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>

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Q: Can I clean an oriental rug myself?

<div><p>It&rsquo;s possible to clean an oriental rug yourself, but it&rsquo;s not recommended for two reasons. First, most DIYers only have access to rug shampoos and equipment like steam cleaners, which won&rsquo;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&rsquo;t specifically made for oriental rugs could damage the material. It&rsquo;s often a better idea to get an oriental rug professionally cleaned, as this reduces the risk of damage and provides a better clean.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Oriental Rug Cleaning pros in Valley Forge, PA

*The Angi rating for Oriental Rug Cleaning companies in Valley Forge, PA 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 Valley Forge, PA 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 06, 2025

Reviewed in November 2016
Both carpets came back very clean. I did a bunch of research on the proper way to clean oriental carpets and then questioned them to make sure they were following what seems to be the best practices. They offered that I could come visit their facility to see. I can't tell where the carpet was...
Ayoub Carpet Service
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Reviewed in October 2013
They were on time to pick up. They did call ahead to tell me they would be late returning the rugs. However, they certainly did it in the allotted time before I moved. I have not had the chance to unroll all the rugs in my new home but as far as I can tell, they did a good job. The price was...
Ayoub Carpet Service
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Reviewed in December 2021
Loved using Delaware Valley Carpet & Upholstery cleaning service. Joe Stark runs a very impressive business and does all his own work using Organic & Green products!! No harsh Chemicals. Really happy I found him.....He’s my go to from now on!
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in July 2021
I have had Delaware Valley C.C. at my home several times. Joe Stark, the owner is a professional, and an honest man. Their carpet cleaning service is impeccable, and they gave special attention to places where our dog loves to lay down on the carpet. Great job every time!
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in January 2021
GREAT!!! My dog there up on the couch and though I got to it fairly quickly, I couldn’t get it cleaned properly by myself. Joe was out here within 24 hours cleaned it - stain and smell GONE! He even came back a week later, at no charge to make sure it was good!!! Highly recommend
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in November 2020
The service was really great! Joe was quick to respond to help me get my carpeting and rugs cleaned, and was extremely thorough. As a pet owner, I can vouch that this was a challenging job! The outcome was wonderful, and I would definitely use this company again and recommend it.
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in October 2020
The job was done beautifully and professionally. The owner does the work, not unskilled workers. The carpets were almost completely dry when finished and looked and smelled great! I highly recommend Delaware Valley Carpet, you will be glad you did.
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in October 2015
Joe does a great job! He is very particular about his work and does an outstanding job! He is super professional, always gets back to you right away with several appointment times, and is very punctual. He treats your home like he would treat his own. I have recommended him several times and...
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in February 2018
Wow! Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning did a fabulous job. The owner, Joe Stark, did all of the work himself. He was prompt, courteous and very professional. He cleaned and protected all of our carpets and upholstery. He used a green and organic method. We have hired the “big name franchisers”...
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Reviewed in December 2015
Joe did a wonderful job. The carpets (about 5 years old) look brand new! I was ready to throw them away because of the dog smell and Joe saved them! Great job!!!
Delaware Valley Carpet Cleaning
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Oriental rug cleaners in Valley Forge

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.

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