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GUIDE TO ORIENTAL RUG CLEANING COST

Don’t be stumped by Oriental rug cleaning cost. Get the facts you need to take action and keep your rug in great shape and protect your investment.

Oriental rugs are timeless treasures that add elegance and warmth to any home. At HammondKnoll, we understand the value these exquisite pieces hold, both emotionally and financially. With our commitment to expert care for every surface, this guide aims to equip you with essential knowledge on maintaining your Oriental rugs in pristine condition, ensuring they continue to enhance your home and preserve their value for years to come.

Understanding Oriental Rugs

What Makes Oriental Rugs Special?

Oriental rugs are distinguished by their intricate designs, luxurious materials, and the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each piece. Originating from various regions, including Iran (Persia), China, India, and Turkey, these rugs are not merely decorative items but pieces of history and art. Authentic Oriental rugs are hand made from natural fibers like wool, silk, and cotton,  and dyed with unique dyeing methods that contribute to their vibrant colors and intricate patterns, making each rug a unique masterpiece.

Factors Affecting Oriental Rug Cleaning Costs

To determine the cost of cleaning an Oriental rug, several factors must be taken into account:

  • Size and Material: The larger the area rugs and the more delicate the material (such as a silk rug), the higher the cleaning cost due to the meticulous care and specialized techniques required.
  • Age and Condition: Older rugs or those with significant wear, damage, or stains may need additional restoration work, impacting the cleaning cost.
  • Type of Cleaning Required: The cleaning method can vary from a simple wash to more complex stain removal and repair services, each affecting the total cost.

The Cleaning Process

How Professionals Clean Oriental Rugs

The process of cleaning an Oriental rug at HammondKnoll is both an art and a science. It involves several steps designed to ensure each type of rug is cleaned thoroughly while preserving its integrity:

  • Inspection and Pre-treatment: Each rug is carefully inspected to identify any areas that require special attention, such as stains, damage, or wear. Based on this assessment, a pre-treatment plan is tailored to the rug’s specific needs.
  • Dust Removal: Before washing, rugs undergo a dust removal process to eliminate dirt and particles that have accumulated over time. This step is crucial for preventing damage during the washing process.
  • Washing and Drying: Depending on the rug’s material and condition, a suitable washing method is selected. This could involve hand-washing or gentle machine washing with specialized detergents. After washing, the rug is dried in a controlled environment to prevent shrinking or color bleeding.

Can You Pressure Wash an Oriental Rug?

Pressure washing an Oriental rug is highly discouraged. The force of the water can damage the fibers, cause colors to bleed, and lead to the breakdown of the rug’s structure. Our experts recommend hiring a professional rug cleaning service whose methods are tailored to the specific needs of your rug to ensure its longevity.

DIY Cleaning: Can You Self-Clean an Oriental Rug?

While minor spills and maintenance cleaning can be managed at home, deep cleaning is best left to professionals. Home cleaning methods often lack the precision and care required to preserve the rug’s beauty and value. For minor spills, blotting (not rubbing) the stain with a clean, damp cloth can prevent the spill from setting. However, for overall cleaning and maintenance, professional services are recommended to avoid potential damage.

Cost Considerations

Average Costs of Professional Oriental Rug Cleaning

Understanding professional Persian rug cleaning costs is important for rug owners. Rug cleaning prices can vary widely based on several factors:

  • By Size and Material: Generally, the cost per square foot for Oriental rug cleaning ranges from $1 to $8 per square foot, with delicate materials like silk at the higher end of the spectrum.
  • Additional Services: Beyond simply how many square feet your rug is, services such as detailed hand cleaning, stain removal, and repairs for wear or moth damage can add to the overall cost. These additional services ensure that your rug not only gets cleaned but is also preserved and restored to its original beauty. 

Cost Comparison: Professional vs. DIY Cleaning

While DIY cleaning using a carpet cleaner might seem like a more economical way to clean a rug, it carries the risk of damaging your valuable heirloom. Professional cleaning, on the other hand, while initially more costly, preserves the rug’s value, appearance, and longevity. The expertise of professionals in handling delicate fibers, intricate patterns, and specific stains can prevent irreversible damage that could significantly reduce the rug’s value.

How To Calculate Oriental Rug Cleaning Costs

Is There A Formula For Calculating Oriental Rug Cleaning Costs?

The formula for calculating Oriental rug cleaning cost is to multiply the rug’s length by its width, then multiplying that number by the cost-per-square-foot.

There’s a standard formula to determine the cost of cleaning an Oriental rug and it’s based on the size of the rug, measured in square feet.

To find the size of your Oriental rug, multiply the width of the rug by its length. The result is your rug’s square footage.

Note: If your Oriental rug has tassels or fringe, include them in the length measurements.

So, if your Oriental rug is 5 feet wide and 8 feet long, it is 40 square feet.

Once you know the size of your rug in square feet, multiply the number of square feet by the price (also per square foot).

For our example, if the cleaning cost per square foot is $1.55, the total cost would be $62.

Keep in mind that the material your rug is made of  – or even how it’s made – will affect the price.

Let’s look at some different materials and the specific Oriental rug cleaning cost associated with each.

Oriental Rug Cleaning Costs By Material

  1. Synthetic Oriental rug= $2.69/square foot
  2. Machine-made wool Oriental rug= $3.55/square foot
  3. Handmade wool Oriental rug= $4.16/square foot

1. Cleaning cost for synthetic Oriental rugs

A synthetic Oriental rug will most likely be made from nylon, polypropylene and olefin.

They’re known for feeling a little more rough and plastic-y than other types of Oriental rugs.

Synthetic Oriental rugs may have tassels, fringe, or they may be surged or have bound edges.

You’ll pay approximately $2.69 per square foot to have your synthetic Oriental rug cleaned.

2. Machine-made wool Oriental rug cleaning cost

A wool Oriental rug will be softer to the touch than a synthetic one.

There are two types of wool Oriental rugs: machine-made and handmade.

It costs about $3.55 per square foot to clean a machine-made Oriental rug.

3. Cost for cleaning handmade wool Oriental rugs

There’s a wide variety of hand-tied (aka handmade) rugs that come from all over the world.

We most commonly see Persian, Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, Romanian, Bokhara, Moroccan and Flokatis.

Handmade or hand-tied rugs are typically purchased from Selden’s Home Furnishings, an actual antique rug dealer.

Quite often, they’re inherited or passed down from generation to generation. Handmade rugs last for many years when properly cared for.

It costs about $4.16 per square foot to clean a handmade Oriental rug.

Maintenance and Value

Maintaining Your Oriental Rug

Proper maintenance is key to extending the life and beauty of your Oriental rug:

  • Vacuum Gently but Regularly: Regular vacuuming removes dirt and grit that can wear down the rug’s fibers over time. However, it’s important to avoid vacuuming the fringe and to use a gentle setting to prevent damage.
  • Rotate Your Rug: To ensure even wear and fading, rotate your rug every six months, especially if it’s in a sunlit or high-traffic area.
  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Continuous exposure to sunlight can cause the colors in your rug to fade over time. Positioning your rug away from direct sunlight or using window treatments can help preserve its vibrant colors.

Do Oriental Rugs Appreciate in Value?

Oriental rugs can indeed appreciate in value, particularly those that are well-maintained, antique, or rare. Factors such as historical significance, rarity, condition, and artistry play crucial roles in determining a rug’s value. Proper care and professional cleaning are instrumental in preserving these attributes, potentially making your Oriental rug a valuable heirloom to be cherished for generations.

Choosing the Right Cleaning Service

What to Look for in a Professional Rug Cleaning Service

Selecting the right service for your Oriental rug is critical. At HammondKnoll, we suggest looking for:

  • Certifications and Experience: Choose a service with a track record of excellence in handling Oriental rugs. Certifications from recognized industry organizations can be a good indicator of quality.
  • Cleaning Methods: Ensure the service uses cleaning methods appropriate for the type of rug you own. Ask about their process and whether they tailor their approach based on the rug’s material, age, and condition.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Cleaning Service

Before entrusting your valuable rug to a cleaning service, consider asking:

  • What experience do you have with Oriental rugs?
  • Can you provide references or before-and-after photos of your work?
  • How do you tailor your cleaning methods to different types of rugs?
  • Do you offer pickup and delivery as part of your rug cleaning services?

Closing Thoughts

Oriental rugs are not just decorative items; they are investments in your home’s beauty and character. Understanding the nuances of area rug cleaning costs, processes, and maintenance can help you make informed decisions that ensure your rug’s longevity and value. At HammondKnoll, we’re committed to providing expert care for every surface, combining our deep respect for craftsmanship with a dedication to customer satisfaction.

Why Choose HammondKnoll

Choosing HammondKnoll for your Oriental rug cleaning means entrusting your cherished possessions to experts who understand their value. Our approach is rooted in quality craftsmanship, a meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to achieving the highest levels of customer satisfaction. We’re at your service in emergencies with a calm, thorough approach, ensuring that even in urgent situations, your rug receives the care it deserves.

At HammondKnoll, we pride ourselves on being more than just a cleaning service; we are caretakers of history, beauty, and tradition. Join us in preserving these treasures, ensuring your Oriental rugs remain as vibrant and valuable as the day they were woven

For more information, guidance on maintaining your Oriental rug, or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact HammondKnoll today. Let us help you protect and preserve the beauty and value of your Oriental rugs for generations to come.