Our Rug Cleaning Process, Step by Step
Ever wonder what really happens to your rug once it leaves your home? At Rudy’s, we believe that transparency builds trust, so we’re pulling back the curtain on our full professional rug cleaning process.
From the moment your rug arrives at our Charlottesville facility to the final inspection before delivery, we take every step seriously—because your rug deserves nothing less.
🧼 Why a True Process Matters
Many companies claim to “clean” rugs, but often that means a quick surface treatment or a pass with a machine designed for carpets—not delicate handwoven, wool, silk, or oriental rugs. At Rudy’s, we follow a 6-step process that’s designed to protect your rug’s fibers, dyes, and history—while removing every bit of dirt, odor, and allergens.
Here’s what you can expect:
🏷️ Step 1: Tagging & Detailed Inspection
When we pick up your rug or receive it at our shop, the first thing we do is:
Measure and tag it for tracking
Conduct an initial inspection for stains, damage, or fragile areas
Identify the material (wool, silk, synthetic, vegetable dyes, etc.)
We’ll flag any concerns—like pet stains, fringe damage, or insect damage—and communicate with you before proceeding.
💨 Step 2: Dusting (Yes—Before Washing!)
Next comes compressed air dusting, which is one of the most important but often skipped steps.
We blow air through both sides of the rug to remove:
Dry dirt and fine particles
Pet hair and dander
Skin cells, pollen, and other allergens
This dry soil can’t be removed by washing alone and often accounts for the majority of what’s dirty in a rug.
💧 Step 3: Full Immersion Wash
Now that the rug is dust-free, it’s time for a true wash.
Unlike surface-cleaning or hot water extraction (which can damage fibers), we use:
Cold water to prevent dye bleeding or shrinkage
Plant-based, pH-neutral soaps safe for delicate fibers
Soft brushes or hand agitation depending on the rug’s needs
If your rug has pet odors, we apply a specialized pre-treatment to kill bacteria and neutralize smells.
🔄 Step 4: Rinse & Spin Dry
Once cleaned, we rinse the rug thoroughly and place it in a rug centrifuge, a machine that gently spins the rug at high speed to remove most of the water.
This step:
Speeds up drying
Prevents musty smells or mildew
Protects the rug’s structure from over-saturation
🌬️ Step 5: Controlled Drying
We hang your rug in a climate-controlled drying room, where industrial fans and dehumidifiers ensure a quick, safe dry.
No sunlight or heat lamps—just clean airflow and time.
👀 Step 6: Final Inspection & Delivery
Before returning your rug, we:
Inspect for any lingering stains or spots
Clean and comb the fringe if needed
Wrap the rug in protective packaging if requested
Cut any pads you’ve ordered to fit your rugs
Arrange delivery back to your home or notify you that your rug is ready for pickup!
Why Our Process Makes a Difference
Every rug gets personalized care based on its material, construction, and history. Whether it’s a modern synthetic or a 100-year-old Persian heirloom, we treat your rug as if it were our own.
You’ll notice:
Softer fibers
A fresher scent
Peace of mind knowing it was cleaned the right way
🧽 Ready for a True Clean?
We offer pickup and delivery in the Charlottesville area and serve customers across Albemarle County and beyond.
Call us at 434-296-7166
Email us at hello@rudysrugcleaning.com
Let Rudy’s bring new life to your rug—step by step.
