Rug Cleaning Sydney
If you are searching for professional rug cleaning in Sydney, choosing the right specialist is critical.
Rugs are complex textiles. Persian rugs, Oriental rugs, wool rugs, silk rugs and modern designer rugs all respond differently to moisture, heat and cleaning agents. When the wrong method is used, the damage is often irreversible.
At Oriental Rug Care, we provide specialist rug cleaning services across Sydney, focusing exclusively on the safe cleaning, preservation and restoration of area rugs.
Every rug is individually assessed, tested, and cleaned using methods selected for its fibre type, dye system, and condition.
Why Professional Rug Cleaning Is Different From Carpet Cleaning
One of the most common issues we encounter is rugs damaged by standard carpet-cleaning methods.
Carpet cleaning systems are designed for synthetic wall-to-wall carpet. They often rely on high moisture levels, elevated temperatures and strong detergents. While this may be suitable for carpet, it can cause serious problems when applied to rugs.
Rugs are constructed differently. Many contain natural fibres, hand-knotted foundations, vegetable dyes and layered structures that respond unpredictably to water and heat.
When incorrect methods are used, the results may include colour bleeding, shrinkage, fibre distortion, stiffness, loss of texture and recurring odours that return weeks after cleaning.
Before any cleaning begins, the rug must be examined for fibre composition, weave structure, dye stability and pre-existing damage. This evaluation determines whether the rug should be washed, dry cleaned, decontaminated or stabilised prior to cleaning.
Expert Rug Cleaning Tip:
Many rug issues occur because cleaning is attempted before proper testing. Even rugs that appear colourfast can bleed once moisture reaches deeper dye layers. Always ensure fibre identification and dye stability testing are completed before any cleaning begins. This single step prevents most irreversible rug damage.
Meet Lachlan Bennett, Sydney Rug Cleaning Specialist
At Oriental Rug Care, the technician's expertise is as important as the equipment.
All rugs are overseen by Lachlan Bennett, our IICRC-certified and WoolSafe-trained Sydney rug cleaning specialist with more than 12 years of hands-on experience.
Lachlan's background in fine textile restoration enables him to identify fibre types, dye systems, and structural vulnerabilities that are often overlooked. Over the past decade, he has cleaned and restored thousands of rugs across Sydney, including Persian, Oriental, silk, wool, viscose and contemporary designer rugs.
His experience extends beyond routine cleaning. Lachlan is regularly involved in correcting colour run issues, treating pet contamination, stabilising damaged fibres and advising clients on long-term rug care and maintenance.
Many clients choose Oriental Rug Care because their rug is assessed and treated by a qualified rug technician, not a general carpet cleaner.
Common Rug Cleaning Problems We Solve
Clients often contact us after previous cleaning attempts have failed to resolve ongoing issues. These concerns typically include persistent odours, colour changes, texture problems and contamination that reappears after cleaning.
Why does my rug smell even after professional cleaning?
In many cases, contamination remains inside the rug foundation layers. Surface cleaning can improve appearance, but it may not remove salts and residues that re-form when exposed to humidity.
Why did the colours fade or bleed?
This usually occurs when dye stability testing is skipped or when excessive moisture and unsuitable products are used on dye-sensitive rugs.
Why does the rug feel stiff or rough underfoot?
Over-wetting, residue left in fibres, or unsuitable cleaning chemistry can alter the rug's hand feel and affect pile texture.
Why did pet odours return weeks later?
Pet urine often leaves salts deep within the rug foundation. If those salts are not dissolved and removed, odours can return over time, especially in humid conditions.
Expert Rug Cleaning Tip:
If odours return weeks after cleaning, the rug was not fully cleaned. Pet urine and spills leave salts in the rug's backing. When humidity rises, these salts reactivate and release odours again. Surface cleaning alone cannot remove this contamination. Proper rug cleaning must address what lies beneath the pile.
Understanding the Importance of Fibre and Dye Testing
One of the most important steps in professional rug cleaning is fibre identification and dye stability testing. Different fibres react very differently to moisture and cleaning agents. Natural dyes commonly found in Persian and Oriental rugs may appear stable when dry, but bleed when moisture reaches the deeper layers.
For this reason, dye testing is conducted across multiple areas of the rug before any cleaning method is selected. Testing is essential to prevent colour migration, permanent staining, and irreversible damage.
Our Approach to Rug Cleaning in Sydney
Every rug we clean is treated as an individual textile rather than a standard household item. Before cleaning, we assess fibre composition, weave structure, dye behaviour, age and overall condition. This allows us to determine the safest and most effective treatment for that specific rug.
Depending on the results, we may recommend full-immersion washing for deep soil removal, low-moisture rug dry cleaning for delicate or dye-sensitive fibres, specialised pet-urine decontamination, mould or water-damage treatment, or stabilisation and repair prior to cleaning.
If you are unsure which treatment your rug requires, call 1300 310 410 and speak directly with a rug specialist.
Rug Cleaning Methods Explained
A common question we receive is whether rugs should be washed or dry-cleaned. The correct method depends entirely on the rug’s structure, fibre type and condition.
Full-immersion rug washing is often the most effective option for heavily soiled rugs, long-term maintenance, and deep odour removal because it flushes embedded contaminants from the foundation layers.
Rug dry cleaning is typically selected for moisture-sensitive fibres such as silk, viscose, and jute, and for certain hand-knotted rugs where dye movement is a concern. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be required to achieve a safe and complete result.
This is why professional rug cleaning begins with assessment, not equipment.
Controlled Drying and Why It Matters
Drying is one of the most overlooked stages of rug cleaning. Improper drying can lead to shrinkage, fibre distortion, mildew growth and persistent odours. Rugs that dry too slowly are at increased risk of mould and bacterial activity.
At Oriental Rug Care, rugs are dried in a controlled environment that regulates airflow, temperature, and humidity. This controlled drying process protects the rug’s structure while ensuring moisture is removed evenly and safely.
Expert Rug Cleaning Tip:
Drying is just as important as cleaning. Rugs that dry too slowly are at risk of mildew growth, fibre distortion and permanent odour issues. Controlling airflow and humidity is essential to protect the rug after washing. Correct drying helps preserve both structure and lifespan.
Rug Cleaning Services Across Sydney
Oriental Rug Care provides professional rug cleaning throughout metropolitan Sydney with free pickup and delivery.
We service homes and businesses across the Inner West, Eastern Suburbs, Northern Suburbs, Northern Beaches, Southern Suburbs and Sydney CBD. Common service areas include Marrickville, Newtown, Leichhardt, Burwood, Strathfield, Parramatta, Hornsby, Bondi, Coogee, Randwick, Paddington, Surry Hills, Chatswood, Lane Cove, Mosman, Manly, Dee Why, Brookvale, Cronulla, Miranda, Hurstville, Pyrmont, Ultimo and surrounding suburbs.
If your suburb is not listed, our team can confirm availability.
What Our Customers Say About Our Rug Cleaning Services
"I just had two very old "oriental" handmade rugs cleaned for the first time. I first spoke to Alan and he informed me about the process so I could make decisions, so helpful. Lachlan picked the rugs up and dropped them off exactly when he said he would. They took 3 weeks to clean. They look and smell amazing. No colours ran, the blue and pinks seem to pop out more. Alan and Lachlan are both very professional and friendly people to work with. I have no hesitation in recommending their services. They are very trustworthy and knowledgeable and I would definitely be speaking to them for any of my rug's care requirements." - Margaret Braun, October 2025
"Lachlan came to our house and picked up 3 high quality rugs we purchased in India many years ago. He was very open and knowledgeable and gained our trust very quickly - we said this guy knows what he’s doing. Yesterday he delivered the cleaned silk carpets and a woollen one back to us and they were amazing ???? Such a difference!" - Dave Simpson, June 2025
Questions We Are Often Asked
How often should rugs be professionally cleaned?
Most rugs benefit from professional cleaning every 12 to 24 months. Homes with pets, children or heavy foot traffic may require more frequent cleaning to prevent fibre wear and odour buildup.
Is rug cleaning safe for wool rugs?
Yes, when performed using WoolSafe-approved products and proper dye testing. Wool rugs should never be exposed to strong alkaline cleaners or excessive heat.
Can you clean Persian and Oriental rugs?
Yes. These rugs require specialist handling due to natural dyes and hand-knotted construction. Our technicians are trained specifically in traditional rug care.
Can pet urine be fully removed from rugs?
Surface cleaning alone is rarely effective. Proper treatment involves dissolving urine salts within the rug foundation to prevent odour reactivation.
How long does rug cleaning take?
Turnaround time depends on the rug type and required treatment. Most rugs are returned within several days once cleaning and controlled drying are completed.
Why Sydney Homeowners Trust Oriental Rug Care
Clients choose Oriental Rug Care because they want their rugs cleaned correctly, not quickly. We specialise exclusively in rug cleaning and restoration. Rugs are never treated as an add-on service.
Each rug undergoes careful inspection, fibre and dye testing, safety-based method selection, controlled drying, and a final quality inspection. This structured process helps protect the appearance, value and lifespan of your rug.
Book Professional Rug Cleaning in Sydney
If your rug is valuable, delicate or simply deserves expert care, trust specialists who understand textile preservation. Speak directly with a Sydney rug cleaning expert today.
