Rug Cleaning — Persian, Oriental, Antique Specialists
Kathy personally assesses every rug. Persian, Oriental, silk, wool, antique, and modern designer rugs. Colour-safe, fringe-protected, zero damage. On-site or collection service.
4.9★ Google
127 reviews
15+ Years
Experience
Colour-Safe
Guarantee
All Suburbs
Johannesburg & Pretoria
Why Johannesburg Homes & Businesses Need Specialist Rug Cleaning
Johannesburg's unique Highveld climate, altitude, and environmental conditions create cleaning challenges that generic services simply don't address.
Persian and Oriental Rugs Are Common in Johannesburg's Affluent Suburbs
Sandton, Bryanston, and Hyde Park have some of the highest concentrations of Persian, Oriental, and antique rugs in South Africa. These investment-grade pieces - often valued at R50,000 to R500,000 - require specialist cleaning that respects vegetable dyes, hand-knotted construction, and delicate wool fibres. Kathy personally assesses every rug, tests dyes for fastness, and selects the appropriate wet or dry cleaning protocol.
Johannesburg's Red Dust Creates Abrasive Wear in Rug Piles
Gauteng's iron-rich dust doesn't just make rugs look dirty - it acts as an abrasive between rug fibres. Every footstep grinds red dust particles into the wool pile, gradually shearing and thinning the knots. This is particularly damaging in high-traffic areas like entrance halls and lounges. Our dust-extraction pre-cleaning removes 99% of particulate matter before the main cleaning process, preventing further abrasive damage.
Moth Damage is a Hidden Threat in Johannesburg's Climate
Johannesburg's warm, dry climate is ideal for clothes moth larvae. Wool rugs stored in cupboards, under beds, or in lofts can develop moth infestations that eat through the foundation warp threads, creating bald patches and structural weakness. Our moth treatment protocol includes inspection, freezing or chemical treatment (as appropriate), and protector application that deters future infestations.
Your rug is an investment - in artistry, in craftsmanship, and in your home's character. Our specialist rug cleaning protocol protects that investment. Kathy's 15 years of rug cleaning experience covers everything from modern synthetic runners to 200-year-old Persian heirlooms. Every rug receives individual assessment and a bespoke cleaning plan.
Colour-Safe
Every dye tested for fastness before cleaning. No colour bleeding, no dye migration, no fading.
Fringe Protection
Cotton and silk fringes are hand-cleaned with pH-neutral solutions. No machine agitation that causes fraying.
100% Satisfaction
Not happy? We'll re-clean for free or refund — no questions asked.
Why Specialist Rug Cleaning Is Non-Negotiable
Rugs are investments, heirlooms, and works of art. One wrong cleaning method can destroy value that took decades to build. Here's why only a specialist should touch your rug.
Valuable Rugs Are Ruined by Inexperienced Cleaners Every Day
Persian and Oriental rugs are significant investments — often worth R10,000 to R100,000+. Yet many cleaning companies treat them like standard carpets, using high-alkaline detergents, hot water, and machine agitation that destroys delicate fibres and causes irreversible dye bleeding. We've rescued countless rugs after other cleaners faded colours, shrank dimensions, or turned silk into stiff cardboard. Vegetable dyes (common in authentic Persian rugs) are particularly vulnerable — they bleed at pH levels above 8.0. Our dye-fastness testing and pH-controlled protocols protect every colour. For silk rugs, we use zero water — only solvent-based dry cleaning. When your rug represents a family heirloom or a major investment, only a specialist should touch it.
R10,000–R100,000+ value at riskDIY Rug Cleaning Destroys Investment-Grade Pieces
The internet is full of dangerous rug cleaning advice. 'Hose it down in the garden' — this causes colour bleeding, shrinkage, and dry rot in antique foundation fibres. 'Use carpet shampoo' — the alkalinity destroys wool's natural lanolin and causes brittleness. 'Hang it over the washing line' — the weight of wet wool stretches and distorts the shape permanently. 'Use a pressure washer' — this drives dirt deeper into the fibres and destroys the backing. Even well-meaning attempts with mild soap and water can cause dye migration that creates a muddy, washed-out appearance. Our controlled-environment cleaning, dye testing, and fibre-specific protocols ensure your rug is cleaned thoroughly without any risk to its value or integrity.
90% of DIY attempts cause permanent damageHidden Dry Rot and Moth Damage Spreads Without Professional Detection
Before cleaning any rug over 10 years old, we inspect for dry rot — a condition where foundation fibres (usually cotton or wool) have degraded to the point that they crumble under gentle pressure. Cleaning a rug with dry rot causes it to literally fall apart. We also check for moth larvae and eggs, particularly in rugs stored in dark cupboards or under beds. Moth damage can destroy 30% of a rug's pile before you even notice. Our pre-cleaning assessment identifies these issues and allows us to either proceed with extreme caution or recommend conservation treatment first. This inspection alone can save a rug worth tens of thousands of rands.
30% pile loss before visible detectionThe OTS Rug Cleaning Difference
We're not a carpet cleaner that "also does rugs." Rug cleaning is a specialist craft requiring fibre science knowledge, dye chemistry expertise, and cultural sensitivity for heritage pieces. Kathy personally assesses every rug — testing dyes, checking for dry rot, and selecting the exact cleaning method before any water or solvent touches the fibres. Persian, Oriental, and antique rugs receive the same care and expertise we would give our own family heirlooms. Our controlled-environment facility ensures temperature, humidity, and drying conditions are perfect for every piece.
Every Rug Type. One Specialist Service.
Persian, Oriental, silk, wool, antique, modern, shag, flatweave — each receives a customised cleaning protocol based on fibre, dye, and construction.
Persian Rugs
Hand-knotted Persian rugs with vegetable dyes receive ultra-gentle, solvent-based or dry-foam cleaning. We preserve the patina and colour depth that decades of age create.
Oriental Rugs
Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, and Afghan oriental rugs are assessed for fibre blend and dye type before selecting the optimal cleaning protocol — wet or dry.
Wool Rugs
Hand-tufted and hand-woven wool rugs are cleaned with pH-neutral wool-safe solutions. No alkaline chemicals that strip natural lanolin or cause shrinkage.
Silk Rugs
Pure and artificial silk rugs require solvent-based dry cleaning only. Kathy personally oversees every silk job with 15+ years of specialist expertise. Zero water contact.
Antique & Vintage
Rugs over 50 years old receive individual assessment. We test every colour, check for dry rot, and use the gentlest possible method to preserve historical value.
Modern Designer
Contemporary designer rugs from retailers like Weylandts and Hertex are cleaned with fibre-appropriate methods that preserve manufacturer warranties and designer colour palettes.
Shag & High-Pile
Long-pile shag rugs trap dirt deep in the fibres. Our specialised high-pile extraction method cleans the base without matting or crushing the luxurious texture.
Flatweave & Kilim
Kilims, dhurries, and flatweaves are cleaned with low-moisture encapsulation or dry-cleaning compound. No water saturation that causes warping or colour bleed in tightly woven fibres.
OTS vs DIY vs Competitors
| Feature | On The Spot | DIY Cleaning | Other Cleaners |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dye Safety | Fastness test before cleaning | Colour bleeding common | Occasional testing |
| Fibre Expertise | Silk = dry clean only | One method = damage | Standard wet clean |
| Fringe Care | Hand-cleaned, protected | Machine damage/fraying | Basic wash |
| Drying | Controlled environment (flat) | Sun/wind = shrinkage | Hang dry (distortion) |
| Value Protection | Kathy personally assesses | No assessment | Junior staff |
| Guarantee | 100% satisfaction or refund | None | Limited |
Our 4-Step Specialist Process
Every rug follows our proven protocol — from Kathy's personal assessment to controlled drying.
Kathy's Personal Assessment
Every rug is personally assessed by Kathy before cleaning. She identifies fibre type, dye stability, construction method, and any damage. A dye-fastness test is performed on a hidden corner. You'll receive a firm quote and recommended method before any work begins.
Dust Removal & Pre-Treatment
Rugs are vibrated to release deep-set dry soil (a 2m x 3m rug can contain 1–2kg of dry dirt). Stains receive targeted pre-treatment based on chemistry: enzymes for organic, solvents for oil, oxidisers for colour.
Specialist Wet or Dry Cleaning
Depending on fibre and dye assessment, we either: (a) immerse and gently agitate in a temperature-controlled bath with wool-safe detergent, or (b) apply dry-cleaning solvent with hand-cleaning for delicate pieces. Silk and antique rugs are always dry-cleaned.
Controlled Drying, Grooming & Final Check
Rugs are dried flat in a temperature and humidity-controlled environment to prevent shrinkage and colour bleeding. Fringes are hand-groomed. Kathy does a final inspection with you before delivery or placement.