A wooden-handled brush spreading white cleaning foam across a red and blue patterned Oriental rug during a hand wash.

Rug Washing vs Steam Cleaning in San Diego

Zeytounian Rugs does not steam clean rugs. We hand wash them in a full immersion process at our own San Diego facility, because steam heat can mat wool pile permanently and a surface pass leaves soil sitting in the foundation. Steam cleaning belongs on wall-to-wall carpet. Pickup and delivery across San Diego County.

✓ Pickup and delivery across San Diego County
✓ Full immersion hand washing, never surface scrubbing
✓ Third generation family craftsmen since 1956
✓ Free written estimates before any work starts

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Two Very Different Ways to Clean a Rug

The question usually arrives by phone. A carpet company has offered to run their steam wand over the area rugs while they are at the house anyway, the add-on price sounds convenient, and the homeowner wants to know whether that is safe for a wool or Oriental rug. Our answer has been the same since Nicholas Zeytounian opened the family wash floor in San Diego in 1956: steam cleaning was built for carpet that is nailed to the floor. An area rug can travel to a wash floor, and that changes everything about how it should be cleaned.

This page lays out what each method actually does, which rugs each one suits, and how to decide. If you already know you want a full wash, our rug cleaning and washing page walks through the process in detail.

What Steam Cleaning Does

A truck-mount or portable steam machine sprays hot water and detergent into the pile, then vacuums it back out. On wall-to-wall carpet that is a reasonable approach, since carpet cannot go anywhere and synthetic broadloom tolerates the heat. On an area rug the method has three problems. The heat can mat wool fibers permanently. The extraction only reaches what sits near the surface of the pile, so soil, grit, and any pet urine stay down in the foundation where the wand cannot pull them out. And the rug is left damp on your floor to dry on its own, which is how browning and mildew start.

No knock on the carpet trade intended. For a wool, silk, or hand-knotted rug, and honestly for most machine-made area rugs as well, the wand is simply the wrong tool.

Rug cleaning technician applying foam to a traditional Persian rug for deep cleaning.

Full Immersion Washing at Our Facility

Every rug we clean comes to our Kearny Mesa wash floor. The full nine step process is described on our rug washing page, but the shape of it matters here because each step answers a weakness of surface cleaning:

Dry soil removal first, before any water touches the rug
Every color dye tested so nothing bleeds in the wash
Hand washing with all natural, fiber-safe soap
Soil and urine flushed from the foundation, where steam cannot reach
Centrifuge wringing removes up to 90% of the moisture
Monitored drying racks prevent shrinkage, browning, and mildew

Kristine, one of our Google reviewers, described the result on her area rug simply: “It looked just as it did when we first bought it.”

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Rugs on Our Wash Floor

Which Method Fits Which Rug?

Match the rug you own to the right cleaning method. When in doubt, send us a photo and we will tell you straight, the estimate is free either way.

Rug Washing vs Steam Cleaning, by Rug Type
The rug you have	The safer method	Why
Wall-to-wall carpet	In-home steam cleaning	Broadloom is fixed to the floor and cannot travel to a wash facility. This is the job steam machines were built for.
Wool area rug	Full immersion wash	Steam heat can mat wool pile permanently, and the soil a wool rug holds sits in the foundation, below what a wand extracts.
Oriental, Persian, or hand-knotted rug	Full immersion wash	Dyes must be tested for colorfastness before washing. A hand wash with fiber-safe soap protects both the dyes and the knots.
Silk or viscose rug	Full immersion wash, gentlest handling	The fibers are very fine and the dyes delicate. See our silk rug cleaning service.
Machine-made area rug	Full immersion wash	Machine-made rugs benefit from the full wash too. Surface cleaning reaches the top of the pile and leaves the rest.
Any rug with pet urine	Immersion wash with urine decontamination	Urine soaks into the foundation. Our wash includes a decontamination step, described on our pet urine and odor removal page.

The High-Traffic Wool Rug Question

The comparison people most often ask us to settle is a wool rug in a busy room. Hallway runners, family room rugs, the wool piece under the dining table. Grit works down into wool pile faster in high-traffic spots, and grit is what cuts fibers and dulls the color. A surface pass takes off the visible dirt and leaves the grinding layer in place.

Washing handles it differently. We beat the dry soil out first, then the wash flushes the foundation, and the pile comes back soft. Karen, a repeat client, wrote that her area rugs “look fabulous after they are cleaned. We wouldn’t use any other cleaning service.” That softness is also why wool shows up in high-end designer rugs, and why we wash those at the facility rather than touching them in the home. Our wool rug cleaning and area rug cleaning pages cover the fiber-specific details.

Getting the rug to the wash floor is easy. We pick up and deliver anywhere in San Diego County, or you can drop the rug at the shop on Ronson Road. Details are on the rug pickup and delivery page.

Rug Washing vs Steam Cleaning, Answered

Is steam cleaning safe for a wool area rug in San Diego?

We advise against it. Steam cleaning heat can mat wool fibers permanently, and the extraction only removes what sits near the surface of the pile. Wool rugs do best with a full immersion wash at a facility, where the soil in the foundation actually rinses out.

Does Zeytounian offer steam cleaning?

No. We are a dedicated rug washing facility, not an in-home carpet cleaning service. Every rug we take on travels to our Kearny Mesa wash floor for the full immersion process. For wall-to-wall carpet, which we do not service, an in-home carpet cleaner is the right call.

What does full immersion washing at your San Diego facility include?

Nine steps: inspection, deep dry soil removal, dye testing, urine decontamination when needed, pre-wash stain treatment, hand washing and rinsing, controlled drying, finishing, and a final inspection before delivery. The centrifuge removes up to 90% of the moisture before the rug ever reaches the drying racks.

Can a machine-made rug go through the immersion wash?

Yes. Machine-made rugs benefit from the full wash as well, since surface cleaning leaves the lower pile and foundation untouched. We wash machine-made pieces regularly alongside the hand-knotted ones.

Why does drying matter so much in San Diego's coastal humidity after a rug is cleaned?

A steam-cleaned rug is left damp on your floor to dry on its own, and lingering moisture is how browning and mildew begin. On our wash floor the centrifuge wrings out most of the water and the rug finishes on monitored drying racks, which prevents shrinkage, browning, and mildew.

How do I get my rug to your San Diego wash facility?

Two ways. We pick up and deliver anywhere in San Diego County, or you can drop the rug off at 7343 Ronson Rd Ste U in Kearny Mesa, Monday to Friday 9 to 4 and Saturday 9 to 2.

Authentic handmade rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Testimonials from Our Clients

All Testimonials

Excellent

5.0

Dev Sethi

2 days ago

Superb service. Excellent communication. I was referred to get two large rugs cleaned. One wool , one synthetic blend. The shop arranged pick up, full deep cleaning, and return installation. Anthony was always easy to reach and quick to respond. We are very happy with the results. I highly recommend them for all of your carpet and rug cleaning needs. I will definitely use them again.

Response from the owner:Thank you, Dev. A wool rug and a synthetic blend need different handling, so it's good to hear they both came back the way you hoped. Glad the pickup and return install went smoothly as well. We appreciate the recommendation. Anthony

Katherine Yarborough

1 week ago

Nice guys to work with. They do a great job cleaning filthy Persian carpets (recommend that you watch a couple of their U-tube videos regarding how they do this). Added plus, they are great about answering their phones!

Response from the owner:Hi Katherine, thanks so much for the 5 stars! Persian rug cleaning takes precise, dedicated care, so we’re thrilled you're happy with the results. It's awesome to hear you enjoyed our YouTube videos, too! We always strive to be easy to reach, so whenever you need carpet or rug services again, we're just a phone call away.

David Martin

1 week ago

Reliable, professional, courteous and great cleaning job on special rug. Recommended.

Response from the owner:David, thank you for the review and for trusting us with your beautiful handmade rug from Nepal!

Teri Wikesjo

1 week ago

My carpets hadn’t been cleaned in 20 years. They all came back looking like new. They were so helpful and professional. I highly recommend them.

Response from the owner:Thank you for the review Teri! See you next time!

Maura Kelly Barcelona

2 weeks ago

Excellent customer service and super convenient. These guys know what they’re doing! And the prices are super reasonable. 10/10 recommend

Response from the owner:Wow, Maura, your kind words made our day! We absolutely love helping keep area rugs fresh and spotless, and it's amazing to hear you enjoyed our service and pricing. Our team is always here to make life easier for you - come back anytime or let us know if you have more rugs that need sprucing up! Share us with your friends for the same great experience!

susan halenza

2 weeks ago

These 2 brothers are the best:professional,especiallynice to work with,compliant with customer wishes ,the cleaned rugs look great. I have also bought rugs from them that were very special also.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words and for trusting us with your rugs! We love working with wonderful customers like you and it means a lot to hear you felt comfortable and happy with both our rug cleaning and our collection. Your appreciation makes our day brighter. If you ever want to browse new arrivals or need another cleaning, we're always here to help.

Michael Sheehan

2 weeks ago

Zeytounian brothers over delivered on cleaning a Moroccan rug that my pets cherished as a potty pad! Guys are legit & price was better than quoted. 3 words “utilize their services “ thanks guys!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your kind words, Michael! Knowing that your beloved rug is now spotless and back in action makes our day - even happier to hear our pricing worked out better than expected. We’re always up for turning rug disasters into happy endings, so if you or your furry friends need a hand again, just give us a shout. We’re here to help keep your home fresh and inviting!

Debra

2 weeks ago

The Zeytounian brothers were easy to work with. I found to be trustworthy and the derbies to be reasonably priced. Service was excellent. The large oriental rug came back with more brilliant colors too ! I recommend anyone who needs cleaning of precious and beautiful rugs to go with the Zeytounian brothers.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Debra, for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled that you found our service trustworthy and reasonably priced, and that your oriental rug looks brilliant. We truly appreciate your recommendation and look forward to helping you again.

Debbie Smith

2 weeks ago

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for trusting us with your area rug cleaning, Debbie! We’re thrilled you found our pricing reasonable and hope your freshly cleaned rug adds extra comfort to your home. Your feedback really brightens our day. If you ever need another refresh or have any friends who could use our service, we’d love to help again!

Geneva Lake

3 weeks ago

Thank you to the Zeytounian brothers for doing such a fantastic job on my Persian rugs. Great people. I'll definitely be back!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Geneva, for your wonderful review! We're delighted you were happy with your Persian rugs and our service. We truly appreciate your support and look forward to welcoming you back to Zeytounian Rugs!

Sarah F

3 weeks ago

I was honestly so nervous to get my Persian rug cleaned. It was a wedding gift from my grandma, so it holds a very special place in my heart, and the thought of handing it over to someone else made me super anxious. From the very start, though, the team put my mind completely at ease. Before they even touched it, they asked thoughtful, expert questions like what region the rugs were originally from, which immediately showed me how deeply they understand their craft. You can tell they genuinely care about the history and integrity of the textiles they handle. When I got it back, their work completely exceeded my expectations. My rug looked brand new. I couldn't be happier with the results, and I will 100% be bringing all my future rugs back to them!

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Sarah, for trusting Zeytounian Rugs with your special rug and for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear our care and expertise put you at ease and that you’re so happy with the results. We look forward to helping with your rugs in the future!

Kevin Casillo

3 weeks ago

We have trusted Zetounian Rug Cleaning and repair on several Chinese, Afghanistan, Moroccan and Persian rugs many times over the years. Not just expert cleaning, but repairs as well. Their skill and attention to detail is exemplary. Impeccable service coupled with endless generational knowledge of specific carpet materials, age and origin of each piece Are there others, of course there are, would I use the other guy, nope, not a chance, these boys are the best! Whether they like it or not, they are stuck with us for life.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Kevin, for your wonderful review and your loyalty over the years! We truly appreciate your trust in Zeytounian Rugs and are delighted to be your go-to for rug cleaning and repairs. We're always here to care for your cherished rugs!

Deborah Krongard

3 weeks ago

I love Zeytounian! They are the best combination of professionalism and great customer service. I have brought them six or seven rugs and not only do they do an amazing job cleaning them, but they also can tell you the story of the rug's origins, etc. They do pick-ups at your home if needed and they are also lovely people - friendly and kind. I highly recommend!

Response from the owner:Thanks Deborah, this means a lot! Always glad to see you and your rugs. See you next time.

L Austell Slayter

3 weeks ago

Such professional and personal care. They make you feel like you're part of the family. Amazing rug knowledge

Response from the owner:Thank you, we really appreciate it. Glad you felt at home with us.

tracy stijacic

3 weeks ago

I had such a wonderful experience with Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair. I especially appreciate that they are a family-owned business. Brothers, Anthony and Alex were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly take great pride in their work and their family’s business. I’m embarrassed to admit that I’ve owned my rugs for about 25 years and had never had them professionally cleaned. These rugs are very special to me, and the results were honestly shocking—in the best way. They look absolutely amazing, and the colors and details have come back to life. I can’t believe I had actually considered getting rid of them. I’m so grateful for the care Anthony and Alex took with my rugs and that I’ll now be able to enjoy them for another 25 years. I would highly recommend Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair to anyone looking for knowledgeable and genuinely kind professionals.

Response from the owner:Tracy, thank you so much for this! Anthony and Alex had a great time working on your rugs. We could tell how much those pieces mean to you after 25 years, and that kind of care makes our job the best. So glad we could bring them back to life, and here's to the next 25 years. Come see us anytime!

Karen Renberg

4 weeks ago

We have had our area rugs cleaned several times. They look fabulous after they are cleaned. We wouldn't use any other cleaning service.

Response from the owner:Thanks so much Karen. It means a lot that you keep coming back to Zeytounian Rugs for your area rug cleaning here in San Diego. We love seeing those rugs come back to life and we appreciate your loyalty more than you know.

Bettina Pedersen

4 weeks ago

Zeytounian Rugs was amazing! They explained the process for cleaning the rug, listened to me talk about how the rug fit into our decor and how much we loved our rug (even though it was machine made), and they did an absolutely beautiful job of cleaning and repairing it with brand new fringe. Their work is superb, and I would recommend them to anyone needing to have a rug cleaned and/or repaired.

Response from the owner:Bettina, this one made our day. Didn't matter to us that the rug was machine made. It mattered to you, and that's the whole point. New fringe plus a full clean can bring an older rug right back, and yours came out beautiful. Thanks for trusting Zeytounian Rugs with something you clearly love. Anyone in San Diego who needs a rug cleaned or repaired, send them our way.

Tim Shepich

4 weeks ago

These guys are as straightforward and honest as you can find! Great work with no surprises or hidden cost! I highly recommend them!

Response from the owner:Appreciate this, Tim. No surprises and no hidden costs, that's how we run every job. Straight quote up front, honest work, done right. Glad the area rug cleaning came out the way you wanted. San Diego's got no shortage of options, so it means a lot you're pointing people to us. Thanks for the recommendation.

Karen Abshier

1 month ago

Great guys. Amazing service.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much for the kind words! We really appreciate you trusting us with your rugs. It was a pleasure serving you here in San Diego, and we look forward to helping you again whenever you need us.

L M Davis

1 month ago

I had a truly great experience with Zeytounian Rug Cleaning. We just moved here and I had intended to have my 6 rugs cleaned before we moved but never got around to it. I had already gotten a couple of estimates in our previous area, so I knew what to expect. Here in a new town, I contacted three different companies to try and get estimates. ONLY Zeytounian responded, and very quickly. They sent me a very reasonable estimate, and impressed by their great reviews, I scheduled a pick-up. The brothers arrived on time, were very helpful, and both have a great sense of humor! The job was completed within the time frame they specified, the rugs delivered on time, and they were happy to fulfill my special requests (photos and wrapped for storage of a couple of rugs). And, the rugs look amazing! I could not be happier. It was a pleasure doing business with Zeytounian Rug Cleaning.

Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Lindsey! Welcome to San Diego, and thank you for trusting us with your rugs. We're so glad we could make the process easy from the initial estimate through pickup, cleaning, and delivery. It was a pleasure meeting you, and we're happy we could accommodate your storage requests as well. Enjoy your freshly cleaned rugs, and if you ever need anything in the future, we're always here to help. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience!

Greg Goorjian

1 month ago

The family heirloom passed down from my grandfather. Prayer rug size, losing threads, and quite filthy.. After restoration and washing at their own shop. A Full emersion process in their shop. The rug came back with 100% satisfaction. Family owned and operated by Armenians.. They know a thing or two about a thing or two. Highly recommend Zeytounian Rugs!

Response from the owner:Greg, thank you. We don't take it lightly when someone hands us a rug that's been in the family that long. Glad we could get your grandfather's back to you the right way. Thanks, Greg. The Zeytounian family

Pam Raney

1 month ago

Great service (even my dogs had fun in the treat and toy-filled office! Will come back for the next clean, for sure!

Response from the owner:Pam, this made our whole day. The treat basket is genuinely one of the best decisions we've made around here, and your two were great company. See you at the next clean, and thanks for the kind words.

Liberty&Justice67

1 month ago

Great service! Rug is very clean. The owner is very courteous. Timely service. Low price for the service standard. Recommend without hesitation.

Response from the owner:Dan, thanks for trusting us with your rug and for the great review!

Katy Motiey

1 month ago

This is an exceptional business run by 2 brothers… professional and high quality work. Thank you for taking care of our family Persian carpets!

Response from the owner:katy, thanks for the review and letting us take care of your rugs!

Bj Alfstad

1 month ago

Response from the owner:Thanks for the five stars, Bj. Really appreciate you taking the time.

Related Rug Services

Rug Cleaning and Washing · Area Rug Cleaning · Wool Rug Cleaning · Oriental Rug Cleaning · Rug Pickup and Delivery · Request a free estimate

Contact Us for Professional Rug Washing

★★★★★ 5.0 · Google Reviews

Drop your rug off, or we can pick it up. Our shop is at 7343 Ronson Rd Ste U in Kearny Mesa, open Monday to Friday 9 to 4 and Saturday 9 to 2. By car we are a Highway 52 or Interstate 805 run for most of the county: about twenty minutes from Solana Beach or Coronado, twenty-five from Chula Vista, and thirty-five from Carlsbad.

Get Driving Directions to Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair

What San Diego Clients Say About Our Rug Washing

★★★★★ 5.0 · Google Reviews

★★★★★

We have had our area rugs cleaned several times. They look fabulous after they are cleaned. We wouldn’t use any other cleaning service.

Karen Renberg

Google review

★★★★★

Bettina Pedersen

Google review

★★★★★

This is an exceptional business run by 2 brothers… professional and high quality work. Thank you for taking care of our family Persian carpets!

Katy Motiey

Google review

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