How Often Should You Clean Your Rug?

A Complete Guide for Handmade, Machine-Made, Tufted, and Synthetic Rugs

At Bob’s Oriental Rugs, customers often ask us,“How often do I need to clean my rug if I vacuum regularly?”“Does it matter if the rug still looks clean?”“Are handmade rugs different from machine-made ones when it comes to care?”

The truth is, even if a rug looks clean on the surface, it’s likely hiding years of buildup. Vacuuming only removes surface dust, while dirt, grit, skin cells, pet dander, and bacteria settle deep into the foundation of the rug—especially with natural wool and cotton. Over time, this hidden buildup dulls colors, breaks down fibers, attracts pests, and damages the rug from the inside out.

🧼 Our Universal Rule:

We recommend cleaning all rugs every 2 to 3 years—regardless of type. This keeps them fresh, extends their lifespan, and protects your investment.

Why Every 2–3 Years?

Even rugs in clean homes collect dust. Shoes track in particles from outside, air vents circulate micro-debris, and pets leave behind oils and allergens. Rugs—especially wool—naturally absorb and hold onto this.

Here’s what cleaning every 2–3 years does:

• Prevents irreversible wear caused by deep-down grit grinding against fibers

• Preserves colors by removing embedded dust and dulling oils

• Removes allergens that trigger respiratory issues

• Eliminates odor sources caused by bacteria and moisture

• Stops moth infestations before they damage valuable wool

If you're unsure when your rug was last cleaned, it's probably time.

Breakdown by Rug Type

🧵 Hand-Knotted & Handmade Rugs

These are the rugs we’re best known for cleaning—and for good reason. Whether Turkish, Persian, tribal, or antique, these heirlooms are hand-knotted over months (sometimes years) and made to last generations.

Clean every 2 to 3 years to:

• Keep the wool soft and flexible

• Prevent moth damage

• Retain the value and integrity of the rug

🪡 Tufted Rugs (Usually with Canvas or Latex Backing)

Tufted rugs are often found in home décor stores. They’re usually wool on top, glued to a canvas or fabric backing.

Clean every 2 to 3 years,

• Regular care prevents odor buildup (these tend to trap smells quickly)

At our shop, we test each tufted rug and adjust the cleaning process to protect the backing while removing debris and odors.

🧼 Machine-Made Rugs (Synthetic or Wool Blend)

These rugs—often made of polypropylene, polyester, nylon, or blended fibers—are built for affordability and durability.

Clean every 2 to 3 years unless pets or high-traffic use require sooner care.Even though they're tough, they still trap:

• Grease from cooking

• Odors from feet and pets

• Dust and allergens

A deep clean helps synthetic rugs retain their shape and color while removing the residues that cause stiffness or fading.

🐾 Rugs with Pets or Accidents

Pet owners—this part is critical. If a rug has been peed on, even once, it needs to be flushed thoroughly to avoid:

• Long-term odor

• Foundation rot

• Dye bleeding

• Mold or mildew

For rugs with frequent accidents, consider yearly cleaning.At Bob’s, we use a deep hand-washing process to flush the rug all the way through—far beyond what a surface clean can do.

💤 Decorative or Low-Traffic Rugs

Even if the rug sits in a quiet space or under furniture, it still collects fine dust and is at risk for moths.

Clean every 3 years at minimum

• Moths love undisturbed wool

• Dust will slowly settle and harden the pile, even without visible stains

It’s about preservation—not just appearance.

Signs It’s Time to Clean

If you’re not sure whether your rug needs cleaning, here are a few simple checks:

• Slap Test: Lift a corner and slap the back. If a cloud of dust comes out, it’s due.

• Smell Test: Musty or sour odor means bacteria or mildew is inside.

• Color & Feel: If it looks dull, stiff, or rough, the fibers are likely dirty.

• Shedding: If it’s shedding more than usual, it could be from fiber breakdown due to trapped debris.

  
  

Why DIY Cleaning Won’t Cut It

Vacuuming and spot-cleaning sprays can help on the surface—but they don’t reach deep into the rug’s foundation, where fine dust, grit, and bacteria settle over time. This buildup slowly wears down the fibers and can cause odors or discoloration.

At Bob’s Oriental Rugs, we go beyond surface cleaning with a complete process designed specifically for fine handmade and high-quality rugs:

• Full water submersion

• Hand washing with rug-safe shampoo

• Fringe grooming and pile softening

• Natural sun drying

• Final inspection by hand

Every rug is cleaned individually, with attention to its materials, construction, and condition—never in machines, and never in bulk.

Drop Off or Let Us Pick It Up

We make it easy:

• Drop-off hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM — no appointment needed

• Pickup & delivery: Call or text to schedule: 704-905-3200

We serve homeowners, designers, and collectors all across Charlotte.

Final Word: Care Now, Save Later

Cleaning your rug every 2 to 3 years is a small investment that prevents costly repairs or irreversible damage down the road. Whether it's a $10,000 silk rug or a $200 hallway runner, regular hand-washing keeps it clean, healthy, and beautiful for years to come.

If you're unsure where your rug falls or what it needs, just bring it in or send us a photo. We're happy to take a look and give honest advice—no pressure, no upsell.