# Can You Steam Clean A Hand-Knotted Rug?

Yes—you can steam clean a hand-knotted rug, but only with caution, and in many cases it’s not the best method.
## Why steam cleaning can be risky
**[Hand-knotted rugs](https://ramshacarpets.com/product-category/products/hand-knotted-rugs/)** (Persian, Oriental, wool, silk, antique, etc.) are made with natural fibers and dyes that can be sensitive to:

* Excessive heat → can damage wool or silk fibers
* Too much moisture → may cause shrinking, warping, or mildew
* Dye bleeding → especially in older or vegetable-dyed rugs
* Weakening of the foundation (cotton or wool warps/wefts)

### **When steam cleaning might be okay**
* The rug is modern, colorfast, and 100% wool
* Steam is low-heat and low-moisture
* Cleaning is done by a professional rug cleaner, not a standard carpet steam cleaner
* The rug is fully dry quickly afterward
#### **When you should NOT steam clean**
* Antique or valuable rugs
* Silk or silk-blend rugs
* Rugs with unknown dyes or history
* Rugs with existing damage, odor, or water stains
#### **Safer alternatives**
* Professional hand washing (best option)
* Dry compound cleaning
* Gentle surface vacuuming
* Spot cleaning with wool-safe solutions
#### **Bottom line**
Avoid DIY steam cleaning on hand-knotted rugs.
If deep cleaning is needed, take it to a specialty rug cleaner who washes rugs flat and controls moisture and drying.

**If you’d like, tell me:**
* What material the rug is (wool, silk, etc.)
* Whether it’s antique or modern
* The type of stain or issue