The Ultimate Rug Cleaning Schedule: How Often Should You Clean?

Learn how often to clean your rug based on its use, material, and your lifestyle. A practical schedule for rug lovers who want to protect their investment.

The Problem With Waiting Too Long

Most people wait until their rug looks dirty before booking a professional clean. But that’s usually too late.

Rugs—especially high-quality Persian and oriental ones—are masters at hiding dirt. Their dense pile and deep dyes disguise the signs of wear, while below the surface, grit and contaminants build up. This invisible soil grinds against the fibres, wearing them down slowly over time.

We’ve washed rugs that didn’t look filthy until the water ran brown for five rinses straight. So, when clients ask us how often they should clean their rug, our answer is simple: sooner than you think.

But let’s get more specific.

What’s the Right Cleaning Schedule?

It depends on three things:

How the rug is used
What it’s made of
Who shares your space

Here’s a simple breakdown by rug usage:

Usage	Recommended Cleaning Frequency
Light foot traffic only	Every 3–5 years
Normal household use	Every 1–2 years
High traffic / hallway rug	Every 6–12 months
Pets, young kids, or smokers	Every 6–9 months (or as needed)
Recent spill or odour issue	Immediately (don’t delay)

Why Vacuuming Isn’t Enough

Regular vacuuming is essential, but it only handles surface dirt and loose particles. It won’t remove the compacted soil in the rug’s foundation, and it definitely won’t tackle oils, allergens, bacteria, or odours.

Think of it like dental hygiene: brushing helps, but you still need a professional clean.

Our specialist rug dusting equipment removes up to 75% of the dry particulate soil before we even begin washing. This is the stuff no vacuum can reach.

Special Cases That Need Faster Cleaning

Pets (Especially Dogs)

Pet hair, oil, and accidents can seep deep into the rug fibres. Urine, in particular, can destabilise dyes and cause permanent damage if left untreated. If your pet has had an accident, don’t wait—have the rug cleaned and treated immediately.

Allergy Sufferers

Rugs act like a sponge for dust, pollen, and allergens. If you or someone in your home has sensitivities, professional rug cleaning every year will help manage indoor air quality and reduce symptoms.

Valuable or Antique Rugs

These should be cleaned more frequently—not less. Dirt is abrasive. Even if the rug isn’t in a high-traffic area, trapped grit can shorten its life. Annual cleaning helps preserve its structure, colour, and value.

Signs Your Rug Needs Cleaning

Even if you vacuum weekly and rotate your rug regularly, here are signs it’s time to book a professional clean:

Odors that linger (pet, smoke, mustiness)
The pile feels flat or sticky
The rug looks dull or patchy
You spot moth activity
You haven’t cleaned it in over two years

Still unsure? Try lifting a corner and banging it on a hard surface. If a puff of dust comes out—it’s time.

How Often Should You Clean Rug Types?

Rug Type	Cleaning Notes
Wool rugs	Every 1–2 years; more often with pets/kids
Silk rugs	Every 2–3 years; handle with care
Viscose or faux silk	1–2 years; very delicate and soil-sensitive
Flatweave / Kilim	Every 2 years; easy to vacuum but still traps grit

Our Cleaning Promise

Whether your rug is a modern Gabbeh or a 100-year-old Isfahan, we approach each clean with a detailed inspection, thorough dusting, and gentle immersion wash tailored to its needs. Every rug has its own story—and we clean accordingly.

We also keep records of every rug we clean, so we can remind you when it’s due for its next wash. That way, you never have to guess.