Premium area rug cleaning and repair

A Step Above’s rug care staff is well-equipped to provide the best care for our customers’ premium rugs. We will meticulously clean the rugs in a specialized cleaning zone where they will go through a customized cleaning process that is tailored to the fiber needs of your rugs.

We offer on-site as well as off-site cleaning services. The advantage of cleaning your rugs in our facility is the possibility of a thorough rinsing. A thorough rinse ensures the best clean possible. For occasional freshen-up off your rugs, we can do that cost-effectively at your home on some fiber types provided the rug has no major staining or pet issues. For either service, we offer complimentary evaluations and will quote you a firm price either way.

Off-site rug cleaning is highly recommended for the maintenance of fine-quality rugs, such as oriental rugs and others. We do not recommend them to be cleaned on-site like a synthetic, wall-to-wall carpet for many reasons:

  • The fibers in Oriental and similar rugs are different from those found in residential and commercial carpets. They typically consist of more natural fiber such as wool, silk, cotton, and jute.
  • Rugs and carpets have very different backings. Natural foundation yarns are found more in rugs compared to the separate synthetic fabrics backing for carpet.
  • Woven constructions are common in area rugs, and as such are more sensitive to ongoing care.
  • Cleaning technology varies due to the potential for fiber distortion and dye migration.

Initial Inspection
During our preliminary inspection, we will assess the inherent characteristics and conditions of your rug that may impact the cleaning process.  Our company representative will come to your home to transport your rugs and we can deliver them back to you.   You can also drop off and pick up your rugs at our facility.  We carefully tag the rug at this time to avoid any mix-up while the rug is in our possession.  Every rug is thoroughly photo documented and pre-inspected to determine if there are any pre-existing conditions which could affect the cleaning process. We will document these conditions to determine the safest and most effective cleaning method for your rug. In the event that we face any difficulties during the treatment of stains, our cleaning expert will contact you for a discussion before we proceed. After we get consent, we promise to clean your rug with workmanship and expertise that is on par with the standards of care in the industry.

Dusting
The woven rugs have a tendency to conceal significantly more soil as compared to wall-to-wall carpets. According to studies conducted by the Eureka Company, a rug that is 9 x 12 could hold up to 87 pounds of particulate soil. We use various techniques for dusting the rug. Our specialized machine imitates how our grandma would “dust” the rug; carrying out gentle beating motions for the backside of the rug. This step is essential as it helps with the removal of soil particles that can harm the delicate fibers and lead to premature wear. Next, the upside of the rug will be vacuumed to remove any fine particles on the surface.

Before area rug cleaning, with dirt, dust and fabric peeling.
     Dry soil removal from rug

Color fastness test and Dye locking
Dye migration or bleeding are the worst scenarios that can occur during rug cleaning. Since majority of the fine rugs are made with silk or wool which is dyed with acid dyes, dye migration is always a concern.

We will determine the best cleaning method with a prolonged colorfastness test to avoid any color migration issues without compromising the cleaning results.  Problem rugs will be treated with a dye locking agent to help inhibit any bleeding problems.

Pre-spotting
Any potentially troublesome spots will be pre-treated with special products to help increase the chances of removal.

Fringe Cleaning and Grooming
Oftentimes, the fringe will need special treatment too.  It is treated with a special fringe cleaner to maximize soil removal, and hand brushed.

The Most Important Part — Cleaning!
Our rug specialists will evaluate your rug’s fiber content, colorfastness and delicacy to choose the best cleaning procedure possible for maximum soil removal. These methods may range from really low moisture to entire submersion cleaning combined with with intense scrubbing to remove soiling.  Depending on the type of the rug, soils will be washed from your rug thoroughly using extraction equipment or they can be flushed with a specialized wand in the rug bath designed especially for rugs.

Professional rug cleaning in action                Rug before Cleaning

Drying
After soil removal, the rug may be laid flat on our rug drying platform to dry or hung to dry on our special rug tower. Inadequate or incomplete drying or wet cleaning on-location could cause prolonged drying, texture change, browning, dye migration, mold growth, dimensional change, and/or dry rot.

Grooming and Final Vacuuming
When the rug is completely dry, it is groomed using a soft bristle brush exclusive for rugs. A final vacuuming removes dry soil and loose fibers that may have emerged during the drying process.

Application of Fabric Protection
Fluorochemical protectors resist water and oil-based stains, as well as particle soiling. The application of fabric protectors enhances our rug’s performance and helps keep it cleaner longer.  Since these coatings may be worn off gradually by passage and maintenance such as vacuuming, reapplication is recommended periodically following professional cleaning.

Post Inspection
Our rug cleaning specialist will conduct a final inspection on the rug before releasing it for pick-up or delivery.  We will notify you at this time that your rug is completed and schedule a delivery time that is convenient for you.   We will wrap the rug for ease in handling and to protect it from dirt, rain, etc. during the delivery process.  It is not meant to be stored in these temporary bags.

Rug Pad
Rug pads bring comfort and cushioning to your rugs and they’ll also add durability to make them last longer.  Rug pads create a safer environment by reducing trip hazards of your area rug, which also makes it easier to vacuum. Whether you need a rug pad for a hard surface or carpet, we have the selection for you.
Most rugs are not the exact size stated, for example, an 8×10 may be 7’9″x9’9″. We offer a premium, non-slip rug pad that we will custom fit to your rug while it’s in our facility to ensure the rug will fit perfectly on top of the pad.