How Often Should I Clean My Persian Rug?

Most rugs need cleaning long before they look dirty. Here’s why.

As professional rug cleaners, the most common question we hear is: “How often should I clean my Persian rug?”

The short answer? Usually far earlier than you think.

We understand why people wait. Your rug might still look fine. Maybe you vacuum it regularly. Maybe it hasn’t had any big spills. But Persian and oriental rugs are masterful at hiding the damage caused by everyday life — and by the time it’s visible, that damage is already done.

Let’s break it down.

Why Rugs Don’t Look Dirty… Even When They Are

Hand-knotted rugs — especially high-quality Persian and oriental pieces — are fantastic at concealing dirt. That’s part of their charm. A dense, dark wool pile can take years of foot traffic without ever looking grubby.

But beneath the surface, grit and soil are building up. And it’s not just harmless dust — it’s abrasive, fibre-damaging debris that slowly wears your rug down. Every step you take grinds it deeper.

We’ve dusted rugs that looked totally fine — and watched kilograms of soil pour out.
The result? A dull, lifeless rug brought back to rich colour and clarity, even before a single drop of water touched it.

Vacuuming Isn’t Enough

Vacuuming is essential. It helps maintain your rug between washes, especially on the face fibres.

But dry soil doesn’t stay on the surface. It works its way deep into the foundation of the rug — the part your vacuum can’t reach. Every day you delay cleaning, you’re letting that soil grind down the delicate fibres that give your rug its strength and character.

So How Often Should You Clean It?

Here’s how to think about rug cleaning frequency based on your lifestyle:

1. Hardly Used Rugs

If your rug is in a spare room or low-traffic area, and you vacuum regularly, you might get away with cleaning it every 3–5 years.

Caution: Rugs in dark or undisturbed spaces are at high risk of moth infestation. Make sure you’re inspecting them often, or have them treated before storage.

2. Rugs in Busy Households

Got pets, kids, regular visitors, or daily use? Clean it at least once a year, ideally every 6–12 months. This is especially important if your dog or cat lies on the rug — pet oils attract soil and can degrade fibres fast.

3. Most Rug Owners

If you’re somewhere in between — a regularly used living room rug, occasional shoes in the house, no pets — we recommend professional cleaning every 12 to 24 months.

If your rug is valuable or sentimental, aim for the lower end of that range. The cost of proper care is a fraction of the cost of repair or replacement.

Why Frequency Matters

Once your rug looks dirty, it’s well overdue. In fact, by the time colour looks muted or the pile feels stiff, your rug has likely absorbed a huge amount of soil, allergens, and even airborne pollutants.

We’re always happy to advise. Send us a photo of your rug and tell us a bit about how it’s used — we’ll give you an honest recommendation.

You don’t need to wait for damage or dullness. With the right cleaning schedule, your Persian rug can outlive you — and still look incredible.