As you probably know already, area rugs are made of different weaves, fibers, and construction styles—and those differences aren’t just for aesthetics. They affect everything from how a rug feels underfoot to how it reacts to moisture, foot traffic, and especially cleaning. What keeps a wool rug looking fresh might leave a delicate silk rug damaged, while a deep clean that works for a synthetic rug could ruin a handwoven antique.
This means, if you want your rug to last for years and keep its value, you have to clean it the right way, based on what it’s made of and how it’s made. To help you do just that, this article explains the reasons why different rug types respond to common cleaning methods, giving you the knowledge you need to protect your investment.
Reason #1 | Different Materials Have Different Absorption Rates
The first thing to consider when cleaning a rug is the material it’s made from, as different materials absorb and retain moisture at different rates. Keep in mind the following:
- Wool rugs can absorb a significant amount of water, making them prone to mildew if not dried properly.
- Silk rugs don’t absorb water well and can become stiff or lose their sheen if cleaned incorrectly.
- Cotton rugs are highly absorbent and can shrink or distort if over-wetted.
- Synthetic rugs (like polyester or nylon) tend to resist moisture, making them easier to clean with water-based methods.
Using too much water on an absorbent material can cause serious problems like fiber weakening, mold growth, or permanent warping. This is why professional rug cleaners adjust their cleaning process based on the rug’s material.
Reason #2 | Some Fibers Are More Delicate Than Others
Not all rug fibers can handle aggressive scrubbing or high temperature cleaning. Some are incredibly delicate and require gentle handling to prevent damage. For instance:
- Silk, viscose, and rayon rugs have fragile fibers that can break down under too much pressure or moisture exposure.
- Hand-knotted wool rugs contain natural oils that can be stripped away by harsh detergents, leaving them dry and brittle.
- Natural fiber rugs like jute and sisal are stiff and can fray or become distorted when wet.
If a rug is made from delicate fibers, avoid harsh scrubbing, excessive moisture, and high-heat drying. Professional cleaners use lower water pressure, pH-balanced solutions, and air-drying techniques to preserve the softness and structure of these rugs.
Reason #3 | Dye Sensitivity Can Lead to Color Bleeding
Among the biggest mistakes people make when cleaning rugs is using too much water or the wrong cleaning products, which can cause the dyes to bleed, fade, or change color. The reasons are as follows:
- Many Persian and Oriental rugs use natural vegetable dyes that can run when exposed to excessive moisture.
- Some lower quality rugs contain unstable dyes that weren’t properly set during manufacturing.
- Even some synthetic rugs can lose their vibrancy if the wrong chemical cleaners are used.
Before cleaning a rug, professionals always test for colorfastness by applying a small amount of water and detergent to an inconspicuous area. If the dyes start to run, they adjust their approach to avoid permanent discoloration.
Reason #4 | Pile Thickness Affects Dirt Retention
A rug’s pile height (the thickness of its fibers) determines how much dirt, dust, and allergens get trapped inside, and how difficult they are to remove.
- High-pile rugs (like shag rugs) trap dirt deep within their fibers, making regular vacuuming and professional deep-cleaning essential.
- Medium-pile rugs hold some dirt, but they can usually be cleaned with routine vacuuming and occasional deep cleaning.
- Flatweave rugs (such as kilims) don’t hold much dirt but are more prone to staining since there’s less fiber to absorb spills.
If a rug has a thick or dense pile, surface cleaning alone isn’t enough. A deep extraction cleaning method is required to remove dirt and allergens from deep within the fibers.
Reason #5 | Certain Rugs Cannot Handle Water-based Cleaning
While steam cleaning and hot water extraction are common rug cleaning methods, not all rugs can handle water-based cleaning, and here are the reasons for that:
- Jute, sisal, and seagrass rugs absorb water and can warp, shrink, or rot.
- Silk and viscose rugs can develop water stains that permanently change their appearance.
- Antique and handwoven rugs may have fragile backings that loosen when wet.
For these types of rugs, low-moisture or dry cleaning methods are preferred. Professional cleaners often use solvent-based solutions to lift dirt without causing fiber damage.
Reason #6 | Some Rugs Require Specialized Stain Treatments
Different types of stains require different cleaning solutions and using the wrong one can set the stain permanently or damage the rug fibers. Use these tips to treat stains safely and effectively:
- Pet stains (like urine) require enzyme-based cleaners to break down the odor and bacteria.
- Oil-based stains (like grease or makeup) need solvents to dissolve the residue.
- Wine, coffee, and tea stains should be treated with mild, pH-balanced cleaners to avoid color fading.
If a stain is not treated correctly, it can spread, become more embedded, or even chemically react with the rug fibers. That’s why professional stain treatments are often the safest choice.
Reason #7 | Indoor vs. Outdoor Rugs Need Different Maintenance
Indoor and outdoor rugs are built differently, meaning they need different cleaning approaches. Indoor rugs are usually made with softer, more delicate materials like wool, silk, or viscose. They’re designed for comfort and aesthetics, not exposure to the elements. On the other hand, outdoor rugs are typically made from tough, synthetic materials like polypropylene or PET, designed to resist water, UV rays, mold, and mildew.
The key is knowing what each type of rug is designed for and adjusting your maintenance routine accordingly. Here are specific cleaning tips for each:
Indoor Rug Maintenance Tips
- Vacuum regularly, but gently. Use suction only or turn off the beater bar to avoid damaging delicate fibers like wool or silk.
- Spot clean with care. Dab spills with a clean, white cloth and use a mild, fabric-safe cleaner appropriate for the rug’s material.
- Avoid moisture-heavy cleaning. Excess water can damage the rug’s backing or cause mold—especially for natural fiber rugs.
- Rotate every few months. This prevents uneven wear in high-traffic areas.
- Schedule professional cleaning annually. Especially for rugs made of wool, silk, or other natural fibers.
Outdoor Rug Maintenance Tips
- Shake out or vacuum weekly. This removes dirt, leaves, and other outdoor debris.
- Rinse with a hose. Most outdoor rugs can handle a gentle rinse to wash away surface grime.
- Use a mild soap solution for deeper cleaning. Scrub with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly to avoid soap residue.
- Dry completely before rolling or storing. Even weather-resistant rugs can develop mildew if stored damp.
- Store during off-season or heavy storms. Roll and cover your rug to extend its life when it’s not in use.
Reason #8 | Professional Hot Water Extraction Works for Some, But Not All Rugs
Hot water extraction (often referred to as steam cleaning) is a popular method used by many professionals to deep clean rugs. And when it’s used on the right type of rug, it can be incredibly effective at removing dirt, allergens, and even some stubborn stains. However, using hot water extraction on the wrong rug can lead to shrinkage, dye bleeding, warping, or permanent damage.
Here’s a friendly guide to help you make the right call:
Rugs That Can Typically Handle Hot Water Extraction
- Synthetic Rugs (like nylon, polyester, or polypropylene): These are made to be durable and moisture-resistant, making them well-suited for this method.
- Machine-made Wool Rugs (with stable dyes): Some can handle hot water extraction, but only when cleaned by an experienced pro who understands wool fiber care.
- Low-pile Indoor/Outdoor Rugs: These are usually tough enough to tolerate both moisture and pressure.
Rugs That Should Not Be Cleaned with Hot Water Extraction
- Silk Rugs: Heat and water can ruin the delicate fibers and lead to permanent texture and color damage.
- Viscose or Rayon Rugs: These fibers are very sensitive to moisture and can become stiff or distorted when wet.
- Antique or Handwoven Rugs: Even if they look durable, older or handmade rugs may have natural dyes or fragile construction that won’t hold up under this method.
- Flatweave Rugs (like kilims): These can hold on to too much water, increasing the risk of shrinkage or buckling.
Protect What Makes Your Rug Unique – Book A Professional Rug Cleaning Service at Faulkner’s Dry Cleaning and Laundry!
Looking for local area rug cleaners in the Dallas area with decades of experience handling delicate, high-value rugs? At Faulkner’s Dry Cleaning and Laundry, we’ve spent years restoring everything from heirloom-quality pieces to modern synthetics, always tailoring our care to the specific fibers, dyes, and construction of each rug. Unlike what you can do with a regular vacuum cleaner, our professional deep-cleaning methods remove embedded dirt, allergens, and debris that not only affect your rug—but also your indoor air quality and the health of your home or office.
Book your professional Rug Cleaning Service with Faulkner’s Dry Cleaning and Laundry today—because protecting your rug starts with choosing the right team. Email us at info@faulknercleaners.com or contact our customer service team at 213-325-2896 today to schedule your professional Area Rug Cleaning Service!