It's a lovely rug, but it's hard to know much about it from your photo.

Can you take a close-up photo of the back of the rug? Then we can probably tell you more...

Here are some photos. I can't take photos of the worst areas since they are on the other side and the rug is rolled up right now. However, the fringe came undone almost completely and I wonder if it will affect the color part of the rug. I'd love to get rid off the fringe altogether but don't know if that's feasible. Also, how often is one supposed to professionally clean rugs? Thanks!

Yes, it is considered an Oriental rug.

It is hand knotted made of wool woven on cotton warps.

When you can, take a picture of the damaged fringe and I will tell you how it can be fixed.

I advise people to clean their rugs every 3-5 years as a general rule, but some of my customers clean their rugs once a year. They have active households with pets, kids and/or entertain a lot.

I agree w/ tryin - clean orientals every 1-5 years, depending on the messy-ness of the household, & whether the rug is in a high traffic area or not.

And there is nothing wrong with removing the fringe completely if you want to. It might lessen the value of a really expensive rug, so bear that in mind if it's important to you.

I knew I'd find rug experts on this forum! Thank you for your answers. I'll try unrolling our rug today to take photos of problem areas. I like the idea of removing the fringe since it's a pain to vacuum it and we vacuum almost every day (2 toddlers!). Plus, since it's a gift from in-laws and I really love the design and colors of it, I don't think we'll be selling it anytime soon. I'm glad to know it's a handmade Oriental rug since a friend of ours told me it's machine-made. We cleaned it about 2 years ago and it cost us about $400-500. I thought I could buy a new rug for that amount ... Is that an OK price (the cleaners "specialized in Oriental rugs") or did they rip us off? I was just so desperate to get it clean (it was super dusty) and I didn't do enough research ... But to pay that amount more often than every 5 years would be financially unreasonable for us ... Is there a way to DIY? thanks a lot. I am getting an education here.

newtoremodeling - how large is the rug? that's in insane price IMO, but it's not out of line with what some specialty dry cleaners will charge.

I have a small carpet cleaning business - the method I use (HOST) is appropriate for orientals & they can be cleaned in the home, & for considerably less $$ than that. Definitely call around the next time you need to have it cleaned & see if there is a Host cleaner in your area who does orientals. For DIY'ing, there are small (2.2 lb.) packages of the cleaner (which is green, non-toxic, safe for toddlers) that are great for spot cleaning & to give a freshening-up when needed. I advise avoiding any wet cleaning spotters unless you really know what you're doing.

HTH :)

Do not remove the fringe from the rug. You'll risk the rug unraveling. The fringe is the extension of the foundation of the rug (the warps). Instead, you can fold it back behind the rug and tape down.

Prices for cleaning can vary greatly. In my area (San Francisco) that is extremely high for a 9 x 12. However, I know of some places that would charge that much. Doesn't make it right though ;)

Will all due respect to moonkat - when and if at all possible, the best way to clean a handmade oriental rug is to send it out for a wet wash cleaning. I realize sometimes that isn't possible (and I need to read up on your Host method!) but it's the best way to remove all residual dirt and shampoo. Some rugs have unstable dyes, but that is a whole other story, and one that a reputable dealer can explain.

There is a link on my "my page" that will lead you to articles I wrote about rug cleaning if that helps.

They did take the rug and wet-cleaned it. The rug was bought used and was very dusty, so I figured it needed "washing." It was some "special" process that took a few weeks and the rug did come back very clean. Next time, I'll shop around for the price.

I still hope to fix the fringe either by leaving it or taking it off. I just can't imagine how to do either without ruining the rug, so if someone knows a way, please tell me. And, if not, I guess I can try taping it. Here are some problem spots. Thanks for all the responses!

That's a beautiful rug.

I read right here on this forum that we can literally hose and soap down our own rugs as long as we have a place to hang them to dry. (I do know that not all rugs are color fast though.)

With the two I just got -- I'm guessing both are synthetics -- I just used my carpet shampooer on them and it did them a world of good. I intend to hang them over the deck for a good hose washing when the weather warms up.

Oh... one is about 10x12 and the other is about 5x7 and I had a dry cleaner look at them and she *guessed* they would cost about $100 each to dry clean. But that isn't for sure. It's still a far cry from $400, which is absurd, IMO.

I just paid $230 in November to wash a 9 x 12.

The repair is an easy fix.

Email me: tulanian@atticmag.com

and I will tell you how & what to ask a reputable rug dealer.

Here is a link that might be useful: My articles on rugs