Cleaning a rug isn’t always straightforward. Each type requires its own approach, whether a traditional hand-knotted Persian or a modern gun-tufted piece. We’ve seen it all, and we understand that different rugs need different care.

Here’s a closer look at rug cleaning in Essex, the most common types of rugs we come across, and how we decide on the best way to clean them.

Woven Rugs (Hand-Made or Machine-Made)

Woven rugs are built to last. Whether handcrafted by skilled artisans or produced by machines, they typically use natural fibres like wool, cotton, or silk. You’ll often find woven rugs from places such as Iran, Turkey, India, and Pakistan.

These rugs tend to be strong and resilient, which means they usually respond well to full water immersion cleaning… a method where the rug is completely submerged to allow the removal of the deep soil and contaminants. This type of cleaning is carried out at a specialist rug cleaning studio and is ideal for tough dirt or spills.

Gun-Tufted Rugs

Gun-tufted rugs look the part and often come at a more affordable price point. You’ll spot them in high street shops, usually made in countries like China, India, or Pakistan. The yarn is punched into a fabric backing and held together with glue.

The challenge? That glue doesn’t always hold up when you introduce water. Overwetting can cause delamination, where the layers begin to separate. So, these rugs are more sensitive to cleaning, especially if they’re affected by pet urine stains.

When pet accidents dry into a rug, the urine can crystallise inside the fibres, and these stains are notoriously hard to remove. Sometimes, a deep immersion clean might be the only solution… but it comes with the risk of damaging the rug.

That’s why we’ll assess its condition and construction before we clean any gun-tufted rug. If the risks outweigh the benefits, we’ll recommend a low-moisture, surface-level clean instead.

On-Site vs. Specialist Studio Cleaning

At Care Clean Essex, we offer both on-site cleaning and the option to send your rug to our trusted cleaning partners at Art of Clean in Cambridge. Here’s how we choose which route to take:

• On-site cleaning is suitable for structurally sound rugs with light surface soiling. We use hot water extraction, often called steam cleaning, though we don’t use actual steam.
• For more delicate rugs or those needing a deep clean… particularly those affected by flooding, pet accidents, or heavy soiling… we recommend studio cleaning. These cleans allow for a more thorough wash without compromising the rug’s structure.

Recently, we restored a flood-damaged rug caked in mud and grime. It took multiple cleans, but it looked miles better and will last several more years with regular care.

What’s the Right Cleaning Option for Your Rug?

Choosing the right method to clean depends on the rug’s construction, materials, and how dirty it is. Here’s a quick overview:

• Woven Rugs – These can usually be immersed in clean safely.
• Gun-Tufted Rugs – Best approached with caution. On-site cleaning is often safer.
• Silk or Delicate Fibres – Always tested before cleaning. Usually, it requires a soft, hand-cleaning approach.

If you’re not sure, don’t worry—we’re here to help. We’ll assess your rug and explain the best course of action so you can make an informed choice.

Before you go…

Every rug has a story and deserves the right kind of care. At Care Clean Essex, we tailor our approach to suit your rug—not the other way around. Whether you need a light freshen-up or a deep clean, our team is here to help.

📞 Need rug cleaning advice in Essex? Call us on 01245 323989. We’ll help you choose the best solution for your rug’s needs. If you’re not in our catchment area, have a look at the NCCA website, which will have a list of all accredited carpet cleaners across the UK.

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