Rug cleaning in Hong Kong
A rug isn't simply a small carpet. Dyes, knots and backing all change how it should be washed. As a carpet shop, we start by looking at how yours was made.
A good rug can last for generations, as long as nobody treats it like a floor. The wrong detergent, too much heat, or slow drying in humid air can cause lasting damage. That's why we always look before we clean.
Rugs we clean
- Wool rugs, both hand-made and machine-made
- Persian and oriental rugs, assessed individually
- Kilims and flat-weaves
- Machine-made synthetic rugs in polypropylene, nylon and similar fibres
- Cotton rugs and dhurries
- Shaggy and long-pile rugs, which can need extra drying time
Silk, viscose, antique and very fragile rugs are assessed one at a time. We won't accept a job if we think cleaning could do more harm than good.
What we check first
Fibre. Wool, silk, cotton, jute and synthetics react differently to water, heat and detergent. The back of the rug often tells us a great deal about what it is.
Dye stability. Some rugs bleed when wet, especially if they've been repaired or treated. We test where needed before proceeding.
Construction and condition. Weak foundations, moth damage, dry rot and worn fringes all change what's safe to do. We'll point out what we see before we start.
Cleaning a rug properly
Because rugs hold a surprising amount of dry soil, thorough dust removal is especially important. After that comes a wash appropriate to the fibre, then a rinse, then careful drying.
Drying matters most in Hong Kong. A thick wool rug holds a lot of water, and if it dries slowly in humid air, it may develop a musty smell, or dyes may migrate. It needs good airflow and shouldn't be rolled or have furniture put on it until the pile and the backing are both completely dry.
Hong Kong's climate and your rug
Damp conditions in spring and early summer favour mould on rugs that are in storage or sitting on damp floors. Moths like wool, particularly in dark, undisturbed spots beneath furniture. If you roll up a rug for storage, clean it first, make sure it's completely dry, and keep it somewhere ventilated. Our care guide for wool and Persian rugs goes into more detail.
What affects the price
Rugs are usually priced by size, fibre, construction and condition, plus any stain treatment and collection. Rugs cost much more per square foot than fitted carpet, and our cost guide explains why.
What to send us
Photos of the whole rug, the back, the fringe and any stains or damage, plus its size and anything you know about its history.
Frequently asked questions
Can you clean a Persian or hand-knotted rug?
Usually, yes, but it needs checking first. Send photos of the front, the back and the fringe, and tell us anything you know about its age and origin.
Will the colours run?
That is the main risk with some rugs, especially if the dyes are unstable or the rug has been repaired or dyed. We test colour stability before wet cleaning, and we will tell you if we think the risk is too high.
Do you collect rugs?
Tell us your district and the rug's size, and we will explain the options for cleaning at your home, collection or bringing the rug to the shop.
Can you clean silk rugs?
Silk and viscose ('art silk') are delicate and can be permanently damaged by water. We assess them individually and will tell you honestly if we think another approach or a specialist would be better.
Can you fix fringes and worn edges?
Ask us. Send a photo of the damage so we can tell you what is possible.
Related services
Residential Carpet Cleaning
Fitted carpets and rugs at home, cleaned around children, pets, furniture and small lifts.
Sofa and Upholstery Cleaning
Fabric sofas, armchairs and dining chairs, cleaned on site with careful moisture control.
Carpet Stain Removal
Wine, coffee, food, pet accidents and mystery marks, with a realistic view on what will come out.
Further reading
Get a quote for rug cleaning
The quickest way is to send a few photos. If it is easier, call us or leave your number and we will call you.