Expert Oriental rug cleaning in Kent & East Sussex - Located in Royal Tunbridge Wells
The Oriental Rug Merchant is ideally situated to offer a rug cleaning service to customers in Kent and East Sussex, whilst clients based in London, Surrey and Essex can also take advantage of this Oriental carpet cleaning service.
All of our rug cleaning is undertaken by our vastly experienced and expert rug restorer. For peace of mind, he cleans all of our antique rugs (that we acquire from time-to-time) to make them ready for sale, as well as our clients’ rugs. The results typically exceed expectations and customers often return with their other rugs.
About our rug cleaning process
Great care and thorough attention are given to every rug we clean, and every rug goes through a number of exacting processes when it is washed.
The first stage of the rug washing process is the stage where the dust and dirt particles are removed with a de-dusting machine. This machine gently but vigorously agitates the back of the rug to dislodge the ingrained dust from the pile.
Next, the rug is washed with a rotating brush system manual machine using water and carpet detergent. The brushes penetrate deep into carpet fibres to remove dirt, dust, and stains. The rug is washed on both sides. Following this the carpet detergent is thoroughly rinsed from the rug using water, which is then manual pushed out in the direction of the pile of the rug.
The final stage of the process is drying it; and at this stage the rug will be retaining a lot of water. To remove the water the rug is put into a carpet centrifuge wringer which will remove 95% of the water trapped inside the rug. This machine spins the rug at high revolutions, using centrifugal force to extract water quickly. With the water extracted, the rug is then hung to air dry until ready.
In extreme cases, these processes are repeated i.e. the rug is washed more than once, to achieve the best results possible.
The benefits of having your rug cleaned:
Aside from the colours of your rug being rejuvenated and smelling fresher, cleaning your rug results in numerous other benefits.
Over time grit, dirt and dust particles become ingrained in the pile and as your rug ages these particles cause wear and erosion damage to the pile. Part of the rug washing process known as “de-dusting” removes these fine grit particles thereby ensuring that your rug will last longer. As a consequence, the dust removal is also extremely beneficial to people with dust allergies.
Carpet moths are attracted to dirty, undisturbed wool, and lay their eggs in these protein-rich locations for their larvae to thrive. By washing your rug this ideal breeding environment is removed. Keeping your rug clean is the best method of preventing moth infestations.
The price of cleaning your rug
There is a minimum charge of £54 per rug for rugs up to 2.16 square metres (180x120cm).
Rugs larger than 2.16 square metres are charged at £25 per square metre.
Cleaning Chinese rugs: minimum charge of £60 per rug for rugs up to 2.16 square metres.
Chinese rugs larger than 2.16 square metres are charged at £28 per square metre.
Silk rug cleaning: please contact us.
If you would like your rug treated for Moth Proofing is an additional £12 per square metre.
All prices are inclusive of VAT.
Having your rug cleaned by us
The rugs are not cleaned at our showroom, but at our restorer’s specialist rug cleaning and restoration workshop.
You can drop off your Oriental rug or rugs for cleaning at our showroom (11 High Street, Royal Tunbridge Wells, TN1 1UL). We will measure it and confirm the cleaning cost, as well as providing advice on any staining or repairs that might be required.
If you have a rug with a suspected moth infestation, please bring this wrapped securely. As we would like to keep our stock protected.
For large rugs located in the Tunbridge Wells area, collection and re-delivery is possible, please contact us to make arrangements. Unfortunately, we do not have the capacity to offer this service for large carpets located further away.
We take rugs to our restorer for cleaning and repair every other week on a Saturday morningand collect 2 weeks later (on a Saturday). Once the rug is back in the shop, we will be in contact to let you know that it is ready for collection.
Occasionally rug cleaning and repair services might take longer than this fortnightly schedule due to additional treatments/repairs/rewashing, transport capacity, staff holidays, etc.
Rug Cleaning FAQs
How often should I have my rug cleaned?
Oriental rugs do not require cleaning that frequently and this depends on where it is used. We recommend cleaning your rug every 3-5 years.
Do you clean other types of rugs?
Yes, our restorer is experienced in cleaning all sorts of rugs, not just handmade Oriental rugs. We regularly clean Kilim rugs, machine-made rugs and handtufted rugs.
Do you clean all rugs?
From time-to-time we come across a rug that may be deemed too “risky” to clean and our customers are advised that some pieces may not withstand some of the more vigorous cleaning processes, or we suspect that the dyes may be fugitive. We will always advise if that is the case.
Do you clean fitted carpets?
No, we only clean rugs.
Will the staining come out of my rug?
This largely depends on the stain and the type of rug. Our restorer is a highly skilled artisan with vast experience, often stains can be removed in the rug washing process, although sometime additional treatment is required and we will advise you of the additional cost.
The colours of my rug have bled from a leak at my home, will the colour-run come out in cleaning?
Colour-run is not likely to be removed by cleaning, this will require additional treatments.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us
For Rug Cleaning Enquiries
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