Hand-knotted rugs are built like sponges. They hold dirt deep in their foundation — the warps and wefts beneath the visible pile — and that dirt cannot be lifted by surface methods. Steam cleaning, dry-clean powders, and consumer carpet shampoos all leave residue behind. Over time, that residue attracts more dirt, breaks down fibers, and shortens the rug's life.
Our process starts with a careful inspection — fiber type, dye stability, age, weave structure, prior repairs — and only then do we choose the wash. Most wool rugs receive a full immersion bath; silk, antique, or unusually delicate rugs get a more controlled treatment. Either way, the rug is fully rinsed and properly dried, the way it was meant to be.
Full immersion bath in our facility. Pre-dusting, hand pre-treatment of stains, fiber-safe soaps, complete rinsing, and controlled drying. The standard service for almost every rug we receive.
Invisible stain-resistant treatment applied after cleaning. Buys you time when spills happen — most liquids will bead and sit on the surface long enough to be blotted up before they reach the fibers.
For rugs with embedded odors — pet, smoke, mildew, or general age. Treatment penetrates the foundation, not just the pile.
Protective treatment for wool rugs, particularly those that will be stored or placed in low-traffic rooms. Moths target undisturbed wool — mothproofing is the easiest preventive step.
When red dye bleeds into ivory wool, the rug isn't ruined — but you need someone who knows what they're doing. We can usually correct dye runs without affecting the original color, even years after the bleed.
Pet stains are part stain, part odor, and part backing damage. We address all three. Older stains that have wicked into the foundation are tougher but rarely impossible.
"You wouldn't dry-clean a sponge. You wash it, you rinse it, you let it dry. A rug is no different."