How much does Oriental rug cleaning cost?
How much does Oriental rug cleaning cost?
$5 – $8 average cost per square foot for professional cleaning
Oriental rug cleaning cost by size
Oriental rug cleaning costs $5 to $8 per square foot on average. The total cost depends on your location, the cleaning company's reputation, and the rug's age, size, and condition. Prices increase if the rug requires repair, or you opt for additional treatments like stain protection or mothproofing.
| Rug size | Average cost for professional cleaning service |
|---|---|
| 3' x 5' | $75 – $120 |
| 6' x 9' | $270 – $430 |
| 8' x 10' | $400 – $640 |
| 9' x 12' | $540 – $860 |
| 10' x 14' | $700 – $1,120 |
Oriental rug cleaning cost factors
In addition to the size, several other factors affect the cost of cleaning Oriental rugs, including:
Rug type: Hand-knotted Oriental rugs often require more specialized care than machine-made rugs, which translates to higher rug cleaning costs.
Age & material: Older Oriental rugs may require special care and cleaning techniques, which can increase the cost. Similarly, rugs made from silk or other delicate and premium materials often cost more to clean than those made from wool or synthetic fibers.
Padding: If your rug has padding, it may need to be removed and cleaned separately or replaced, which adds to the total cost.
Minimum price: Many professional cleaners have a minimum charge for their services, regardless of the rug's size. This base price can range from $25 to $75+, depending on the company and location.
Single vs. double-sided cleaning: Double-sided cleaning takes twice the time, which translates to a higher cost, but you may be able to go longer between cleanings due to the more thorough cleansing process.
Pickup & delivery: Some cleaning services offer pickup and delivery, which can add convenience but also increase the total cost. This service typically ranges from $20 to $70+, depending on distance and rug size. Some companies just factor this into their base cleaning price.
Experts discourage in-house cleaning for Oriental rugs, as the home is not an optimal environment for thorough cleaning. Professional cleaning requires ample space, drainage, and typically involves several large pieces of equipment for proper dusting, rinsing, and drying.
Repairs
If your rug requires repairs in addition to cleaning, this will increase the overall cost. Repair costs depend on the rug's age, weave quality, and the type and extent of damage. Simple fixes may cost less than $100, while complex jobs that involve reweaving, binding, and overlocking may cost $200 to $500 or more.
How do professionals clean Oriental rugs?
Professional cleaners use a combination of traditional hand-washing techniques and modern equipment to clean Oriental rugs. The process usually involves dusting, washing with specialized cleaners, thorough rinsing, and controlled drying.
Oriental rug cleaning service typically involves the following steps:
Inspection: A professional carefully examines the rug, identifying any damage, stains, or areas requiring special attention.
Dusting: Technicians use a specialized machine to extract and remove loose dirt and debris from deep within the rug's fibers.
Pre-treatment: They apply targeted cleaning solutions to heavily soiled areas and specific stains, preparing them for thorough cleaning.
Washing: Professionals gently clean the rug using pH-balanced cleaners specifically formulated for delicate Oriental rug materials.
Rinsing: They thoroughly rinse the rug to completely eliminate all cleaning agents and residual dirt.
Drying: The rug is dried in a carefully controlled environment, preventing potential shrinkage or color bleeding.
Grooming: Skilled professionals brush and align the rug's fibers, restoring its original texture and appearance.
Final inspection: A comprehensive final examination ensures all stains have been removed and the cleaning process meets professional standards.
Maintaining an Oriental rug
Proper maintenance can help reduce the frequency of professional cleanings and extend the life of your Oriental rug:
Vacuum regularly: Use a vacuum without a beater bar to remove loose dirt and debris.
Rotate the rug: Turn your rug 180 degrees every 6 to 12 months to ensure even wear.
Address spills immediately: Blot spills with a clean, white cloth and avoid rubbing.
Use rug pads: Place a high-quality rug pad underneath to protect from wear and provide cushioning.
Avoid direct sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can fade the rug's colors.
Professional cleaning: Schedule professional cleaning every 1 to 3 years, depending on usage and foot traffic.
Oriental rug cleaning FAQs
Can I clean an Oriental rug myself?
While regular vacuuming and spot cleaning are essential for maintenance, it's best to leave the deep cleaning to professionals. Oriental rugs are often delicate and valuable, requiring specialized knowledge and equipment to clean them properly without causing damage.
How long does professional rug cleaning take?
The rug cleaning process typically takes 3 to 7 days, depending on the rug's size, condition, and the cleaning method used. Some companies offer rush services for an additional fee.
How often should Oriental rugs be cleaned?
For most households, professional cleaning every 1 to 3 years is sufficient. However, rugs in high-traffic areas or homes with pets may require more frequent cleaning.
What is the difference between an Oriental rug and a Persian rug?
All Persian rugs are Oriental rugs, but not all Oriental rugs are Persian. Persian rugs specifically come from Iran (formerly Persia), while Oriental rugs can come from various countries in Asia, including China, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. Persian rugs have distinct designs and patterns specific to that region.
How long do Oriental rugs last?
With proper care and maintenance, high-quality Oriental rugs can last for generations. Many antique Oriental rugs are over 100 years old and still in excellent condition.
Getting estimates for Oriental rug cleaning service
When searching for Oriental rug cleaning near you, follow these guidelines to ensure you're getting the best value for your money:
Look for members of professional organizations like the Carpet and Rug Institute and the Association of Rug Care Specialists.
Check if they're certified through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration.
Get at least 3 estimates from companies that specialize in Oriental rug cleaning.
Provide accurate measurements of your rug.
Describe the rug's material and any known issues (stains, odors, damages, etc.).
Ask about their cleaning and drying process and any guarantees they offer.
Inquire about additional services like repairs or protectants.
Check reviews on HomeGuide and Google, and ask for references from previous customers.
Questions to ask about Oriental rug cleaning service
When contacting cleaning services, consider asking the following questions:
Are you IICRC certified or otherwise trained in Oriental rug cleaning?
How long have you been cleaning Oriental rugs?
What cleaning and drying methods do you use?
Do you offer in-home or in-plant cleaning?
What precautions do you take to protect delicate rugs?
Do you provide pickup and delivery services?
Are your cleaning products eco-friendly?
Do you offer any guarantees or warranties on your work?
Can you provide an itemized estimate?
How long will the cleaning process take?
Do you offer any additional services like repairs or scotch guarding?
Do you offer discounts if I schedule recurring cleaning services?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.