How to clean large rugs? Must know tips
The arrival of warm weather and milder temperatures is the perfect time to give special attention to your luxury rugs especially the larger ones that, due to their value, require even more delicate care. A high end rug like those from Platinum Custom Rugs is not just a piece of décor: it’s a handcrafted work of art, rich in elegance and steeped in a legacy of ancient textile traditions. Caring for and preserving its beauty means protecting a small treasure that brings warmth and comfort to your home.
In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step through the cleaning and maintenance process for large, fine quality rugs. We’ll share tips and strategies that respect both the fibers and craftsmanship helping you breathe new life into your rug and welcome the warmer season in the best possible way.
Daily Rug Care: Vacuuming, Gentle Shaking, and Rotation
Tips for Regular and Proper Vacuuming
The first act of care for a luxury rug is proper vacuuming. To remove surface dust without stressing the fibers, we recommend using a vacuum cleaner with a soft-bristle brush and setting it to moderate suction power. In this article, you’ll find all the tips you need to choose the best vacuum cleaner for your rug. This way, the pile and intricate patterns will remain undamaged.
If your rug is made of delicate fibers like silk, you can even remove the vacuum head and use only the hose to gently clean the surface, avoiding any unnecessary strain.
Gentle Shaking and Moderate Beating
Although shaking or beating a rug might seem like a natural habit, when it comes to large, high value luxury rugs, this practice should be approached with extreme care. Hand-knotted rugs, in particular, can be damaged by overly forceful impacts. If you choose to shake the rug, do so gently avoiding repeated jolts and focusing on the less delicate areas. You can also ask a trusted helper to lightly support the ends while you shake, helping reduce strain on the knots.
Periodic Rotation is a Better Option
To preserve the rug’s colors evenly and reduce wear from foot traffic, we recommend rotating your rug 180° at least once a year. This simple action helps evenly distribute pressure and exposure to sunlight, preventing specific areas from becoming overly worn or faded. A well-maintained rug won’t show obvious signs of wear in isolated spots but will instead maintain a harmonious and inviting surface throughout.
Do you really know which vacuum cleaner is right for your rug?
Material-Specific Rug Cleaning for Delicate Fibers
How to Clean Wool Rugs
High quality wool rugs are naturally resilient, but they’re still sensitive to harsh cleaning agents. If you want to refresh the surface without using water, you can lightly sprinkle baking soda over the rug, let it sit for a couple of hours, and then vacuum it carefully. This natural method also helps neutralize any unpleasant odors. If you prefer a water based cleaning, use a wool specific detergent diluted in lukewarm water, and treat only the areas that need targeted care. Make sure to dry the rug as quickly as possible to avoid moisture build-up that could affect the weave.
How to Clean Silk Rugs
Silk rugs are the epitome of elegance but they’re also extremely delicate. For gentle vacuuming, opt for a very soft brush attachment, or for an even lighter touch, remove the brush entirely and use just the hose. When it comes to deep cleaning, it’s best to avoid water altogether. A moderate sprinkle of baking soda, left to sit for about an hour and then carefully vacuumed, is often enough to refresh your silk rug without compromising its sheen. If the rug is placed in a low-traffic area, this will also reduce the risk of stains and wear, extending its lifespan.
How to Clean Viscose Rugs and Other Fine Blends
Luxury rugs often feature viscose blended with wool or silk, creating shimmering effects that catch the eye. However, viscose is highly sensitive to water and humidity. For this reason, keep wet cleaning to a bare minimum. If using a detergent, always choose a product specifically formulated for mixed fibers and test it first on a hidden corner of the rug. When dealing with a stubborn stain, avoid soaking the area. Instead, use a soft cloth lightly dampened with a gentle solution, and blot don’t rub the stain carefully. Continue dabbing until the stain begins to fade, being mindful not to saturate the fibers or distort the texture.
Stain and odor management
How to Act Quickly and Gently
When a small household mishap occurs—like a spilled glass of wine, a drop of coffee, or a bit of grease—quick and delicate action is key. As soon as you spot the stain, blot it immediately with a soft cloth or absorbent paper towel, avoiding any rubbing. This helps slow down the absorption of the liquid into the fibers. Then, prepare a mild solution of cold water and neutral detergent. Apply it gently using a cotton ball or microfiber cloth, and continue blotting very delicately.
If your rug contains delicate fibers like viscose or silk, be sure to dry the area right away with a clean, dry cloth to prevent water from soaking in too deeply.
Gentle Solutions for Common Stains
- Wine or fruit juice: Blot immediately with cold water. If the stain remains, add a few drops of white vinegar to some fresh water, apply the solution, and dry with a clean cloth.
- Coffee or tea: Start with cold water and a neutral detergent, dabbing gently from the outside in. Alternatively, you can dissolve a pinch of baking soda in water to neutralize any odor, being careful not to soak the rug.
- Grease stains: Sprinkle a light layer of talcum powder or baking soda over the affected area and let it sit for a few hours. Then vacuum gently. If a mark remains, you may use a very mild grease remover, but always limit water use—especially on sensitive rugs.
In all cases, before applying any product—even natural ones—test it on a hidden corner of the rug. This will help ensure that the color, sheen, or fiber texture remains unchanged.
And for deep cleaning? Trust the experts
When to choose professional care for your luxury rugs
Even with the most attentive daily care, a large, high value rug will benefit from professional cleaning every couple of years. A specialized rug care center can thoroughly assess the overall condition, identify any worn or restorable areas, and select the most appropriate cleaning technique without risking damage to the piece. If your Platinum Custom Rugs piece is made of fine wool, silk, or viscose, a trained technician will know how to precisely dose gentle detergents and manage the correct water temperature, ensuring an excellent and risk free result.
Special mite-removal and sanitizing treatments
For those looking to maintain a healthier, allergen free home, many professional centers also offer special anti dust mite and sanitizing treatments. These procedures, carried out using non toxic products formulated specifically for natural fibers, eliminate dust, bacteria, and other microorganisms without affecting the rug’s softness or color. The final result is a refreshed, fragrant surface that enhances the overall well being of your home and family.
The 3 golden rules for cleaning large rugs
1. Protect the rug from sunlight and pading
While sunlight is a delight during summer days, it can quickly fade the natural dyes of a precious rug. During cleaning or when leaving your rug exposed to light, choose rooms or times of day when direct sunlight doesn’t hit the surface. Sheer curtains or wooden blinds can offer a soft light filter, helping preserve the rug’s vibrant colors over time
2. Protect the Rug from Living Room Furniture
If you’re moving chairs, armchairs, or tables during cleaning, always place felt pads or soft rubber protectors under the legs to prevent deep pressure marks. If the rug is still slightly damp, wait until it’s completely dry before placing any furniture back on it. This will help avoid leaving indentations from legs or casters in the fibers.
3. Managing Extra-Large Modern Rugs
For rugs larger than 3×4 meters, cleaning operations become more complex both at home and during transportation. In these cases, on-site cleaning is often the best option. Some professionals can set up a protected work area directly in your home or in a clean outdoor space, bringing all the necessary equipment safely. This avoids folding or rolling the rug, which could cause permanent creases.
We highly recommend choosing a professional with experience in handling large format rugs, to avoid mechanical stress and unwanted folds.
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Final tip: check the weather before cleaning your rug!
Warm, dry summer weather is especially ideal for deep cleaning: quick drying reduces the risk of mold and allows you to use your rug again in no time. So before starting the process, be sure to check your local weather forecast and aim for at least two or three consecutive days of sunshine with low humidity. If you live in a region where summer humidity is high, consider cleaning your rug on a dry spring or autumn day instead, when the climate is more stable.
For regular maintenance, plan a gentle vacuuming every two to three weeks and rotate the rug seasonally to balance out foot traffic. That way, when it’s time to hand your rug over to a professional, it will already be in excellent condition requiring only a light touch up to restore its full brilliance.
Platinum Custom Rugs is always by your side to preserve your luxury rugs
Caring for a large, high end rug is an act of love toward a unique piece born from artisanal skill and premium materials. With a few simple daily actions, you can preserve the beauty of these textile masterpieces. When deeper cleaning is required, entrusting your rug to expert hands capable of treating fine fibers with the right products and gentle techniques is the wisest choice to ensure lasting elegance and durability.
By following our tips, you can fully enjoy the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a space enriched by large format rugs, confident that you’ve given them the care they need to shine, season after season.