Why In-Plant Washing?
Oriental, Persian, Turkish, and antique rugs are hand-knotted or hand-woven textiles that can hold decades of dust and body soil deep in the foundation. On-location cleaning simply cannot remove what's trapped at the base of the pile. In-plant immersion washing can.
We pick up your rugs, bring them to our wash plant, and clean them in a controlled environment where water temperature, dwell time, agitation, rinsing, and drying can all be optimized for your specific rug.
Our 9-Step Rug Washing Process
- Pre-inspection. We photograph and document pre-existing wear, color issues, and areas of concern.
- Dust removal. A specialized rug duster beats pounds of fine particulate out of the rug foundation.
- Fiber & dye test. We test for colorfastness and identify fiber content.
- Pre-conditioning. A gentle rug-safe pre-spray breaks down oils and soil.
- Immersion wash. Hand-washing on a wash floor with cool water and rug-specific soap.
- Pet & odor treatment. If needed, extended enzyme soak targeting biological contamination.
- Multi-stage rinse. Clean water flushes all soap and soil out of the foundation.
- Controlled drying. Hung in our drying room with air movement — not sun-baked, which fades dyes.
- Fringe & finish. Fringes are cleaned individually. Any minor repairs are noted.
What We Clean
- Persian and Oriental rugs (hand-knotted wool and silk)
- Turkish, Caucasian, Afghan, and tribal rugs
- Chinese and Indian hand-tufted rugs
- Braided wool and cotton rugs
- Flokati, dhurrie, and kilim rugs
- Antique and semi-antique textiles
- Modern synthetic and natural-fiber area rugs
Pickup & Delivery
We offer complimentary pickup and delivery throughout most of the Upper Valley. Rugs are typically ready in 7 to 10 business days — longer for larger pieces or those needing specialized treatment. For locations outside our regular pickup zone, drop-off and pick-up is available at our White River Junction facility.
Related Services
- Pets & Rugs — specialized pet urine remediation for valuable rugs.
- Drop-off / Pickup Locations — our schedule and locations.
"I inherited an 1890s Persian rug that had been through four generations and smelled like it. Elite's team was unbelievably knowledgeable. The rug came back looking and smelling like it was woven yesterday." — Thomas G., Woodstock VT