Professional rug cleaning
A good rug wash removes the dry grit first, then washes and rinses the whole rug, and dries it fast.
Not sure about yours?Upload two photos and get a free report in about 15 seconds.Check my rugWhy rugs need more than a surface clean
Most of the dirt in a rug is dry grit that settles deep in the pile and the foundation. A household vacuum reaches only part of it.
That grit acts like sandpaper on the fibers each time someone walks on the rug, so removing it does as much for the rug as washing it.
What happens in a rug washing plant
Inspection: the cleaner checks the fibers, dyes, stains, wear and any earlier repairs, and tests colors that might run.
Dusting: the rug is turned over and beaten or vibrated to shake out dry soil. This step often removes more dirt than the wash.
Washing and rinsing: the rug is washed on a flat floor or in a bath, front and back, and rinsed until the water runs clear. Stains and odors are treated along the way.
Drying: excess water is removed and the rug is dried quickly in moving, warm air. Fast drying protects against dye bleeding and cotton browning.
Finishing: the pile is groomed in its natural direction and the fringe is cleaned.
Plant washing vs cleaning on your floor
Carpet cleaners who come to your home usually spray and extract water from the surface. That can freshen a rug, but it does not remove the deep grit and cannot rinse or dry the foundation well.
For handmade wool or silk rugs, and for any rug with odor or pet damage, a full wash in a plant is the safer choice.
How often to wash a rug
Many rug cleaners suggest a full wash every few years for a rug in a busy room, and less often for a rug that sees little traffic. Pets, children and a rug near an entry door are good reasons to wash more often.
A simple test: fold back a corner and rub the back of the rug firmly. If grit falls out, the rug is due.
Questions to ask a rug cleaner
Do you wash rugs in a plant, and do you dust them before washing?
How do you test for colors that might run, and how do you dry the rug?
Do you clean the fringe, and do you handle repairs or send them out?
Quick answers
Is steam cleaning safe for a wool rug?
Heat and slow drying can shrink wool, set stains and make dyes run. A rug wash with cool or lukewarm water and fast drying is safer for handmade wool rugs.
How long does a professional rug wash take?
It depends on the rug and the cleaner. Many cleaners need several days to a few weeks, because inspection, washing and full drying are not rushed.
Can every stain be removed?
No. Many stains come out, but old stains, bleach spots and dye that has already run may be permanent. A good cleaner will tell you what to expect before the wash.
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