You’ve likely seen companies offering “oriental rug steam cleaning” — often with fast turnaround and low prices. However, it’s crucial to know why steam cleaning can be harmful.
Here’s the truth:
Steam cleaning is one of the fastest ways to ruin an authentic handmade rug.
At Ahmadi Rug, we’ve spent decades repairing the damage caused by this harmful practice. Before you let anyone touch your rug, here’s what you need to know.
Understanding Why Steam Cleaning Can Be Harmful.
What Is Steam Cleaning, Really?
Steam cleaning (also called hot water extraction) is a carpet cleaning method using:
- High-pressure spray jets
- Boiling water (sometimes over 200°F)
- Sudsy soap or alkaline detergents
- Vacuum extraction to “suck” dirt and moisture
It’s commonly used on:
- Wall-to-wall synthetic carpet
- Upholstery
- Car interiors
It was never designed for handmade rugs with natural fibers and hand-tied knots.
Why Steam Destroys Oriental Rugs
1. Melts Natural Lanolin in Wool
Lanolin keeps wool supple and shiny. Steam strips it, leaving wool brittle and dry.
2. Bleeds Vegetable Dyes
Oriental and Persian rugs use natural, unstable dyes. Steam causes red, blue, and black dyes to run — permanently staining borders or medallions.
3. Shrinks the Foundation
Cotton warps and wefts react to heat and moisture. Result?
- Warping
- Curling
- Buckling
- Unevenness
4. Delaminates or Unravels Old Rugs
For antique rugs, heat and pressure separate backing from knots. Some rugs literally fall apart at the seams.
Real Cases We’ve Fixed
A 9×12 Heriz rug, steam cleaned by a “local pro,” came in:
- Bleeding red across the ivory field
- Hard texture from soap residue
- Rolled corners due to shrinkage
A silk Qom rug lost 80% of its sheen after a single steam treatment. The client thought it was “clean” — until the light no longer reflected properly.
Why Do So Many Companies Still Use Steam?
It’s:
- Fast
- Cheap
- Requires little skill
- Done with same equipment as carpet cleaning
But it’s not real rug cleaning — and your rug pays the price.
The Right Way to Clean Oriental Rugs
At Ahmadi Rug, we clean every rug:
- By hand
- With cold water & fiber-specific soaps
- Using dye-locking agents for protection
- Dried flat in a climate-controlled space
- Finished with final grooming + inspection
This process takes time. But it protects your rug — and brings out its beauty again.
Trusted by Chicago’s Most Discerning Rug Owners
We’ve cleaned and restored:
- Antique Persian, Turkish, and Caucasian rugs
- Silk Tabriz and Isfahan masterpieces
- Machine-made Orientals with sentimental value
- Custom designer rugs for Lake Forest homes
📍 See our full Rug Cleaning Process →
Internal Links
How To Clean a Persian Rug
Rug Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
Silk vs Wool Rug Cleaning
FAQ
Can I steam clean a rug at home?
No. Never. Even one session can ruin the dyes or shrink the structure.
How should oriental rugs be cleaned safely?
By hand, with cold water and neutral-pH solutions. Every rug should be tested and handled based on its fiber and age.
How often should oriental rugs be professionally cleaned?
Every 1–3 years depending on traffic, environment, and spills. We offer free evaluations.
