Established 1925 North Plainfield, New JerseyLet’s talk about your rug 908 756-7811
Aziz HamrahOriental Rug Care Co.Call

01 / Fine rug cleaning

A considered clean.
For a singular rug.

Wet and dry methods, chosen with the character of your rug in mind.

Illustrative careful wet cleaning of an Oriental rug with a soft brush and delicate shampoo
Illustrative wet-cleaning study

Before the first step

01 Understanding the textile

Care begins
with looking closely.

Rugs that look similar can behave very differently in cleaning. The fibre, dyes, foundation, pile, backing and previous repairs all help shape a suitable approach.

Tell us what you know about yours: where it came from, its approximate age, any previous treatments, and the areas that concern you. Delicate, silk and antique rugs deserve a discussion of their particular condition.

Two approaches, one considered decision

The method
follows the material.

Our wet and old-world dry methods offer different approaches to rug care. A conversation about the individual rug comes first.

Wet method

Delicate shampoo.
Attention to the whole rug.

For rugs suited to wet cleaning, we use a special delicate shampoo as part of the cleaning approach, with particular attention to fine wool and other suitable fibres. Suitability depends on the fibres, dyes, construction and condition; a wet method should never be assumed simply because a rug is valuable or handmade.

Existing colour movement, weakened areas and old repairs are especially useful to mention. The practical details of cleaning and drying should be discussed for your particular rug before work is arranged.

Discuss your rug
Illustrative wet cleaning with gentle shampoo across the surface of a patterned rug
Illustrative wet-cleaning study

Old-world dry method

A different approach.
The same careful attention.

Our old-world dry method is another option to discuss when considering care. “Dry” describes an approach; it should not be taken to mean that every delicate or antique rug is automatically a candidate.

We can explain what the method involves and why it may be appropriate for your rug. Talk with us about the proposed treatment, the materials involved, and the result appropriate to your rug.

Ask about dry care
Illustrative traditional dry-care preparation on a richly patterned rug
Illustrative dry-care study

A useful first conversation

Tell us the story
so far.

  1. 01

    The rug itself

    Approximate size, material if known, hand-knotted or machine-made construction, and any label on the reverse. It is fine if you do not know.

  2. 02

    What has changed

    A recent spill, an odour, dullness, pet exposure or uneven wear. Say when it happened and describe any product already applied.

  3. 03

    The condition around it

    Loose fringe, an opening edge, visible foundation or earlier repairs. Cleaning and repair needs are best considered together.

  4. 04

    The next step

    Call to discuss the rug and confirm the arrangements, current hours and any preparation before you visit. Timing and cost depend on the work involved.

Illustrative close-up of a red and indigo Oriental rug showing pile, border and ivory fringe
Illustrative textile study

Between professional visits

A little attention.
A gentler everyday life.

Check both the surface and the edges occasionally. Catching a loose end or small opening early gives you more choices about what to do next.

Keep vacuum brushes and suction away from loose fringe and fragile areas. Avoid experimenting with household cleaning products on an unfamiliar fibre or dye. For a fresh liquid spill, gently blot with clean absorbent material, without rubbing. Call promptly before applying cleaning products.

Further reading: Canadian Conservation Institute, Care of Carpets and Rugs.

Explore the rug journal

Cleaning questions

Know before
you begin.

Is wet cleaning suitable for silk?

There is no universal answer from the fibre name alone. Dye stability, condition, construction and any finish or past treatment matter. Please identify any known silk content when you call.

Does dry cleaning mean no chemicals or no moisture?

The phrase alone does not establish that. Ask us to explain the proposed method and any products involved for your individual rug. Let us know about any material sensitivities or concerns so they can be considered in that conversation.

Can every stain or odour be removed?

No outcome should be assumed without considering the rug and the cause. Mention what happened, how long it has been present, and any products already used so that expectations can be discussed.

The next chapter

Let’s consider
your rug together.

Tell us about your rug, the way you live with it, and the care you have in mind.

Call 908 756-7811

Visit the store

527 Somerset Street
North Plainfield, NJ 07060
Get directions

Please call for current hours and before bringing a rug.