Updated: 15/04/2026 | Tags Rug cleaning, Stain removal, Carpet cleaning

I wanted to let you in to a little secret, when it comes to having your modern or oriental rug cleaned. Here’s how…

Firstly, let’s highlight how area rugs are constructed.

True oriental rugs are made in various countries ranging from Romania, Turkey, Armenia, Iran and Afghanistan. Also Turkestan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, China, and Mongolia. Using a variety of traditional weaving and hand knotting techniques. Passed down through generations. Taking decades to master. Designs being copied from a cartoon (design template) or inspired from the weaver.  In some cases, expressing their way of life.

Losing the fringes on your rug, is like having a hole in your pocket

The very foundation of an oriental rug is the cotton or wool warps (fringes). Although (usually with Oriental Chinese Rugs), some are attached after construction. Therefore, the longevity of these warps are not as important. Where as with an Indian Rug this can be detrimental to the life span if left to fray for too long. As a result, an elegant rug falling apart. More importantly, if your Oriental Rug is worth some considerable amount of dosh, this could be a costly mistake to over look.

Does silk have value?

The fibres of an oriental rug are usually wool or silk. Wool that is unprocessed and raw, is separated for long, white fibers. Then washed and carded before spinning and plying. Tribal or village weavers do this by hand. Various vegetal material is then used to dye the yarn. For example, insects and roots to give the wool a rich colour.

Silk being the more expensive textile to use, will give a rug considerable amount of value. In addition, texture and appearance.

Modern rugs are just as important…

Whether that’s machine made or the tufted kind. This is where the backing is glued to the rug with latex. The latex holds the fibres of the rug, being the main structure keeping them intact. When choosing a rug cleaning method, even if it is an extraction of the face fibres, these rugs still need as much attention and care as if you owned an expensive Persian Rug. My belief is to treat every fibre and fabric with the respect it deserves. Especially when washing your items in the rug cleaning process.

When choosing an oriental rug cleaning service, it is important to make sure you are confident with that choice. Why? If the backing of a latex glued (tufted rug), is left wet for too long, disintegration of the latex will start. As a result, leaving a dusty powder on the floor which can be noticeable when the rug is lifted. Also, latex will have a permanent smell of damp if  it’s left wet for too long. Consequently, this is irreversible and unfortunately your lovely rug will only be fit for the skip!

How do I know if my rug has latex?

Turn your rug over. A tufted rug usually has a material that appears to be stitched or glued. In light of this, most modern rugs are constructed this way.

Rug cleaning can be a funny thing

Over the years I have heard some funny stories. For example, “the dirtier my oriental rug is, the more its worth”. The funniest, “the urine stains give it more character”. Well, each to their own I suppose!

• Dirt acts like sand paper (because it’s basically grit and sand). This wears fibres down. Resulting over time, dark traffic areas. Believing that a rug is worth some money can only come down to trust and education. If you love something so much, you will spend the money!
• Oriental rugs are usually made from wool. Therefore, leaving urine in a wool rug is completely ludicrous! Pet urine is neutral when it leaves the body, but when it dries, turns to an alkaline. This then is leaving traces of damaging salts that turn into bacteria.

 

Feel free to pop into our custom made workshop for Rug Cleaning in Stroud.  

Meet the family at Sheen Complete Floor & Fabric Care

Hello I’m Adrian on the left, founder and skilled craftsman of the company. Whilst studying the science of cleaning, my passion is to restore soft and hard furnishings back to a like new condition. It’s more than a job its my hobby. I enjoy the country and American sport. Most of all I love spending quality time with my children and squeezing in a bit of business to business when I can. I can mix my two favorite things together. Whilst solving your concerns and making memories with the little rascals.

Hi I’m Anna. I take care of everything from enquiries, bookings, admin and making sure you receive all relevant information to get the best service experience available. I am always here to help, Apart from adoring the children in my life, I have to admit I am the one that gives into temptation when a friend asks to go for lunch!

P.s. Looking for the best advice has never been so easy for Rug Cleaning. Just go to ‘fill in the form’ >>> and we can give you all the help you need, Love Anna & Adrian

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