Frequently Asked Questions
How often should rugs be cleaned?
When a rug still looks soiled after vacuuming it may be time to clean it. Time between cleanings can vary greatly. Rugs in kitchens and entry ways may need cleaning every six months; in lower traffic areas every 3-5 years might be enough.
How can I get an estimate of cost?
Most of our cleaning is priced by the square foot. You can call or e-mail and we will give you a quote. For repairs we usually need to see the rug. Bring it in, ship it to us, or have us pick it up; we will provide cost estimates for the work needed.
Do you pick up rugs in the Denver Metro area?
Yes. We pick up on the Front Range in an area from Boulder to Colorado Springs. Our drivers will arrive either at the appointed time, or within thirty minutes after. You will not need to wait all day. Cleaning pick ups that total at least 100 square feet are at no charge. Our drivers can move most furniture, but larger furnishings (pianos, extra heavy pieces, etc.) may require special arrangements. Please call or e-mail for details.
Rugs can be washed. It is the best way to remove as much soil as possible.
Shrinkage can be an issue, but it’s fairly rare and there are usually ways to remedy the problem. Nearly all hand woven rugs are washed when they come off the loom. Your rug was almost certainly washed after it was woven.
Can Navajo rugs be washed in water? Won’t the dyes run?
Navajo rugs can be washed, but you have to know how; we do it all the time. Washed rugs are soft and fresh with soil completely rinsed away. Dyes can run if you aren’t careful but with skill and good technique it’s not a problem. Stop by our shop. We will be happy to show you what we do.
Can I clean or spot clean my own rugs?
Yes. Regular maintenance can keep your rug looking its best and extend the time between professional cleanings. It is possible to remove some spots and stains at home but you have to be careful. Call us and we will help you decide what to do.
Yes. Most stains can be removed. The type of stain, and what has been done to it already, can make a big difference. Some of the worst-looking stains (red wine, food dyes, coffee, urine) can be easy for a professional cleaner to remove.
Can you tell me where my rug is from and what it’s worth?
Yes. We offer verbal appraisals at no charge. We will provide our opinion of age, origin, and value for any rug brought to our shop. For a reasonable charge we can also prepare written appraisals that include the information above as well as a technical description and photos.
No. We do pick rugs up, but all estimating is done at our facility. We can generally provide cleaning estimates by phone or e-mail.
Can you repair rugs on site, or do they have to be brought to your facility?
We do not repair rugs on site as a general rule. Certain minor repairs can be done on site, but the cost is higher than if done at our workshop.
How do I know my rug is worth repairing?
It can be hard to decide what to do with a rug. We offer verbal appraisals and repair estimates at no charge. We can help you sort out what makes sense.
Package services such as UPS and FedEx are easy ways to ship small to medium sized rugs; both accept packages up to 150 pounds. We can arrange for larger rugs to be transported by trucking companies if necessary. Packaging rugs for shipment may seem daunting, but it’s not hard to do. Small rugs can be rolled and wrapped in Tyvek or heavy plastic for shipping. Soft rugs (kelims, flexible pile carpets, Navajo rugs) can be folded and put in boxes. As an added precaution we suggest putting rugs in plastic bags before you box them. For larger rugs we can send appropriate packaging materials via UPS if you can’t find them locally.