Your Rug Deserves More Than a Quick Clean.

Hot water extraction — sometimes referred to as steam cleaning, though the process uses hot water rather than steam — is the most effective method for removing deeply embedded soil, bacteria, allergens, and odour-causing residues from rug fibres. It is the method we use most frequently for wool, synthetic, and robust natural fibre rugs that have been assessed as suitable for wet cleaning.

The process involves injecting a carefully controlled mixture of hot water and a pH-appropriate cleaning solution into the rug pile under pressure, then immediately extracting it along with the loosened soil. The extraction removes the vast majority of moisture at the same time, which is why controlled drying afterwards is still essential but significantly faster than methods that leave more water in the rug.

Before hot water extraction is applied, we carry out dry soil removal and targeted pre-treatment of any stained areas. Applying hot water extraction to a rug that still contains loose dry soil simply turns that soil into mud and drives it deeper into the pile — a step many operators skip, but one we consider non-negotiable. The pre-treatment stage ensures that stains have been addressed with the appropriate agent before the main clean begins, giving the best possible chance of full or significant removal.

Hot water extraction is not appropriate for all rugs. Silk, very fine antique rugs, and rugs with unstable dyes require a more conservative approach. Our inspection process identifies these cases before any cleaning begins.

Hand washing is the traditional method used for fine Persian, Oriental, antique, and other delicate rugs that require careful handling. It is a more time-consuming process than machine-assisted cleaning, but it gives the technician direct control over every aspect of the clean — the pressure applied, the direction of the wash, the products used, and the treatment of individual areas.

The rug is laid flat and worked methodically, section by section, using soft brushes and appropriate cleaning solutions. The pile is worked in the direction of the weave to avoid disturbing the fibre structure. Fringes are cleaned separately and with particular care, as they are often the most fragile part of a hand-knotted rug and the most easily damaged by aggressive cleaning.

Dye stability is assessed before hand washing begins. Some older rugs — particularly those dyed with natural dyes — can bleed when wet, and this risk must be identified and managed before the rug is exposed to moisture. Where dye bleed is a concern, we take a conservative approach and may recommend a dry cleaning method instead.

After washing, the rug is thoroughly rinsed to remove all cleaning solution and loosened soil. Residue left in the pile will attract dirt quickly and can affect the feel of the rug underfoot. The rinse stage is as important as the wash itself.

Low-moisture cleaning uses significantly less water than hot water extraction and is appropriate for rugs where reducing moisture exposure is important — either because of the rug's construction, its backing material, or because a faster turnaround is required. It is also used for rugs that are not suitable for full wet cleaning but require more than a dry method can provide.

The method involves applying a cleaning compound or encapsulation solution to the rug pile, working it through the fibres using appropriate equipment, and then removing it along with the soil it has captured. The process cleans effectively while leaving very little moisture in the rug, which means drying time is substantially reduced.

Low-moisture cleaning is particularly well suited to rugs with natural fibre backings — jute, cotton, and similar materials — which can be damaged or distorted by prolonged exposure to moisture. It is also used for rugs where the pile construction means that deep wet cleaning carries a risk of shrinkage or distortion.

As with all our methods, low-moisture cleaning is preceded by dry soil removal and spot pre-treatment. The cleaning compound is selected based on the rug's fibre type and the nature of the soiling present.

Dry cleaning — in the context of rug cleaning — refers to methods that use no water or only minimal moisture, relying instead on dry compounds, solvents, or absorbent powders to lift soil from the rug's fibres. It is the most conservative approach and is reserved for rugs where any significant moisture exposure carries a genuine risk of damage.

Silk rugs are the most common candidates for dry cleaning. Silk is a protein fibre that can be weakened, distorted, or permanently damaged by water and heat. Even rugs that appear to be silk should be tested before any wet method is considered — many rugs described as silk contain mercerised cotton or art silk, which behave differently and may tolerate wet cleaning.

Very fine antique rugs with fragile fibres or unstable dyes may also be cleaned using dry methods where the risk of wet cleaning is assessed as too high. In these cases, the priority is preservation rather than the deepest possible clean — a position we explain clearly to clients before proceeding.

Dry cleaning does not produce the same depth of clean as hot water extraction or hand washing for heavily soiled rugs. We will always advise you honestly about what a dry method can and cannot achieve for your specific rug, so that you can make an informed decision about how to proceed.

Stain treatment is not a single process — it is a series of decisions made based on the stain type, the rug's fibre, the age of the stain, and what has already been applied to it. Different stains require different agents. A protein-based stain such as blood or egg requires a different approach to a tannin stain from red wine or tea, which in turn requires a different approach to an oil-based stain from grease or cosmetics.

We assess each stain individually during the inspection stage and select the appropriate pre-treatment agent. The agent is applied and allowed to dwell for the appropriate time before the main clean begins. In some cases, a stain will require multiple treatment passes or a specialist product not used in routine cleaning.

We are honest about stain removal outcomes. Some stains — particularly those that have been present for a long time, those that have been treated with consumer products before we receive the rug, or those that have caused permanent dye damage — cannot be fully removed. We will tell you this before we start rather than after. Where complete removal is unlikely, we will explain what improvement is realistic and let you decide whether to proceed.

Pet-related staining and odour is a common and often challenging problem. Urine in particular can penetrate deep into the pile and backing, and in some cases into the floor beneath the rug. We treat pet staining with enzyme-based products appropriate for protein breakdown, but we are clear that results depend heavily on how deeply the contamination has penetrated and how long it has been present.

Drying is not simply the final step — it is one of the most important parts of the entire process. A rug that is cleaned thoroughly but dried incorrectly can develop odour, mould, or structural distortion that undoes the work of the clean. At our facility, drying is carried out in a controlled environment with appropriate airflow and temperature, and the rug is positioned to dry evenly from both sides.

Rugs dried flat on a hard surface without adequate airflow underneath will retain moisture in the backing long after the pile appears dry to the touch. This trapped moisture is the primary cause of the musty smell that sometimes develops after a rug has been cleaned at home or by an operator without proper drying facilities. We ensure the rug is elevated and supported so that air can circulate freely around the entire piece.

Natural fibre rugs — particularly those with wool pile and cotton or jute backing — are most vulnerable to drying problems. Wool can absorb and retain a significant amount of moisture, and jute backings are particularly susceptible to mould if not dried thoroughly. We monitor the drying process and do not consider a rug ready for return until it is dry throughout, not just on the surface.

Drying time varies depending on the rug's size, pile depth, material, and the cleaning method used. We give clients a realistic turnaround estimate at the time of booking and do not rush the drying process to meet an arbitrary deadline.