General Home Cleaning Tips · Rug Washing 101 ·Dec 26, 2022

How To Clean A Kilim Rug

A Kilim rug is a woven carpet that is bold and timeless, making them a valuable item in any home. To keep it in nick condition so that it can last you a lifetime, it is crucial to know how to clean a Kilim rug safely and effectively.

There are a good few methods you can use to clean your rug, but it is important to be gentle when cleaning, and to avoid harsh chemicals, as these rugs can be quite sensitive to anything too strong.

The article lists the best ways to clean a Kilim rug so that you can keep yours looking brand new all year round.

How To Clean A Kilim Rug

clean kilim rug

Stain Removal

A spill or stain on a rug is inevitable, especially if it is located in a busier area of the house. But this does not have to cause panic, as you can remove a stain without having to clean the Oriental rug or Kilim rug out completely.

It is always best to clean a stain as quickly as possible, whether you are cleaning a Persian rug or a Kilim rug. If you attend to it as soon as it happens, or as soon as you spot it, it will make the cleaning process a whole lot easier for you.

Remove Excess Dirt

First, you need to get rid of any excess dirt on the stain. This makes the rest of the cleaning process much simpler. You should do this with any rug, such as when you are cleaning a braided rug.

If there is fresh liquid around the stain, use a paper towel to dab it and absorb the moisture. If there is solid debris in the area, you can use a small spoon or spatula to gently scrape it off the surface.

Mix and Apply the Solution

In a small bowl or dish, combine 2 cups of warm water with a tablespoon of liquid soap - dishwashing detergent could work well here.

Dip a corner of a soft cloth into the mixed solution, and then blot the stained area. Continue doing this for a few minutes, or until you notice the stain transfer onto the cloth and disappear from the rug.

You may need to move around to fresh areas of the cloth and re-dip it into the solution intermittently while blotting. This blotting method is a good, gentle way to remove stains from any delicate rug, like when you clean a woven rug.

Rinse Area

how to clean kilim carpet

Once the stain has cleared, you will need to rinse the area to remove any soap residue.

Dip a fresh cloth into plain, cold water and then dab the area again. Do this thoroughly to ensure all soap has been removed. Again, you may need to switch to fresh areas of the cloth and re-dip into the water.

Dry Rug

Once the area is rinsed out, you will need to dry the rug properly. Use a dry cloth to blot the affected area to remove excess moisture.

When cleaning a Moroccan rug or Kilim rug, it is best to avoid drying it in direct sunlight to prevent discoloration or fading.

When you have done this, you will leave the rug in a warm area to air dry completely before returning it to its original spot.

Deep Clean

To keep your rug tidy throughout, it is good practice to dust it out or vacuum it every week or two. But in addition to this, it is also best to do a deep clean every 3-4 months to thoroughly clean out any dirt or bacteria that are stuck deep in the rug fibers.

To deep clean the rug properly, you should use professional carpet cleaning products. These are created especially for rug cleaning, and how professionals clean oriental rugs and Kilim rugs, so they will remove all stubborn dirt and stains while also keeping the rug itself safe from damage.

Vacuum Excess Dirt

First, move the rug to an outdoor area like a balcony or garden, where the cleaning process will not mess up any indoor furniture or floors.

Use a vacuum to eliminate any loose dust or debris from the rug. Go over the entire surface, without missing any spots, at least 2-3 times to thoroughly clean out the rug.

Prepare and Apply Cleaning Solution

You will need to prepare your cleaning solution before you can begin cleaning.

We recommend using our Black Label Sweet Breeze Prespray. It is formulated to clear out any dirt and bacteria from a carpet, even tackling those old and stubborn stains.

The prespray will not only clear out the dirt but also leave the rug fresher and brighter. It also leaves behind a pleasant, fresh scent on the rug.

Mix the cleaner according to the instructions on the packaging, and then transfer it to a spray bottle.

Apply the mixed solution onto the entire rug by spraying it on, making sure to cover the whole surface. Spray generously enough to soak through the fibers and dampen the rug.

Leave it to settle into the fibers for a minute, and then use a soft cleaning brush to scrub the rug.

Rinse Rug

Once clean, you will need to thoroughly rinse out the rug. You can either soak the rug in a tub of cold water or use a hose to rinse down the rug well. Make sure you remove any soapy residue from the rug.

Leave To Dry

Use a large towel to blot the entire rug so that any excess liquid can be absorbed. Then leave the rug out to dry fully for a few hours, or overnight, depending on its size and thickness.

Conclusion

A Kilim rug is a precious item to possess and should be cleaned and cared for regularly to maintain its flawless composition.

Whether you are cleaning a Navajo rug or a Kilim rug, If you are faced with a stain, you can remove it without having to wash the entire rug. It is also important to both surface clean and deep clean your rug now and again so that it stays clean and free of dirt and bacteria.

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