Types of Rugs We Clean
At Dad’s Carpet Cleaning, we specialize in the professional care of fine area rugs. Our trained technicians understand that every rug is different — from the fibers it’s made of to the tradition it comes from. Whether you own a treasured family heirloom or a contemporary designer piece, we have the knowledge and equipment to clean it safely and thoroughly. Below is a list of the rug types we expertly clean.
Hand-Knotted & Oriental Rugs
These rugs are among the most valuable in the world. Each knot is tied by hand, making them irreplaceable works of art that require specialized, gentle care.
- Persian Rugs — The gold standard of fine rugs. Regional varieties include Tabriz, Heriz, Sarouk, Kerman, Bidjar, Qum, and Malayer — each with unique weaving characteristics and dye profiles.
- Oriental Rugs — A broad family of hand-knotted rugs originating from China, India, Pakistan, and the Caucasus region.
- Turkish Rugs — Traditional hand-knotted Anatolian styles, including the highly sought-after Oushak rugs — prized for their soft, muted palettes and large-scale floral designs.
- Afghan Rugs — Tribal and village hand-knotted pieces known for rich, deep colors and bold geometric patterns.
- Tibetan Rugs — Distinctive hand-knotted rugs with unique wool characteristics and traditional Buddhist-inspired designs.
Flat-Weave Rugs
Flat-weave rugs have no pile, making them thinner and lighter than knotted rugs. Their unique structure requires a completely different cleaning approach.
- Kilim Rugs — Woven without pile, kilims feature bold geometric patterns and require entirely different cleaning methods than knotted rugs.
- Soumak Rugs — Flat-weave rugs with a brocaded surface texture. The intricate soumak wrapping demands especially gentle handling during cleaning.
- Dhurrie Rugs — Indian flat-woven cotton or wool rugs, popular in casual and contemporary spaces.
European & Decorative Styles
These prestigious European weaving traditions produce some of the most delicate and decorative rugs in the world.
- Aubusson Rugs — French tapestry-style flat-weave rugs of museum quality, often featuring pastoral scenes and elaborate floral motifs.
- Savonnerie Rugs — Luxurious French hand-knotted pile rugs traditionally made for royal palaces. Extremely rare and valuable.
- Needlepoint Rugs — Hand-stitched canvas rugs with intricate designs. Their canvas backing requires specialized, gentle cleaning.
By Fiber & Material
The fiber a rug is made from determines how it must be cleaned. Our team is trained in the specific needs of every material.
- Wool Rugs — The most common fine rug fiber. Wool from different regions — Persian, Afghan, Turkish — each responds differently to cleaning solutions and methods.
- Silk Rugs — The most delicate and valuable of all rug fibers. Silk requires museum-level care; improper cleaning can permanently damage an irreplaceable piece.
- Silk & Wool Blend Rugs — Rugs that use silk pile highlights on a wool foundation, combining the luster of silk with the durability of wool.
- Cotton Foundation Rugs — Many Persian and Oriental rugs use cotton warps and wefts for structure. We clean these with care to prevent shrinkage and warping.
- Viscose / Art Silk / Manmade Silk Rugs — Synthetic silk-look rugs (including rayon and bamboo silk) that can be mistaken for real silk but require very different — and equally specialized — handling to avoid fiber damage.
American & Indigenous Weavings
These rugs carry deep cultural significance and require knowledgeable, respectful care.
- Navajo Rugs — Iconic American Indian hand-woven textiles with bold geometric designs. Their tight flat-weave structure and natural dyes demand expert handling.
- American Indian Weavings — A broader category of tribal textiles including Navajo and other indigenous traditions, each with unique fiber and dye characteristics.
Antique, Semi-Antique & Specialty Rugs
Age and rarity demand extra caution. We treat every antique and specialty piece with the same care a museum curator would.
- Antique Rugs — Pre-1900 rugs of exceptional rarity and value. We use gentle, museum-approved methods to clean without disturbing fragile fibers or aged natural dyes.
- Semi-Antique Rugs — Rugs from 50 to 100 years old that require careful assessment before any cleaning begins.
- Tapestries — Wall-hung woven textiles that require flat handling and extremely gentle cleaning methods.
- Contemporary Designer Rugs — High-end machine-woven, hand-tufted, or custom-designed modern rugs from luxury brands and interior designers.
Not sure what type of rug you have?
Give us a call — we’re happy to help identify it and recommend the right cleaning approach.