Persian & Oriental Rug Cleaning

Persian Tabriz wool and silk rug with wine stain or colour run/dye migration for cleaning

Handmade Persian & Oriental Rug Cleaning

At our family-owned and operated business, we pride ourselves on treating every rug that comes through our doors as if it were our very own.

Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care and attention to your cherished handmade Persian and Oriental rugs.

We understand the importance of preserving these works of art and are committed to providing you with a friendly, helpful, and professional specialist rug cleaning service.

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Handmade Persian or Oriental Rug cleaning/washing image with text overlay

Why Choose Little-Persia?

Focusing solely on handmade Persian and Oriental rugs, we have developed a deep understanding of the unique needs of these exquisite carpets.

We utilise traditional cleaning and restoration methods, ensuring that your rug receives the specialised care it deserves.

Annually, from our Glasgow showroom and wash facility, we collect, deliver, clean and restore hundreds of rugs throughout the UK for private clients, rug dealers, hotels, and restaurants, as well as the occasional museum.

Our expertise is trusted by insurance companies and claims departments, for whom we provide both repair and cleaning services.

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Handwashing a wool hand-knotted Kashan rug

Rug Cleaning Consultation

Our decades of experience working with handmade carpets allow us to offer industry-leading advice on the appropriate level and intensity of cleaning required for your rug.

We understand that older or more fragile rugs may not withstand the same processes as fresher, harder-wearing carpets. Therefore, we tailor each rug's cleaning and restoration journey to its specific needs, ensuring the utmost care and preservation of your treasured piece.

Before we begin the cleaning process, we conduct a thorough consultation to explain what you can expect from our services.

We offer collection and delivery to doorsteps throughout the UK, making it convenient for you to entrust your rug to our capable hands.

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Persian Kashan Rug Cleaning Before and After

Our Rug Cleaning Process

Our meticulous 7-step handmade rug cleaning process begins with a thorough dusting to dislodge and remove loose dirt and debris deep within the rug's pile.

Next, we test each rug for colour fastness, ensuring there is no risk of dye bleed or colour run during the cleaning process.

To aid in stain removal, we pre-spray the rugs before delicately washing them with a luxurious wool-safe oriental rug shampoo.

After the initial wash, we rinse and extract the rugs using a mildly acidic solution, which neutralises the alkaline shampoo and restores the fabric's pH balance.

The rugs are gently dried using fans without any heat, preserving the fabric's integrity and preventing it from becoming damaged or dried out, before final checks are made.

This comprehensive approach ensures your treasured handmade rugs are cleaned to perfection while maintaining their exquisite beauty.

Handmade Rug Cleaning FAQs

How do I know if my rug is handmade?

Handmade rugs fall under two categories: hand-knotted and woven (Kilims, Dhurries, Suzanis and Soumaks).

While hand-tufted rug are technically made by hand, we would not categorise these as handmade for cleaning purposes.

To discover if your rug is handmade or knot (excuse the pun!) - follow our guide on "how to tell if my rug is handmade?" or simply email us images and size details and we'll let you know what your rug is, where it's from and how much cleaning would cost.

How much does handmade rug cleaning cost?

Our standard pricing for handmade rugs is:

  • Wool rugs: £40 including VAT per square metre

  • Silk rugs: £50 including VAT per square metre

There may be additional charges for things like moth treatment, or for particularly soiled rugs and carpets, but these can be discussed before we carry out any work.

There is a minimum charge of £60 for wool and £80 for silk rugs.

Discounts may be available for multiple items or for regular trade customers.

How do you clean my rug?

Rug cleaning is a meticulous and specialised process. Here's an outline of our 7-step rug cleaning process, designed to be as gentle and effective as possible to your treasured rugs and carpets:


1. Pre-Cleaning Inspection

The first step involves a detailed evaluation of the rug to understand its material, construction, and any pre-existing conditions that could affect the cleaning process.



2. Dust Removal

The rug then undergoes a dust removal process using specialized tools, which is more effective than regular vacuuming. This step removes dust and dry soil deeply embedded within the rug.



3. Colourfastness Test

A colourfastness test is performed to ensure the rug's colours won't bleed during the cleaning. If they are found to be unstable, we will take measures to stabilise them prior to cleaning.



4. Cleaning

This stage involves the application of a premium alkaline based wool-safe Oriental rug shampoo. The use of alkaline solutions helps lift and break down the dirt and grime within the rug, while being gentle on its fibres.



5. Rinsing

After cleaning, the rug is thoroughly rinsed. The rinsing process involves a mildly acidic solution that helps restore the rug's natural pH balance, neutralising the alkaline shampoo used during cleaning. This step is essential in maintaining the integrity and colour vibrancy of your rug.



6. Controlled Drying

Once rinsed, the rug is carefully dried in a humidity-controlled environment to prevent colour migration and distortion.



7. Post-Cleaning Inspection

Finally, the rug undergoes a post-cleaning inspection to ensure all stains, odours, and other issues have been addressed. If not, spot treatment is performed to remove or reduce as much staining as possible without causing damage to the fabric of the rug.

By focusing on maintaining the pH balance of your handmade rug throughout the cleaning process, our cleaning services ensure the longevity and preservation of your rug's beauty and quality.

Can you repair my handmade rug?

Little-Persia have been repairing and restoring rugs throughout the UK for twenty years.

With the help of our in-house experienced ex-weaver we can lovingly restore your treasured family heirlooms to their former glory, or simply secure your rug to prevent damage so you and your family can enjoy your handmade rugs for years to come.

Visit our handmade rug repair section to discover more.

How often should I have my hand-knotted rug cleaned?

We recommend professional rug cleaning around every 5 years, alongside regular maintenance.

Washing rugs helps to remove ingrained dirt and sand which can be abrasive to the pile the rug, causing it to degrade over time with use.

Think of sand and dust as tiny glass particles that with movement over time cut through the fabrics of your rug causing patches of low pile and pre-mature wear.

Over-cleaning on the other hand will strip the rug's fabric of its natural oils and lustre, leaving it looking dry or dull. Visit our handmade rug care guide for advice on maintaining your rug

Can you treat colour rug or dye migration?

Colour rug is often the result of washing the rugs at home, or without pre-checks, or can be the result of liquid spills.

We can remove colour run (dye migration) however this can be a highly labour-intensive process if it is wide spread.

We would look at colour-run on a case by case basis as it may not be justifiable to treat larger areas, or depending on how or where the colour has bled to may determine what can be done. This would fall under our rug restoration services.

Will you collect and/or deliver my rug?

We can collect (and deliver) your rug for a fee, or it can be brought to store.

This can be quoted based on the size and weight of the rug(s).

Some handmade rug cleaning specialists offer free delivery and collection, however they incorporate these costs into their pricing which is much higher.

We attempt to be as transparent as possible with our pricing. Should you need collection and delivery we endeavour to seek the best possible option and price for a courier service, or collect and deliver personally if local.

Can I drop my rug off?

Certainly, rugs can be dropped off at any time during our opening hours (although it may be best to call ahead to ensure Reza is in should your rugs need any specific quotes for instance on repairs you would like carried out).

Our opening hours are Mon-Sat: 10am - 5pm and Sun 12-4pm.

Will you clean my rug in my own home?

We are unable to clean rugs in your own home. The machinery we use and set-up does not lend itself to remote cleaning.

However, we can have the rugs collected from your home and returned after being professionally cleaned.