Cleaning Antique Rugs 101: Easy Tips To Care For Your Handwoven Treasures

Don't let cleaning antique rugs intimidate you...these durable floor coverings are surprisingly easy to care for!

Let's face it: life happens.  Recently, my very spirited niece (who loves to help aunties out in the kitchen) took a comically disastrous spill with a plate full of spaghetti, saucy noodles soaring in the air like a fancy Roman fountain, landing in an abstract masterpiece all over my favorite vintage Heriz runner. Luckily, my niece escaped the fiasco unscathed, but I must admit, I had a moment of panic that my beloved heirloom rug may not fare as well. 

We've all been there, whether it's the infamous exploding bottle of ketchup, the amateur pancake flip gone awry, or your lovable but ornery cat that insists on making his way to the softer ground before getting sick, rest assured that cleaning antique rugs is usually a task that you can easily manage at home.

📌  Be sure to Pin this article about gentle cleaning tips so you can keep your handwoven wool rugs looking their best. 

Find your dream rug now at Woven Kin Home.

It's a common misperception that you have to be extremely careful with your vintage rugs, only using them in low traffic areas. I get it, most antiques of great value require delicate handling.  However, you don't have to walk on eggshells when it comes to living with (or walking on) your antique wool rugs. After all, vintage rugs were made to last lifetimes. Your vintage rug has sustained decades of footsteps (and mishaps!) long before it found its way to your floor.

Of course, spills are going to happen...especially in the kitchen (one of my favorite places to use vintage rugs). I can assure you that your antique rug has seen its share of little messes along the way, but you'll probably never know it because vintage wool rugs are the OG "washable rug." In other words, cleaning antique rugs a surprisingly simple DIY task.

The only remnant of a vintage rug's past life should be its beautiful patina. How is that possible, you wonder? It's possible because handwoven wool rugs are the original washable rugs. Forget those flimsy "washable" rugs that social media influencers always seem to be pushing. They're basically glorified rug pads with an inherently short lifespan.  They won't be good for the planet or your wallet in the long run.

On the other hand, vintage rugs—particularly handwoven wool rugs—were essentially designed to be cleaned and repaired. These beauties boast a rich history and a timeless aesthetic, and they were built to last.  Antique rugs  are the true workhorses of home decor: not only are they brimming with stunning patterns and colors, but they’re astoundingly durable. Hand-knotted with high-quality wool, their sturdy construction allows them to withstand everyday wear and tear in lively homes.

One of the key reasons your vintage rug is so durable and easy to care for is that wool is a naturally stain and odor-resistant fiber. Messes happen, but wool's properties make cleaning easier and prevent lingering odors. When it comes to cleaning antique rugs, a wool rug is always going to be much easier to keep clean than other types of rugs because of the unique properties of the wool fiber.

While we don’t recommend throwing your vintage rug in the washing machine (more on that later), most spills can be easily cleaned by hand, making your rug and washer last a whole lot longer.  Our easy tips for cleaning antique rugs will ensure that your carpet will last for years to come. 

As a best practice, you'll want to have your antique rugs thoroughly cleaned occasionally if for no other reason than keeping your home fresh, but there are other reasons you should consider giving your vintage rug a deep cleaning every couple of years. Letting the rug get too dirty for too long will allow for dust and dirt to settle into the fibers of the rug, abrading the foundation, which has a negative impact on the structure of the rug and can shorten its lifespan.

Another thing that can shorten a rug’s life: moths, the antique rug owner’s worst fear.  Moths and other pests just love to dine on dirty rugs.  Keeping your rugs clean and airing them out in the sun from time to time will help protect your rugs from moth damage.

The idea of cleaning antique rugs may sound cumbersome and daunting—Trust me, and I used to think the same thing. I promise you it's not going to require any skills beyond your reach or high tech tools.  In fact, you probably have most of the items you'll need in your home already.

Maybe you've been putting off cleaning your vintage rug because you honestly just don’t know what to do. You’re not alone. In fact, the question I'm asked most is “How do I clean my vintage rug?” The good news is cleaning antique rugs isn't as daunting as you think. In fact, in many ways, cleaning antique rugs is a downright simple chore. With the right knowledge and the correct tools, you'll have your rug looking fresh in no time. 

We know you're itching to get down to the details. Luckily, cleaning handmade wool rugs is typically doable at home. Let's dive into the not-so-scary task of DIY vintage rug cleaning. The first thing we'll need to do is determine whether there's a small spill that can be spot cleaned (most accidents are easily handled with this method) or if it's time for a deeper cleaning.  We typically recommend deep cleaning antique rugs every few years unless you have pets that have soiled your rug or other messes that a spot clean simply won't handle.

As we mentioned earlier, life can be messy and spills are going to happen.  There's no need to worry about your vintage rug in most cases.  The key here is to act quickly, stay calm, and blot. Whatever you do, don't rub the spill into the rug. This is the hard and fast rule for cleaning antique rugs. Rubbing is the worst thing you can do because rubbing in a stain causes it to spread and soak into the fibers. Blotting is the name of the game here. Use a clean, absorbent cloth to blot up any spills.

If you've blotted as much as you can and there's still signs of a stain the next step is to treat the area with a small amount of dish soap or vinegar and water solution. Just be sure to test an inconspicuous spot on the back of the rug to check for colorfastness.(That's the other hard and fast rule for cleaning antique rugs--you don't want the color to bleed.)  Again, blotting is key here. If the stain is persistent, keep blotting with a soapiy cloth until all traces are removed. Easy, right? You wouldn't believe the number of accidents I've cleaned up with using this super simple method—this should take care of 98% of your spills.

Now let's get down to the nitty gritty.  What if you have a bigger spill or your rug needs a deeper clean? Can you clean your vintage rugs at home? The good news is deep cleaning antique rugs at home is not only doable, but it's easier than you might think. You'll need a hard  outdoor surface the size of your rug, a nice sunshine-y day, some elbow grease, good tunes, and the following tools:

• vacuum
• soft-bristled scrub brush or push broom
• squeegee (I like the kind on a pole that you push vs. pull)
• bucket
• garden hose (make sure water is cool/cold)
• gentle wool detergent (Woolite or Eucalan is what I prefer to use on my rugs at home, but you can use natural dish soap in a pinch)

STEPS

1. Give your rug a good vacuum on the front and back. Be sure to avoid the fringes!
2. Gather your "cleaning antique rugs" tools from the list above.
3. Spot test your rug for colorfastness: blot a damp paper towel in an inconspicuous area a few times. If no dyes bleed onto the paper towel, you should be good to proceed with cold water. Be sure to test different color dyes as some may bleed but not others.
4. Lay your rug on a hard surface (like a patio, deck, or driveway) and spray down with the garden hose.
5. Mix a bit of soap and cold water in the bucket, dip your brush in that solution, and GENTLY scrub the surface of the rug, using circular motions. Again, gentleness is the key! 
6. Rinse the rug thoroughly with the hose until the water runs clear (read: no more suds washing out).
7. Flip your rug over and repeat the process on the back.
8. Place the rug so that the top side (the pile side) is facing you, and use a squeegee to remove as much excess water as possible.  It's important that your rug dry quickly so don't skip this step.
9. Lay your rug flat in the sun to dry for it to dry thoroughly. You may want to lay it on top of wood palettes or crates for improved airflow underneath (and faster drying).  

And that's it! Easy as pie! You've cleaned your antique rug at home, saved some major cash, and maybe even got in a good workout while you were at it! See, I told you cleaning antique rugs is easy!

** To see a video of cleaning antique rugs at home, check out our Instagram post--and be sure to follow @wovenkinhome on Instagram while you're there!**

Now that you’ve spent the time and effort cleaning your antique rugs, you’ll want to make sure you keep them looking their best. Here are a few easy ways to care for your vintage rug in between deep cleanings:

1. Give your rug a good vacuum once or twice a week. This will help remove dust, dirt, and debris before it gets a chance to grind in. It's best to disengage the beater bar if you have one on your vacuum and don't forget to avoid the fringes. You can also complete this first step in cleaning antique rugs the old-fashioned way if you're so inclined—just throw your rug over a fence or railing and use a cane beater to remove dust and dirt. It's a workout, for sure!
2.  UV rays go a long way in keeping your rug fresh and deterring pests. Take your rug outside to air out in the sun every now and then.  It will help eliminate any odors and will also kill any moth eggs that may have gone unnoticed.
3. While a little sunlight can be helpful, too much exposure can fade your rug's vibrant colors. If your rug gets extended periods of sunshine, consider shades to block some of the light and be sure to rotate it every few months so that the colors don't fade unevenly.  
4. Even though we know that vintage rugs are tough little cookies, they're not completely indestructible. If you're using the rug in a high-traffic area, then be sure to rotate the rug seasonally to prevent uneven wear.
5. Even with regular maintenance, it's a good idea to deep clean antique rugs every couple of years. Again, you can DIY this task or opt to take your antique rugs to a professional cleaner--it's up to you!
6. Keep an eye on your rug for any signs of wear and tear, such as loose threads or worn spots. Pay attention to these issues and do your best to take care of them as soon as possible so they don't become bigger problems later on.
7. Don't forget to check for signs of moths while you're at it.  Moths can cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time if left unchecked. Take note of any webbings, sand-like debris, or cocoons and take the necessary steps to eliminate these pests as soon as possible.
8. Finally, if you're not going to be using your rug for some time (e.g. you roll your rugs up for the summer months), then be sure to read the next section to learn how to store an unused rug with care.

Just like any treasured possession, your vintage rug needs a little love to last. Whether you switch your rugs out for the season or store them away in warmer weather, we have a few tips to help you make sure that your handmade wool rugs stay in good shape when they're not gracing your floors with their beauty.

Before you remove the rug from its current location, take a close look at it.  Are the bindings and fringes secure? Do you spot any small holes anywhere in the rug?  If so, take care of those minor details before putting the rug in storage.

Once you've repaired the rug (or taken it to a professional for rug repair), then it's time to give it a proper cleaning. In fact, cleaning antique rugs before storing them away is a key factor in reducing the potential for moth or pest damage to occur while the rug is "hibernating."

When it's time for the rug to bid your space adieu for a while, simply roll the rug up loosely and store it in a cool, dry place. And even though you might have the instinct to store it in plastic, ignore that urge—plastic will trap moisture, which means potential for  mildew and rot, which is the last thing you want to see on your antique rug. We like to pull our rugs out of storage every month or two to check for signs of moths (they love dark, undisturbed places).  If you catch and treat infestations early, you can limit the damage they do and save your rugs from needing major repairs.

We know you might have some lingering questions about caring for your vintage rug and cleaning antique rugs, so let's address some common questions we get from our customers.

The age-old question:  "Can I have vintage rugs with pets?"

You bet!  If you're a pet owner, I highly recommend investing in a handwoven wool rug vs. a man-made fiber rug such as polyester or polypropylene. In fact, wool rugs are some of the best rugs for people with pets since wool is durable, naturally anti-microbial, odor-resistant, and stain-resistant whereas petroleum-based fibers will soak up stains and odors making them almost impossible to remove. 

We all love our pets, but let's be honest, they can really wreak havoc on our homes! The good news is, when you invest in handwoven wool rugs, most pet accidents and be cleaned up using the methods outlined above, either by spot cleaning with water & vinegar to eliminate odors or by giving your rug a deep clean. You might need to sprinkle a little baking soda on the rug once it's completely dry to neutralize any remaining odors--leave it on for a few hours or even overnight and vacuum well.  If you notice any colorfastness issues during the spot test or any lingering odors, it's always a good idea to bring your vintage rug to a professional who specializes in cleaning antique rugs. 

Not only do vintage wool rugs hold up well to pets, but chances are, your furry friends will love them as much as you do.  It's no wonder why hand-knotted wool rugs have become a favorite of our customers who own pets.

Vintage carpets were made to last, and they're just as sturdy as the Tonka trucks and toddlers that play on them. 

Of course, little hands have a mind of their own, and Magic Markers will undoubtedly find their way onto walls, furniture, and carpets. Washable markers are a parent's best friend, but if those markers find their way to your vintage rug, then call to mind what you've learned about cleaning antique rugs from this post (bookmark or Pin this post for reference!) and apply the action steps we mentioned before. 

Blot--don't rub--the stain, test for colorfastness, and use water or a vinegar-and-water or dish soap mix to treat a potential stain.

When shopping for vintage rugs where kids (or pets) will be playing, work with a trusted supplier to find a rug that has a sturdy weave, vibrant or dark colors, and intricate pattern work that will hide a host of sins. And remember—these rugs have been around for decades—they'll handle just about anything you throw at them.

If you're wondering "how to load rugs in a front load washer"--the answer is DON'T! Cleaning antique rugs in the washing machine is a recipe for disaster. Yes, vintage rugs are washable...as in you can wash them in a tub or with a garden hose on the back deck. They are not machine-washable, however.  

If your rug is so soiled that the methods we mentioned earlier in this post won't work--or you're worried that it's beyond saving--then it's time to bring your antique rug to a professional cleaner.  They'll be able to give you an assessment and use special cleaning methods that aren't available to the average DIY home carpet cleaner.

Other than cleaning antique rugs in a washing machine, there are a few other things to avoid when it comes to cleaning antique rugs.

Use only cool water to wash your rug or treat a stain. Warmer water can cause dyes to bleed and stain your rug—we can't stress the importance of testing for colorfastness enough here. This is why a legitimate professional vintage rug cleaner won't steam clean an antique wool rug. 

Avoid using harsh chemicals on your rug. These chemical cleansers are meant for today's cheap synthetic rugs that tend to be replaced every couple of years. They're abrasive and harsh, and they're not meant for cleaning antique rugs at all.  Typically, a gentle solution is all you need to get your rug back to its sparkling clean self.

Never, ever use a carpet cleaning machine to clean a vintage rug, either! Those beasts are great for cleaning commercially installed wall-to-wall carpet, sure, but the suction on those machines is way too strong for cleaning antique rugs.

We mentioned it earlier, but it bears repeating: scrubbing might seem like a typical way to clean something, but we don't recommend scrubbing as a means of cleaning antique rugs. It will only drive the stain further into the fibers, making it all the more difficult to get your rug clean.

Cleaning antique rugs at home is definitely doable, but sometimes it's better to leave it to the pros. You'll know it's time to leave your antique rug cleaning in the hands of the professionals when: 

• you don't have a large enough space or ample sunlight for quick drying
• your rug is too large/heavy to maneuver when soaking wet
• your rug is damaged or too delicate/old
• your rug is made from silk, not wool
• you've tested for colorfastness and found that the color bleeds
• your rug was in a room that flooded
• your rug has pet odors are lingering
• your rug has a persistent stain

How much does it cost to go about cleaning antique rugs professionally?  Well, that depends. The cost of professional cleaning not only varies from place to place, but it also depends on the size of your rug and how badly soiled it's become.  Prices can range anywhere from $2-5 per sq. ft. (around $48-$120 for a 4x7' rug), possibly more in some areas.   The good news is, professional cleaning doesn't usually need to be done often now that you know how to care for your rug at home.  With a little bit of care, your rug will outlast any of those new machine-made 'washable' rugs by many decades and save you lots of money in the long run.

Woven Kin Home is based in the Toronto, Canada area, and we highly recommend Persian Rug Services for your professional vintage rug cleaning needs.

By now, you might feel like you're ready to handle any Jeopardy! question that comes up regarding the topic of cleaning antique rugs. Bravo!

Cleaning antique rugs isn't as difficult as it sounds. It just takes the right tools and a little knowledge to keep your carpets in great shape. 

Remember to vacuum regularly and without the beater bar, blot stains with a white damp cloth, test for colorfastness, and treat your vintage carpets to a good deep cleaning every couple of years. When you're worried that a stain is too much for you to handle, leave the vintage rug cleaning to the professionals. 

Don't let the thought of cleaning antique rugs keep you from purchasing the handmade wool rug of your dreams.  We're here to help you with your vintage rug selection, rug care, and rug repair. Have a look at our available rugs, and contact us with any questions you have about our rugs (or cleaning antique rugs!). We're here for you!