Tom Siasi
When you bring your rug to C.T. Rugs, you're not dropping it off at a conveyor belt. Every rug gets individual attention from start to finish. Here's a walk-through of our process so you know exactly what's happening to your rug while it's in our care.
Most people have never seen how a fine rug is properly cleaned. Here's exactly what we do — and why each step matters.
Inspection
Before we touch a drop of water, we inspect the rug thoroughly. We check the fiber type (wool, silk, cotton, or synthetic), examine the dyes for colorfastness, look for existing damage like fraying, moth damage, or worn areas, and note any stains that need special attention. This inspection shapes everything that follows.
Dry Soil Removal
We start by removing dry soil and grit from the rug before any water is introduced. Grit trapped in the pile acts like sandpaper on the fibers — if you wet it first, you grind it in deeper. We use gentle beating and vacuuming to pull out as much dry debris as possible.
Hand Washing
The rug is laid flat and hand washed using cool, clean water and a pH-balanced solution appropriate for its specific fibers and dyes. We work with the pile, not against it, and pay extra attention to heavily soiled areas. This is the step that separates a true specialist from a carpet cleaner — it takes time, skill, and patience.
Thorough Rinsing
Residual detergent left in a rug attracts dirt and can damage fibers over time. We rinse thoroughly until the water runs completely clear. This step alone takes longer than most people expect — but it's essential for a clean that actually lasts.
Controlled Drying
Rugs are hung or laid flat to dry in a controlled environment. Proper drying prevents mildew, keeps the rug from shrinking or warping, and ensures the pile sets correctly. Rushing this step is one of the most common mistakes we see from less experienced cleaners.
Final Inspection & Grooming
Once dry, we do a final inspection, groom the pile, and check that the fringe is clean and lying flat. If we noticed any repair needs during the initial inspection, we'll let you know at pickup — no surprises.