Rug cleaning is an art, especially when dealing with different types of rugs. So, today, we will look at rug cleaning and the different types & techniques. Whether it’s a fine hand-knotted Persian rug or a modern machine-made gun-tufted piece, every rug presents its own set of challenges. After all there is an art to rug cleaning. At Careclean Essex, we’ve encountered a variety of rugs, each with unique requirements and limitations when it comes to cleaning.

Types of Rugs and Their Challenges

• Woven Rugs (Hand or Machine Made)

Woven rugs, whether hand-crafted or machine-made, are strong and resilient. These sturdy pieces can withstand more rigorous cleaning methods, including full water immersion. Often, hand-woven rugs come from regions such as Iran, Turkey, Pakistan, and India they make from natural materials like wool, cotton, or silk. Their durability means they can handle being submerged in water for a deep clean, making them ideal candidates for a full saturation wash at a specialist rug cleaning facility.

• Gun Tufted Rugs

Gun-tufted rugs, on the other hand, pose a different challenge. These rugs are typically machine-made, with yarn stitched into a fabric backing and then held together by a layer of adhesive. They are often found in larger retail stores and come from countries such as India, Pakistan, and China. While their construction allows for beautiful designs at lower prices, the use of adhesives makes them more vulnerable during cleaning. Excessive water can cause delamination, where the glue holding the layers together starts to break down.

One of the biggest challenges with gun tufted rugs is handling stains, particularly those from pets. Pet urine, once dried, crystallizes inside the fibres, making it extremely difficult to remove. A full immersion clean may be the best chance of eliminating these stains, but it also comes with a risk of damaging the rug.

On-Site Cleaning vs. Studio Cleaning

At Careclean Essex, we offer both on-site cleaning services and the option to send your rug to our specialist cleaning partner, Art of Clean, in Cambridge. Our on-site cleaning uses hot water extraction (often referred to as steam cleaning, though it doesn’t actually use steam), which works well for surface soiling on sturdy rugs. However, deeper contamination or fragile rugs may require a more intensive cleaning process at our cleaning studio.

We recently cleaned a heavily soiled rug that Mother Nature damaged in a flood and covered in mud and debris. After multiple cleans, we restored it to a much better condition, extending its life for a few more years.

Choosing the Right Rug Cleaning Technique For Different Types

The level of cleaning your rug requires depends on its construction and the type of soiling. Below is a breakdown of the services we offer at Careclean Essex:

Understanding the Risks

Deep water-based cleaning methods may not be suitable for certain types of rugs, like gun tufted or those made with adhesives. For these rugs, on-site cleaning may be a safer option, even if it doesn’t offer the same level of deep cleaning as a saturation wash.

However, for rugs that can handle it, a full, deep clean in our specialist studio can be a game-changer, particularly for those contaminated with pet urine or other deep-seated stains.

Final Thoughts

At Careclean Essex, we dedicate ourselves to giving your rugs the best possible care through our on-site services or by sending them off for more intensive cleaning. If you’re unsure of the best option for your rug, we’re here to guide you through the decision process, ensuring you get the right service for your needs. Our Maintenance Plan offers the best of both worlds for regular upkeep, keeping your rugs looking great year-round while giving them the deep clean they need annually.