Professional Rug Washing:
How Rugs Are Really Cleaned
If you’ve ever wondered how professionals really clean area rugs, you’re in for an eye-opener. At Around The Clock Rug Washing & Specialty Cleaning in Farmingdale, NY, we don’t just “clean” rugs — we restore them through a highly specialized, multi-step process that combines professional chemistry, advanced equipment, and decades of expertise passed down since 1978.
Whether it’s a delicate handmade Persian, a contemporary wool rug, or a synthetic area rug with heavy pet soil, every rug deserves a cleaning process tailored to its fiber type, construction, and condition.
How Do Professionals Wash Area Rugs?
When you bring your rug to a certified area rug washing plant, it goes through a detailed inspection and cleaning process that’s far more advanced (and safer) than anything possible in your home.
At Around The Clock, our professional rug washing process includes:
- Inspection & Fiber Identification: We start by testing the fibers and dyes to determine the safest and most effective cleaning solutions. Every rug has its own chemistry.
- Rug Dusting: This crucial first step removes up to 70% of dry soil before any water touches the fibers. Using our professional dusting equipment, we gently vibrate and extract pounds of dry dirt, sand, and dust that regular vacuums simply can’t reach.
- Full-Immersion Wash: After dusting, your rug is carefully soaked and scrubbed in our state-of-the-art rug wash pit, using fiber-specific detergents designed to lift soil, remove contaminants, and protect delicate dyes.
- Rinsing: Our rinse process ensures every last trace of cleaning solution and soil is thoroughly flushed out, restoring softness and brightness to the fibers.
This process requires trained technicians, precision chemistry, and professional equipment — not just soap and water. That’s what separates true rug washers from standard carpet cleaners.
What Is the Best Way to Deep Clean a Rug?
The absolute best way to deep clean a rug is through off-site, full-immersion washing — not in-home cleaning. Home methods simply can’t remove the compacted soil trapped deep within rug fibers.
Our process begins with dusting, which removes up to 70% of dry soil (the stuff that dulls colors and wears down fibers over time). Once the rug is dust-free, we perform a complete immersion wash. This step allows water and cleaning agents to reach every fiber, releasing dirt, dander, pet urine, and even insect residue such as from moths or larvae.
Example: A seemingly “clean” rug we recently washed had more than two pounds of sand removed during the dusting phase — before it even hit the wash pit! That’s the kind of deep cleaning only proper equipment and experience can achieve.
What Is the Best Way to Dry a Rug?
After washing and rinsing, controlled drying is vital. At our Farmingdale facility, we use a centrifuge rug wringer, which removes up to 95% of moisture in just three minutes. This not only speeds up drying but also prevents issues like mildew or dye migration.
For rugs that can’t handle centrifuge drying — such as fragile antiques or certain tufted pieces — we have alternative options:
- Truck-mounted or portable vacuum drying systems
- Climate-controlled drying room with powerful air circulation, heat, and commercial-grade dehumidifiers
Once spun or vacuumed, rugs are hung or laid flat on our drying racks to complete the cycle under closely monitored conditions. The result? A rug that’s clean, odor-free, and ready to return to your home — safely and beautifully.
Do You Clean Rugs In-Home or Only In-Plant?
We specialize in in-plant rug washing at our dedicated facility in Farmingdale. This gives us full control over every cleaning variable — water temperature, chemistry, agitation, and especially drying time.
While we do occasionally clean oversized rugs in-home for logistical reasons (like when moving heavy furniture isn’t possible), the results are never quite the same. In-home service cannot guarantee complete odor removal or a full dust/deep soil extraction.
If you want your rug truly washed — not just surface cleaned — bring it to our facility. That’s the only way we can stand behind our 100% odor removal guarantee.
How Long Does Professional Rug Cleaning Take?
Our typical rug cleaning turnaround time is one to two weeks, depending on the rug type and any issues (odor, stains, pet urine, etc.). Rugs are washed at our facility every Tuesday and Thursday, which keeps our workflow efficient and predictable.
For those in a hurry, we do offer rush services when possible — just let us know when scheduling your rug drop-off or pickup. We’ll always prioritize quality over speed, ensuring every rug leaves as clean as possible.
Can You Perform Emergency or Restoration Rug Cleaning?
Absolutely. We specialize in restoration and emergency rug cleaning — from flood damage to pet accidents, smoke odor, or moth infestations. Before you decide to throw away a rug you love, give us a call. As we like to say: “Talk dirty to us.” There’s a very good chance we can save it.
Why Choose Around The Clock Rug Washing & Specialty Cleaning?
- Family-owned and operated since 1978
- Dedicated in-plant rug washing facility in Farmingdale, NY
- Certified rug cleaning technicians and ARCS members
- Expertise in Oriental, Persian, wool, silk, and synthetic rugs
- Odor, stain, and moth treatment specialists
- Pickup and delivery service available across Long Island
Ready to schedule your rug washing?
Call Around The Clock Rug Washing & Specialty Cleaning today at (516) 523-6824, or visit us at 54 Sarah Dr, Farmingdale, NY.
You’ll get professional results that last — because we don’t just clean rugs… we care for them.
