Our services
Hand Rug Cleaning in NYC
Every rug is inspected, dye tested and washed by hand at our Greenpoint workshop, then dried slowly and returned to you clean, soft and ready to lay. Pickup and delivery are free across NYC.
Why a workshop wash is different
Most of the soil in a hand-knotted rug is not on the surface. Fine grit works down to the base of the pile and the foundation, where it cuts fibers each time the rug is walked on. A vacuum or an in-home steam clean reaches very little of it.
At the workshop we can do what the rug actually needs: remove the dry soil first, wash the whole rug in controlled conditions, rinse thoroughly and dry it flat with good air movement.
Dye stability testing comes first
Before any water touches the rug, we test each color for stability. Reds, dark blues and some vegetable dyes can run when wet. The results decide the water temperature, the cleaning solution and how quickly the rug moves through each stage.
Dusting and de-sanding
Rugs are dusted from the back, which vibrates loose the grit lodged deep in the knots. Removing this dry soil before washing keeps it from turning into mud inside the pile.
Full immersion wash and pH-balanced rinse
Wool and silk rugs are washed with gentle, pH-appropriate solutions and worked by hand in the direction of the pile. A full rinse follows, using clean water until it runs clear, then a pH-balanced final rinse that leaves wool soft and keeps colors bright.
Controlled drying
Excess water is extracted, the pile is groomed, and the rug dries flat in a climate-controlled space. Drying quickly and evenly is what prevents color migration and the brown staining that appears when a rug dries slowly from the back.
When a rug needs more than a wash
Inspection often turns up something else: loose fringe, a worn selvedge, moth activity or old pet stains. We will point it out, explain the options and quote it separately. You decide what is done, and nothing beyond cleaning is carried out without your approval.
Step by step
Our process
01
Pickup and inspection
We collect your rug, photograph it and note fibers, construction, dyes and any damage.
02
Dusting and dye testing
Dry soil is removed from the back and every color is tested for stability.
03
Hand wash and rinse
A full immersion wash with gentle solutions, followed by clear and pH-balanced rinses.
04
Drying and delivery
The rug dries flat, is groomed and checked, then returned and laid in your home.
Before you book
What to expect and turnaround
At pickup we roll and wrap it, and you receive a written note of anything we see during inspection.
Some marks are permanent, such as sun fading, old dye runs or wear down to the foundation. We will tell you honestly what a wash can and cannot change before work begins.
Most rugs return in about a week. Silk, very large rugs and anything needing repairs or color work take longer, and we confirm the timeline after inspection.
FAQ
Questions we hear often
Can I clean my rug myself?
Regular vacuuming and blotting spills promptly help a great deal. A deep clean is different: it needs dye testing, a full rinse and controlled drying, which are difficult to do safely at home.
How often should an area rug be professionally cleaned?
For most rugs, every 12 to 18 months. Rugs in busy rooms, homes with pets, and delicate or antique pieces may need more frequent care.
Is a workshop wash safe for silk and antique rugs?
Yes, when it is done carefully. Each rug is tested first, and the method, solution and drying are chosen for its fibers, dyes and condition.
Can you remove pet stains and musty odors?
Often, yes. Urine and odor need a dedicated treatment in addition to the wash. We assess it at inspection and explain what to expect.
Do you offer pickup and delivery?
Yes. Pickup and delivery are free across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Long Island and Nassau County.
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