Oriental Rug Cleaning

We can clean any type of rug from Persian/Iranian, Afghan, Moroccan, Indian, Chinese and Tibetan rugs, with any type of rug fibres, including silk, art silk (also known as artificial silk), wool and synthetic.

We will achieve outstanding cleaning results by ensuring that each and every stage of the cleaning process is carried out using the most current, and gentle cleaning and drying techniques. We will never use harsh chemicals to clean a rug.

Our oriental rug cleaning service offers collection and delivery because due to the very special equipment used it is not possible to carry out the process in your home.  This is the multi-step cleaning and drying process we use:

RUG PRE-WASH INSPECTION

Each rug is inspected for any pre-existing conditions. In most cases soil covers up variations in dye (abrash), fibre staining, prior dye bleeding, worn areas or white knots that become “uncovered” after the wash. Some of these are weaving characteristics (abrash and white knots), and others are damage that can possibly be repaired or reversed. The dyes of your rug are tested for colour fastness. If the dyes are not colourfast, then the rug is prepared by setting the dyes. The pre-wash inspection allows us to choose the correct method of cleaning for your precious rug.

RUG DUSTING

Most people are surprised to learn just how much dry soil a rug can hide. In fact, some rugs can hold up to one pound of compacted dirt per square foot before they even begin to look dirty. This embedded grit settles deep into the fibres and foundation, where it slowly grinds away at the rug with every step. When a rug is washed without first removing this compacted soil, the combination of water and trapped particles can create a thick mud within the fibres. That is why, in professional Oriental Rug Cleaning, thorough dusting is not optional – it is absolutely essential.

The process begins with a careful, methodical vacuuming to lift the loose dirt resting on the surface. However, surface vacuuming alone is not enough. To prepare the rug properly for full Oriental Rug Cleaning, we use a specialist vibrating dusting machine designed to dislodge the grit that ordinary vacuum cleaners leave behind. This equipment operates like an “army of gentle rug beaters”, delivering around 40,000 harmonic vibrations per minute. Over the course of the dusting cycle, your rug receives more than one million soft, controlled vibrations that travel through the pile, foundation, and backing.

These vibrations gently but effectively loosen the deep-down particles of grit, soil, pollen, and debris that have accumulated over years of use. By removing this dry soil before washing, the risk of premature wear is dramatically reduced. In many cases, rugs emerge significantly lighter because so much hidden debris has been removed. This essential stage of Oriental Rug Cleaning protects the fibres, preserves the colours, and improves the overall feel of the rug once the full cleaning process is complete.

We think of the dusting stage as a deep massage for the rug – a treatment that restores flexibility, freshness, and softness. When you see the volume of dry dirt removed during this process, you will understand why professional Oriental Rug Cleaning always begins with comprehensive dusting. The results speak for themselves, revealing just how much unseen soil can accumulate inside even the most well-cared-for rugs.

RUG DECONTAMINATION BATH

All rugs with odour causing sources such as urine, mould, mildew, or insect infestations require decontamination. The decontamination bath is the only way to reduce the above odour. Please note that not all odours can be successfully removed. (Some rugs with a latex backing can be challenging)

RUG PROTECTOR

After the oriental rug cleaning process has taken place we can move on to applying the protector. This barrier coats each fibre to protect against re-soiling and staining. This allows you to simply mop up spillages as it prevents the fibre absorbing spills.

We will also groom the face fibres to leave it in its best possible condition. This usually means we run a grooming rake over the rug to ensure the fibres are tangle-free and as ‘fluffy’ as possible. 

RUG DRYING

Air movers and dehumidifiers are used to help facilitate drying, without the use of high heat (so there is no worry of shrinkage). Upon a first wash, it is typical for a rug to shrink slightly (less than an inch) – just as cotton and wool clothing does in even a cold water hand wash. And as with throwing wool or cotton in a high heat dryer, you know this shrinks natural fibres…this is why rugs entrusted to our care are dried this way. 

RUG FRINGE WORK AND RUG FINISHING

Fringes are inspected and occasionally washed an additional time. They are then dried. The rug is given a final grooming with a brush.

Each rug is then carefully wrapped to ensure its cleanliness during transit. We will then deliver the rug directly to your home and unwrap it for you.

Related Services:
Domestic Carpet Cleaning
Commercial Carpet Cleaning