How to Clean Large or Oversized Rugs Without Damage | Maloumian Rugs

by Grater SiteAdmin September 26, 2025

Expert Guide from Maloumian Rugs

Large or oversized rugs make a stunning statement in any home. Whether it’s a grand Persian rug in the living room, a large wool rug in the dining area, or a custom piece covering an open floor plan, these rugs bring both beauty and comfort. But when it comes to maintenance, their sheer size can make area rug cleaning a challenge.

Cleaning a large rug isn’t as simple as rolling it up and taking it outside—or running a vacuum over it once in a while. Oversized rugs require special care to ensure the fibers, dyes, and structure are preserved. At Maloumian Rug Cleaning, we’ve spent decades caring for rugs of every size, and we know what it takes to keep them fresh and damage-free.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps for cleaning oversized rugs safely while explaining when to leave the job to professionals.

Why Oversized Rugs Require Special Care

Unlike smaller rugs that can be shaken out or washed easily, oversized rugs have unique cleaning challenges:

Weight & Bulk: Large rugs are heavy, especially when wet, making them difficult to move or wash at home.
Fiber Sensitivity: Wool, silk, and antique rugs can shrink, stretch, or bleed colors if cleaned improperly.
Dirt Build-Up: Because of their size, dirt and dust can become deeply embedded and harder to remove.
Drying Time: Oversized rugs take longer to dry, which increases the risk of mold or mildew.

These factors mean cleaning must be handled with precision and care to avoid unintentional damage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Oversized Rugs at Home

While professional cleaning is recommended for deep washing, here are safe maintenance steps you can follow to keep your large rug fresh between services.

1. Vacuum Thoroughly and Regularly

Vacuuming is your first line of defense against dirt buildup.

Use a suction-only vacuum for delicate fibers.
For durable synthetic rugs, a beater bar can be used (but avoid over-aggressive passes).
Vacuum in sections to ensure no areas are missed.
Don’t forget the underside—flip the rug once or twice a year if possible.

2. Spot Clean Spills Immediately

Oversized rugs often sit in high-traffic areas like dining or living rooms, making them prone to spills.

Blot, don’t rub the spill with a clean, absorbent cloth.
Use a mild, fiber-safe cleaner (or a water-vinegar mix for natural deodorizing).
Always test cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous corner first.

3. Deodorize with Natural Solutions

For rugs that cover large areas, odors can develop quickly. A simple way to refresh them:

Sprinkle baking soda evenly across the rug.
Let it sit for 15–30 minutes.
Vacuum thoroughly.
This neutralizes odors without harsh chemicals that could damage fibers.

4. Rotate for Even Wear

Large rugs can fade or flatten unevenly if left in the same position for years. Rotate your rug 180° once or twice a year to balance out wear and sunlight exposure.

5. Avoid Over-Wetting During DIY Cleaning

Oversized rugs can hold a lot of water, and over-wetting can cause dyes to bleed or fibers to shrink. If attempting a light surface wash:

Use minimal water.
Blot gently instead of scrubbing.
Allow plenty of airflow to speed drying.

When to Call Professionals for Large Rug Cleaning

At-home maintenance works for surface dirt and fresh spills, but professional area rug cleaning is essential for oversized rugs every 12–18 months. Here’s why:

Deep Dust Extraction: Professionals remove embedded dirt that vacuuming can’t reach.
Color-Safe Washing: Specialized pH-balanced solutions protect dyes from bleeding.
Controlled Drying: Industrial drying rooms prevent mold and ensure rugs maintain their shape.
Fiber-Specific Care: Wool, silk, cotton, and synthetics each require unique cleaning methods.
Handling Bulk Safely: Expert teams know how to move, wash, and dry heavy rugs without damaging them.

At Maloumian Rug Cleaning, we create a custom cleaning plan for every oversized rug, ensuring both beauty and strength are preserved.

Preventive Care for Oversized Rugs

To extend the life of your rug and minimize deep cleaning needs:

Use Rug Pads: Pads prevent slippage, reduce friction, and protect rug fibers.
Establish No-Shoe Zones: Keeping outdoor dirt off rugs significantly reduces buildup.
Protect from Sunlight: Use curtains or blinds to shield rugs from UV fading.
Brush Pet Hair: Use a soft-bristle brush or rubber broom to remove hair that vacuums miss.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Cleaning vs. Replacement

Replacing a large rug can cost anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars, especially for handwoven or antique pieces. Professional cleaning, by contrast, is a fraction of that cost and can extend a rug’s lifespan by decades.

Investing in oversized rug cleaning is not only the safer option—it’s also the smarter financial choice.

Why Trust Maloumian Rug Cleaning

For more than 100 years, Maloumian Rugs has been trusted by homeowners, collectors, and designers to care for their most valuable rugs. Our oversized rug cleaning process includes:

Pre-inspection of fibers, dyes, and condition.
Advanced dust removal before washing.
Hand-washing or machine-assisted cleaning tailored to rug type.
Climate-controlled drying for large, heavy rugs.
Final grooming and inspection for a flawless finish.

We combine tradition with technology to give oversized rugs the care they deserve.

Final Thoughts

Large and oversized rugs elevate your home’s design, but they also demand specialized care. While regular vacuuming, spot cleaning, and deodorizing go a long way, nothing replaces the benefits of professional area rug cleaning.

By partnering with experts like Maloumian Rug Cleaning, you’ll not only preserve the beauty of your oversized rug but also protect the fibers, colors, and structure that make it special.

Your investment deserves the highest level of care—let us help you keep it fresh, clean, and long-lasting.