rotate your rug 180° every 6-12 months to ensure even wear and even exposure to light. This prevents one side from fading or wearing faster than the other.

Handling Spills

Act immediately — fresh spills are easy; dried stains are hard. Here's the proper technique:

1. Blot, don't rub — Rubbing spreads the spill and drives it deeper into the pile. Use a clean white cloth and blot from the outside in.
2. For liquid spills: Blot up as much liquid as possible first. Then apply cold water with a clean cloth and continue blotting.
3. For solid spills: Remove solids first with a spoon or butter knife. Then treat any liquid residue.
4. Never use hot water — hot water can set stains and damage natural dyes.
5. Avoid harsh chemicals — bleach, enzyme cleaners, and many commercial carpet cleaners can damage wool fibers and natural dyes.

Deep Cleaning

Authentic hand-knotted Persian rugs should be professionally cleaned every 3-5 years, depending on foot traffic. Professional rug cleaners wash the rug with water, gently agitate the pile to loosen dirt, rinse thoroughly, and hang to dry — a process that preserves the natural fibers and dyes better than any home method.

Can you clean a Persian rug at home? For light cleaning, you can gently wash a small rug in the bathtub with cool water and a mild rug shampoo, then lay flat to dry. For large or valuable rugs, professional cleaning is always recommended.

Storage Tips

If you need to store a Persian rug:

• Clean it thoroughly before storage — dirt attracts moths
• Roll it (don't fold) around an acid-free tube
• Wrap in breathable fabric (not plastic) — plastic traps moisture and promotes mildew
• Store in a cool, dry, dark place
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths

Moth Prevention

Moths are the #1 enemy of wool rugs. They love dark, undisturbed areas. Prevent moth damage by:

• Vacuuming regularly, including under furniture
• Occasionally exposing the rug to sunlight (outdoors on a dry day)
• Using cedar blocks or cedar oil spray near rugs in storage
• Rotating rugs so no area stays in permanent shade

Rug Pad: Essential Protection

Always use a rug pad under your Persian rug. A good rug pad:

• Prevents slipping and bunching
• Provides cushioning that reduces wear on the rug's backing
• Allows air circulation to prevent moisture buildup
• Protects hardwood floors from dye transfer

Use a felt and rubber rug pad for hardwood floors, and a rubber non-slip pad for carpet.

Browse our complete collection of authentic hand-knotted Persian rugs at BestRugPlace.com. Every rug ships free with free returns.