Frequently Asked Questions
Information
Frequently Asked Questions
The rug experts at Rug District have hand-washed thousands of Persian and Oriental rugs. If you don’t see your question below, reach out here — we’ll be happy to help.
Cleaning & Maintenance
How often should I clean my rug?
Every two to three years is ideal. High-traffic rugs, pet accidents, or spills may need cleaning sooner to prevent fibre damage and odours.
What types of rugs do you clean?
All styles of Oriental, Persian, silk, wool, hand-knotted, antique, and modern area rugs. Each piece is washed by hand with a chemical-free method.
What types of rugs do you clean?
Should I steam-clean my Persian or Oriental rug?
No. Steam can shrink fibres and bleed colours. Always choose specialist hand-washing to protect value and beauty.
I have pets, and my area rug smells. Can you help?
Yes. Our enzyme treatment removes pet odours safely and completely without harming fibres or dyes.
LOGISTICS & PICK-UP
I’m moving — can my rug be delivered to my new address?
Absolutely. Select “new address delivery” when booking and we’ll handle the rest.
Is it risky to have my expensive Oriental rug cleaned?
Not with Rug District. We use pH-balanced soaps, perform dye-stability tests, and hand-wash without mechanical agitation to protect even the finest pieces.
How long will it take to have my Oriental rug washed?
You’ll usually receive the rug back within 10–14 days. Intricate Persian pieces that need multiple hand-wash cycles may take a bit longer.
RESTORATION & REPAIR
Can you appraise my Persian and Oriental rugs?
Yes. Our certified appraisers provide written valuations for insurance, resale, or estate purposes.
Can my Oriental rug be restored?
In most cases, yes. We offer re-weaving, binding, fringe repair, and colour restoration. Early repair prevents further damage.
Why does my rug have such long fringe, and can I remove it?
The fringe is the warp foundation. We can shorten or re-bind it without compromising authenticity.
I just inherited an Oriental rug that I can’t use. Will you help me sell it?
Yes. Our consignment program markets your rug to collectors and designers to secure top value.
SPILLS & DAMAGE
I spilled red wine on my rug. What should I do?
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Blot (don’t rub) with a clean towel.
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Cover the spot with table salt; let it dry, then vacuum.
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If the stain persists, call our professional stain-removal team.
Will my rug fade over time?
Natural dyes last decades, but direct sunlight accelerates fading. Use blinds, rotate the rug yearly, and consider UV window film.
Rug Characteristics Explained
How long will my Oriental rug last?
A handmade Persian or Oriental rug can last 100 years or more with routine cleaning and proper padding.
What do knots per square inch mean?
Knot count measures weave density. Higher counts usually mean crisper designs, greater durability, and higher value.
What does a high pile mean?
“Pile” is fibre height. High-pile rugs feel softer but suit low-traffic rooms; low-pile rugs are easier to vacuum and ideal for busy areas.
What is abrash?
Abrash is the natural colour variation created by hand-dyed wool. It’s a hallmark of authenticity, not a flaw.
Will my wool Oriental rug resist soil?
Yes. Wool’s natural lanolin repels dirt, but regular vacuuming and periodic washing keep fibres healthy.
What do the “light side” and “dark side” of my rug mean?
Nap direction causes one side to appear darker. View from both angles when positioning your rug.
Pets & Lifestyle
I own pets — can I still have an Oriental rug?
Absolutely. Choose a low-pile wool rug for durability, clean spills quickly, and schedule professional deodorizing as needed.
Is a rug pad really necessary?
Yes. A quality pad prevents slipping, cushions foot traffic, and extends rug life by reducing wear.
Can I put my silk Oriental rug on the floor?
Silk looks stunning on the floor but is best in low-traffic, shoe-free areas. Use a pad and rotate yearly.
Miscellaneous
Will you clean my drapes, sofa, and leather jacket?
We’re strictly rug specialists. For upholstery cleaning, we can recommend a trusted partner.
Still Have Questions?
Call us at 519-497-6446 or send a quick message through our Contact page. We respond within one business day.