Antique rugs are more than floor coverings they are valuable works of art and family heirlooms. At Zoom Rugs, we specialize in safe, eco-friendly antique rug cleaning designed to protect delicate fibers, natural dyes, and handwoven foundations.
From Persian and Oriental antiques to rare wool and silk rugs, every piece is carefully evaluated and cleaned using traditional hand-washing methods, never harsh chemicals or machines. As a trusted, family-owned rug cleaning company in the San Francisco Bay Area, we treat your antique rug with the respect it deserves.
👉 Free pickup & delivery available throughout the Bay Area.
If a spill occurs on an antique rug, avoid scrubbing, as this pushes stains deeper into the fibers.
Recommended steps:
Blot gently from the edges toward the center
Elevate the damp area to allow airflow
Air-dry using a fan for 24–48 hours
Many antique wool rugs naturally resist stains due to lanolin content. In some cases, a mild, unscented soap or diluted white vinegar may help but never use chemicals or steam.
For wine, pet stains, or stubborn spills, professional treatment is essential to avoid permanent damage.
Many older rugs are made with lanolin-rich wool that has a stain repellent property. If something is spilled on a wool rug, often it can be blotted before stains occur. A moist, clean cloth used to blot from the edges to the center may be all that is needed.
If soap is necessary, hair shampoo can be used. Wool and human hair have similar protein makeup. Red wine may require an unscented mild soap or one to two teaspoons of white vinegar diluted, in a quart of water, to remove. Do not use apple cider vinegar.
Someone with experience who recognizes the value of antique rugs should perform the service. Every antique rug requires specific attention prior to being cleaned. Nothing works better when cleaning hand-made rugs than soap and water.
Antique rugs are valuable investments. When cared for properly, you can enjoy them for years. Never attempt to steam clean a hand-made rug with a rented machine. It will cause harm to the rug and cause it to deteriorate in a few years. Have a professional Antique Rugs Cleaning and Repair service in SF Bay area, CA, that soaks the rug in water and soap and proceeds to thoroughly rinse out the soap .
Many older rugs are made with lanolin-rich wool that has a stain repellent property. If something is spilled on a wool rug, often it can be blotted before stains occur. A moist, clean cloth used to blot from the edges to the center may be all that is needed.
If soap is necessary, hair shampoo can be used. Wool and human hair have similar protein makeup. Red wine may require an unscented mild soap or one to two teaspoons of white vinegar diluted, in a quart of water, to remove. Do not use apple cider vinegar.
Scrubbing will embed stains into fibers. Use a box or stool to elevate the area that is damp. Air dry, using a fan, for 24 to 48 hours. This process dries the rug as quickly as possible. The pile and foundation need to be dry. Carpets that sit damp for a long time are in danger of foundation rot. Using other home remedies can cause irreversible discoloration. Chemicals are never to be used. If blotting or the solutions suggested here do not remove a spill or stain, call a professional.
Do not place potted plants on antique rugs. Even planters with water basins can allow water to infiltrate the rug. Irreversible mildew damage can result.
Rugs that were accidently flooded need immediate attention. Smaller rugs can be hung on an outdoor railing or spread on a lawn to be dried by sunlight. Large rugs should be vacuumed with a water vacuum then dried with a hair dryer or space heater.
It is advised to have the rug washed and dried professionally with a few days of the occurrence.
Antique rugs are often made with lanolin-rich wool, natural dyes, and fragile foundations that can be permanently damaged by steam cleaning or DIY products.
Professional antique rug cleaning:
Prevents color bleeding and dye migration
Protects wool fibers from drying or cracking
Eliminates odor, bacteria, and allergens safely
Preserves the rug’s structure and long-term value
Improper cleaning can cause foundation rot, fiber breakage, and irreversible discoloration which is why antique rugs should always be handled by specialists.
Antique rugs are valuable investments. When cared for properly, you can enjoy them for years. Never attempt to steam clean a hand-made rug with a rented machine. It will cause harm to the rug and cause it to deteriorate in a few years. Have a professional Antique Rugs Cleaning and Repair service in SF Bay area, CA, that soaks the rug in water and soap and proceeds to thoroughly rinse out the soap .
Antique rug cleaning typically ranges from $5–$8 per square foot, depending on material and condition. At Zoom Rugs, we offer free in-home estimates in Sunnyvale and across the Bay Area so you’ll know the exact cost before we start.
No. Steam cleaning damages antique rugs by weakening fibers and dyes. Our process uses hand washing with mild soap and water, the safest way to clean antique Persian and Oriental rugs.
Yes. We provide free pickup and delivery in Sunnyvale, San Jose, Palo Alto, and the Bay Area. Your antique rug is carefully handled from start to finish.
We treat stains using eco-friendly methods safe for wool and silk. For wine, coffee, or pet stains, we hand-clean with mild shampoos. If stains remain, we apply professional treatments that do not damage the fibers.
We recommend every 12–18 months, depending on foot traffic and exposure to spills. Antique rugs that are rarely walked on may need cleaning less often, but they still require occasional dusting and inspection.
Yes. Zoom Rugs offers antique rug repair in Sunnyvale and the Bay Area, including fringe repair, edge binding, reweaving, and color restoration.
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.
