You don’t need to have grown up on the tales of Aladdin, Princess Jasmine and the Genie to appreciate the magic of a Persian carpet. These rugs have an undeniable presence — rich in history, craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
Highly sought after as statement pieces in Australian homes, Persian carpets are also a significant investment. That raises two important questions: how do you recognise a genuine Persian rug, and how do you care for it properly once it’s in your home?
To find out, we spoke with Tony Green from The Rug Studio in Hobart, Tasmania, who brings over 40 years of experience in floor coverings. Tony is also the master franchisee for Elite carpet cleaning services in Tasmania and specialises in aged Persian collectables.
While The Rug Studio offers a wide range of rugs, Tony’s passion lies in authentic Persian pieces — and he’s shared his expert advice on selection and care.
How to Identify an Authentic Persian Carpet
When investing in a Persian rug, knowing what to look for is essential. Tony recommends keeping the following points in mind:
- Hand-knotted construction
Authentic Persian carpets are hand-knotted. Generally, the tighter the knots, the higher the quality. - Check the back of the rug
Turn the rug over. Genuine Persian rugs don’t have a cloth backing — you should see the reverse side of the woven design. - No two are identical
Because they are handmade, authentic Persian rugs are always unique. If you see identical copies stacked together, they’re not the real thing. - Certificate of authenticity
Reputable dealers will provide documentation detailing the rug’s origin and history. - Pure wool matters
Wool Persian rugs are designed to be walked on and enjoyed. Run your hand across the surface — it shouldn’t feel overly stiff or dry. - Weight and ‘body’
Lift the rug slightly. A durable, well-made rug will feel substantial. - Be wary of dramatic discounts
Signs advertising massive markdowns should raise questions. Quality Persian rugs are priced for a reason.
“Good quality wool used in woven Persian wool rugs will actually improve the more it is walked on and will develop an antique patina or sheen.”
— Tony Green, rug expert
For further insight into rug materials and longevity, see our guide to Persian carpets and Oriental rugs care.
How to Care for Your Authentic Persian Rug
Proper care is just as important as choosing the right rug. According to Tony, one major red flag is being told to steam clean without question.
If a retailer casually says “just steam clean it”, there’s a good chance the rug is a synthetic, machine-made Persian-style rug, not an authentic piece.
Older Persian rugs often use herbal dyes, which means professional cleaners must always carry out spot testing first — something trained technicians at Elite Maintenance Services Group do as standard.
Tony’s care recommendations include:
- Keep rugs out of direct sunlight, or rotate them regularly to even out exposure
- Vacuum frequently to remove surface dust
- Handy hint: vacuum both sides to eliminate moth or carpet beetle eggs
- Attend to spills and stains immediately
- Hang rugs outside monthly to gently beat out dust
- Book an annual professional clean with specialists experienced in rug cleaning
Professional care helps preserve colour, fibre integrity and value. Learn more about why professional carpet and rug cleaning is essential.
Protect the Beauty — and Value — of Your Persian Rug
With expert guidance, proper maintenance and professional care, an authentic Persian rug can last generations — becoming more beautiful with time.
Elite Maintenance Services Group cleans and cares for delicate rugs using methods aligned with recognised IICRC standards, ensuring your investment is protected.
Ready to give your Persian rug the care it deserves?
Request a quote or call 131580 to book a professional rug cleaning service with Elite Maintenance Services Group.
As Genie might say — with the right advice and care, you really can make some magic and live happily ever after with your Persian rug
