Can you use a rug shampoo on an oriental rug?

<div><p>You can use rug shampoo on an oriental rug, but you need to make sure you use a natural, non-abrasive shampoo. While other carpets made from synthetic fiber can stand up to harsh chemicals, the natural material—sheep’s wool, cotton, silk, or camel hair—that goes into an oriental rug will break down and get damaged if they come in contact with traditional rug shampoos. In many cases, it’s best to let a professional assess your carpet and determine which gentle shampoo would be most appropriate.</p></div>

Get matched with top oriental rug cleaners in Santa Barbara, CA

There are 2 highly-rated local oriental rug cleaners.

Matching on Angi

Share some details about your home project.

Within moments, match with highly-rated local pros.

Compare quotes and choose the best pro for the job.

TRUSTED BY HOMEOWNERS

4.4

Average homeowner rating

Verified oriental rug cleaning services reviews

Verified Reviews for Oriental Rug Cleaning pros in Santa Barbara, CA

*The Angi rating for Oriental Rug Cleaning companies in Santa Barbara, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Oriental Rug Cleaning needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Oriental Rug Cleaning companies in Santa Barbara, CA is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Oriental Rug Cleaning needs.

Last update on April 01, 2025

Reviewed in July 2024
Wonderful!!! Diego was right on time and did an Amazing job cleaning our carpets.. we Highly recommend him
Valley Elite Cleaning Services
Request a quote
Reviewed in March 2012
We have an ill, elderly cat that used our oriental rug as a litterbox when we weren't looking. She also vomited on the rug several times. I feared the rug was ruined but, as a last ditch effort, found local Haines & Cross on Angie's List and took the rug to them. After a few short weeks I...
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2012
Haines & Cross provided thorough and careful cleaning, including moving all furniture, and left carpets and rugs bright and looking like new. The owner Eric was very knowlegeable about rugs (and wood and tile flooring as well), took time to educate us, and took personal responsibility for the...
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in September 2013
The wood cleaner arrived first and ask if there were specific areas I wanted him to work on. He spent almost 3 hours cleaning and finishing the wood area. He was very nice and explained everything. The owner came at one point to let me know about certain small areas that they would be unable to...
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in October 2013
The crew was prompt and knowledgeable, and did a great job. I decided to have them take another runner into the shop to be cleaned after they did the tile. I will use them again.
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in April 2014
They did a really good job. They carried the rug inside for my wife and did a very professional job in cleaning our rug.
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in July 2015
They did a great job. Everything dried quickly and there was no sticky residue. It has been almost a year and everything still looks nice except for the wear and tear we've done to it. They are a company that sticks out and I would have called them to do my son's carpet but they don't go that...
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in November 2011
The service was prompt and professional. The job that was done was first class and I would use them again and recommend them to others.
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in February 2011
They are very professional and very timely. They are not the cheapest in the market but they do quality work.
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote
Reviewed in December 2011
They did a great job! The guy was also real professional. It has been a few months since they did the cleaning and it still looks like the job was completed yesterday. I will be hiring them again in the future.
Zerorez SoCal
Request a quote

Oriental rug cleaners in Santa Barbara

Oriental rug cleaning services FAQs

You can use rug shampoo on an oriental rug, but you need to make sure you use a natural, non-abrasive shampoo. While other carpets made from synthetic fiber can stand up to harsh chemicals, the natural material—sheep’s wool, cotton, silk, or camel hair—that goes into an oriental rug will break down and get damaged if they come in contact with traditional rug shampoos. In many cases, it’s best to let a professional assess your carpet and determine which gentle shampoo would be most appropriate.

The average cost to have a professional clean an oriental rug is around $6 per square foot, and most cleaners charge between $5 and $9 per square foot. The size of your rug will be a major factor when it comes to cleaning costs. For example, a 6x9 foot rug will cost $320 on average, while a 9x12 foot rug will cost $650 or more.

The state of your oriental rug will also play a role, as rugs that are excessively dirty and haven’t been cleaned in years will take longer to clean and, therefore, cost more.

It’s possible to clean an oriental rug yourself, but it’s not recommended for two reasons. First, most DIYers only have access to rug shampoos and equipment like steam cleaners, which won’t provide the same deep clean that an industrial machine that shakes dust and dirt out of the fibers would. Second, using any harsh chemicals or shampoos that aren’t specifically made for oriental rugs could damage the material. It’s often a better idea to get an oriental rug professionally cleaned, as this reduces the risk of damage and provides a better clean.

The homeowners guide to oriental rug cleaning services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles