Tom Siasi
Your oriental or Persian rug is likely one of the most valuable things in your home — not just in dollars, but in history and meaning. So when it needs cleaning, the choice of who you trust with it matters enormously. Here's what I tell every customer who asks me how to shop around.
After 30 years in the business, I've seen what separates a true specialist from someone who'll damage your rug and hand it back with a smile.
Ask About Their Cleaning Method
The single most important question you can ask is: do you hand wash or use steam? Steam cleaning — the same method used on wall-to-wall carpet — forces hot water and detergent deep into the rug's foundation. It can shrink wool fibers, bleed dyes, and leave behind moisture that causes mildew. A true oriental rug specialist hand washes each rug individually, using cool water and pH-balanced solutions appropriate for the specific dyes and fibers. If a company can't clearly explain their method, that's your first red flag.
Look for Hands-On Experience, Not Just Equipment
Fancy equipment doesn't replace knowledge. Oriental rugs — whether Persian, Turkish, Afghan, or Chinese — each have different fiber types, dye sensitivities, and construction methods. A specialist knows that a silk rug requires entirely different handling than a wool tribal piece. Ask how long they've been cleaning oriental rugs specifically, not just carpets. There's a big difference.
Check Whether They Also Do Repairs
A company that only cleans rugs sees them differently than one that also repairs them. When you repair rugs, you develop a deep understanding of how they're constructed — the warp and weft, the pile height, the fringe attachment. That knowledge makes you a better cleaner. At C.T. Rugs, we've been doing both for over 30 years, and I believe that's part of why our cleaning results are so consistent.
Red Flags to Watch For
Be cautious if a company: quotes a price per square foot without seeing the rug first; offers same-day or next-day turnaround (proper hand washing and drying takes time); can't tell you where the cleaning is done; or uses high-pressure sales tactics. A reputable specialist will want to inspect your rug before quoting, because every rug is different.
Ask for References or Reviews
Any established rug cleaner should have a track record you can verify. Look for Google reviews that mention specific rug types — Persian, oriental, antique — not just generic praise. Ask if they've worked on rugs similar to yours. And don't be afraid to ask for before-and-after photos of past work.