★★★★★ 5.0 from 440+ Google reviews · Family-owned San Diego rug cleaning since 1956
Hand repairing a colorful traditional rug with needle and thread.

Rug Moth Damage Repair in San Diego

Moth damage repair at Zeytounian Rugs begins with a full immersion wash, because eggs sit at the base of the knots where sprays never reach. Only once the rug is clean and completely dry do we rebuild the foundation and reweave the damaged pile by hand in San Diego.

  • ✓ 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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No obligation · pickup & delivery countywide

The facts, in brief

Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair is a family-owned rug cleaning and repair company founded in 1956.

Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair cleans and restores Oriental, Persian, Turkish, wool, and silk rugs in San Diego, California.

Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair washes every rug by hand at its Kearny Mesa storefront at 7343 Ronson Road, Suite U.

Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair is run by the third generation of the Zeytounian family, brothers Alexander and Anthony.

Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair cleans rugs through a nine-step full-immersion wash rather than surface steam cleaning.


Moth Damage Caught, Treated, and Rewoven Since 1956

Rug moth damage repair in San Diego is a two part job: end the infestation completely, then rebuild what the larvae ate. Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair handles both at our Kearny Mesa workshop. The rug goes through a full immersion wash that clears moths, larvae, and eggs out of the pile, and our weavers then reknot the bare channels so the damage disappears back into the original weave.

The moths you see flying are not the ones eating your rug. Adult clothes moths do not feed at all. Their larvae do, and they feed on wool and silk, working in the dark where nothing disturbs them: under a sofa that never moves, along the wall behind a cabinet, or deep inside a rug rolled up in the garage. San Diego’s mild climate never gets cold enough to interrupt them, so an infestation found in January is as active as one found in July.

Bring us the rug, or have us pick it up anywhere in the county, and we will tell you honestly how far the damage goes. Moth damage often looks worse than it is, and sometimes the reverse. The free evaluation reads the foundation under the eaten pile and gives you a clear plan before any work starts. Smaller repairs are covered on our rug repair page; damage spread across the whole field belongs to rug restoration.

Hands knotting new fringe onto the edge of a red and blue rug

Know the Signs Before It Spreads

Moth larvae work slowly and quietly, and by the time damage is obvious on the front of a rug they have usually been feeding for months. Check the back as well as the front, and check the areas furniture covers, because larvae avoid light and foot traffic. Any one of these signs is reason to have the rug looked at:

  • Bare patches where the pile is eaten down to the foundation
  • Gritty, sand-like residue sitting deep in the pile
  • Papery tubes, casings, or webbing on the back of the rug
  • Tufts of wool that lift away with a light pull
  • Small tan moths near the rug, the closet, or stored textiles

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Moth Damage Repair at the Workshop

Hand repairing a colorful woven rug with a needle and thread.

Skilled artisan repairing a vibrant, traditional rug to restore its beauty and durability.
Before and after of a pile repair, bare foundation patch then restored pile

Rug repair showing before and after restoration of frayed edges.

Wool rug repair with sewing needles and yarn on textured carpet.

Close-up of wool rug repair showing sewing needles and yarn on a textured carpet background.
Frayed fringe and woven signature panel on the edge of a blue and cream rug

High-quality Persian rug being cleaned or repaired at Zeytounian Rugs in San Diego.

How We Repair Moth Damage

Hand repairing a colorful woven rug with a needle and thread.
Before and after of a pile repair, bare foundation patch then restored pile

Stop the Infestation

Repair means nothing while larvae are still feeding.

Vacuuming and moth sprays reach the tips of the pile. Eggs do not sit there. They sit at the base of the knots, down against the foundation, which is why an infestation so often comes back after a surface treatment. Our answer is the same full immersion wash we have used on wool and silk rugs for three generations: the entire rug is submerged and washed through, front, back, and foundation, which clears out larvae, eggs, and the soiling that attracted the moths in the first place. Only after the rug is clean and completely dry does repair begin, so new wool is never knotted into an active infestation.

Frayed fringe and woven signature panel on the edge of a blue and cream rug
Wool rug repair with sewing needles and yarn on textured carpet.

Reweave the Damage

Larvae carve channels through the pile, and in a bad infestation they chew through the foundation itself. Where the foundation is gone we rebuild the warp and weft first, because new knots need something sound to hold to. Then the bare areas are reknotted by hand with wool matched to the color, the knot count, and the direction of the surrounding pile, and sheared level with the field. A moth channel repaired this way reads as part of the original weave, not a patch. Where damage runs across the whole rug rather than in scattered channels, we will tell you plainly that the job is a restoration and what that involves.

Rug repair showing before and after restoration of frayed edges.
New white fringe sewn onto a beige floral rug on the workbench

Keep Them From Returning

Moths look for wool that is soiled and left alone. The habits that protect a rug are simple. Vacuum both sides a few times a year, and move the furniture when you do. Rotate the rug so no section sits permanently in the dark. Never store a rug rolled in a garage, attic, or closet without having it washed first, since food residue and body oils in the wool are what draw egg-laying moths. When a rug does go into storage, wrap it in a breathable material rather than plastic, and check on it every few months. We are glad to wash a rug specifically to prepare it for storage:

  • Vacuum both sides, including under furniture
  • Wash before any long storage
  • Breathable wrap, never sealed plastic
  • Check stored rugs every few months

Why choose Zeytounian Rugs for Moth Damage Repair in San Diego?

Moth damage tests both halves of our trade at once. The washing has to be thorough enough that nothing survives, and the weaving has to be careful enough that the repair vanishes into the rug. Nicholas Zeytounian started doing this work in San Diego in 1956, and his grandsons Anthony and Alexander run the same bench today. Fifty years from now the rug should show no record of the moths, and that is the standard the repair is held to.

We repair moth damage on Persian, Turkish, Moroccan, Chinese, and other hand-knotted rugs in wool and silk, the fibers moths actually eat. Clients bring us rugs from La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Coronado, and across San Diego County, and many of them are heirlooms that spent years in storage before the damage was found. A moth-damaged rug should be handled gently and as little as possible, so we pick up and deliver countywide.

The evaluation is free and the recommendation is honest, including the occasional case where a rug is not worth the hours a full rebuild takes. Zeytounian Rugs has been San Diego’s trusted rug repair specialist for three generations, and for rugs that also need a routine deep clean, our rug cleaning and washing service uses the same full immersion process that clears the infestation.

Rug Moth Damage Questions, Answered

In most cases, yes. We rebuild the foundation where larvae chewed through it, then reknot the bare areas with wool matched to the color, knot count, and pile direction of the surrounding weave. On antique rugs with faded, uneven dyes a perfect match takes more effort, and we tell you what to expect before work begins.

Yes. Sprays and vacuuming treat the surface, but moth eggs sit at the base of the knots against the foundation. Our full immersion wash submerges the entire rug and washes it through, front, back, and foundation, which clears out the larvae and eggs along with the soiling that attracted the moths.

Yes, and ideally before you unroll it indoors. A rolled rug in a garage or closet is exactly where clothes moth larvae like to feed: dark, undisturbed, and full of wool. We check stored rugs as part of the free evaluation and can wash a rug specifically to make it safe for storage. See our moth protection and storage preparation for how we prepare a rug to store.

The whole rug is washed, because an infestation is never limited to the spot you can see. The weaving repair itself is localized to the damaged areas. Washing everything first also means new wool is never knotted into a rug that still carries eggs.

Vacuum both sides of the rug a few times a year, rotate it so no area sits permanently under furniture, and never store it long term without washing it first. If it goes into storage, use a breathable wrap rather than plastic and check it every few months.

No. We pick up and deliver anywhere in San Diego County. The washing and reweaving happen at our Kearny Mesa workshop, and we return the rug when the work is done.

Authentic handmade rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Testimonials from Our Clients

All Testimonials

Excellent
5.0
Emily Cheney
3 days ago
Adore them. Never going anywhere else to have my rug cleaned
Response from the owner:Thanks Emily you're the BEST!
Jo\ Anne Hacker
3 days ago
Wow these guys are truly amazing. So friendly, competent, accommodating. Simply could not ask for more. And…my carpets are soooo clean!
Shinar Zoldi
6 days ago
It was a medium wool area rug that needed cleaning as well as a repair in one of the corners. It’s an old repair that was unraveling and eaten by dry rot. Anthony and his crew were very upfront about what they can and can’t do, but it certainly exceeded my expectations. The rug looks beautiful. Thank you.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Jerry G
1 week ago
Brought in an Egyptian layer weave cotton rug to be treated prior to installation. The facility is run by the Zeytounian brothers, very friendly service and with suggestions for the care of the rug. I also purchased their recommended rug padding. They were helpful in unloading the loading the rug in my RAV4. Strongly recommend, no issues with the rug, it was beautiful. Photo attached. Any marks on the rug are from 3 and 5 year old grandchildren playing on it!!
Photo from customer review
Stewart Polk
2 weeks ago
I took our rug to Zeytounuan Rugs for cleaning after watching their short video. The rug is gold and ivory, and one foot on either side of the rug was dark brown from dirt. When I left it with Anthony I was hopeful that I may see some color where the walking paths were. Eight days after leaving the rug Anthony called to say the rug was ready for collection. I took it home and opened what looked like a new rug! The colors were bright and it is so, so very clean. You could never tell the rug is 20 years old. So happy!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Stewart. Twenty years of foot traffic on gold and ivory is about the hardest thing anyone hands us, so getting the colour back out of it was satisfying on our end too. Glad the video brought you in, and Anthony will be pleased.
Marcia Sorini
2 weeks ago
Zeytounian Rug Cleaning and Repair have been my go to rug cleaners for the past 25 years. Kind, courteous, timely and through. My rugs are beautiful and will last forever with the care the Zeytounian family gives them. Call them now!?♥️♥️♥️
Response from the owner:Thank you, Marcia. Twenty five years of rugs between us is something we don't take lightly. Looking after them so they outlast all of us is the whole idea. We appreciate you saying so.
Sarah Federman
3 weeks ago
Loved working with them. Not only did our rugs come back beautiful and clean, they taught us more about the history of the carpets. Ours was likely woven by two women over 100 years ago in Persia. They say it took them two years. I feel more connected to these women.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Sarah. Reading where a rug came from is half the pleasure of this work, and a piece like yours carries a lot of hours in it. Glad it came back clean and that you know a little more about it now. We appreciate you taking the time.
Adrian Montfort
3 weeks ago
This is one of those dying breed of amazing family businesses that make this country great. Friendly service, that old school way of doing business where you feel understood and appreciated. Cleaning service was great and delivered on time, communication was beyond great. I absolutely recommend this place for area rug cleaning.
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Thank you, Adrian. Three generations in, the old school way is really the only way we know. Glad the rug came back on time and that you always knew where things stood. We appreciate the recommendation.
Adam Salter
3 weeks ago
Zeytounian Rugs did a great job repairing and cleaning a Turkish rug I’ve had since I was a teenager. The corner has been chewed and damaged by my dog many years ago, but they fixed it right up. After the repair and a clean it looks like new, I’m so pleased. The guys are super friendly and knowledgeable, just a pleasure to work with.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Adam. A chewed corner on a rug you've had that long is worth repairing properly rather than hiding, and Turkish weaves take the repair well. Glad it looks like new again.
Reid Perry
4 weeks ago
Friendly, professional, hardworking brothers. Had two chinese ivory wool rugs cleaned. One large one smaller. One with a few spots i did not think they could get out, but they did. Very pleased. Would highly recommend them.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Reid. Ivory wool is unforgiving, so spots on it are the ones people assume are permanent. Glad we could prove otherwise on both. We appreciate the recommendation.
Vincent Carson
4 weeks ago
Knowledgeable, hardworking, kind, and professional. What else can I say.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Vincent. That's plenty to say, and we appreciate you taking the time.
patricia arbaugh
4 weeks ago
I had three rugs cleaned and service was outstanding! Very professional and personable. My rugs look brand new! Repaired fringe on one of my rugs and did an excellent job. Pick up and drop off is so convenient! Would highly recommend!!!
Response from the owner:Thank you, Patricia. Fringe repair is slow work and it's the detail most people notice afterwards, so it's good to hear it came out right. Glad the pickup and drop off made it easy. Three rugs at once is our favourite kind of day.
Krisg123
4 weeks ago
You never know who you’ll encounter when searching Google for a professional service, but these brothers were an incredible find! They are among the kindest, most efficient, and trustworthy service professionals I’ve ever met. They treated our rug as if it were their own and completely eliminated every sign of staining. Thank you so much for the outstanding service. I’ll gladly recommend you to anyone in need of professional rug cleaning!
Response from the owner:Thank you. Picking a rug cleaner off a search result is a leap of faith, so we're glad it paid off. Treating a rug like it's our own is the only way we know how to do it. We appreciate the recommendation.
Christian Castrellon
4 weeks ago
We had a rug that had dog urine on it. Took it in on a Thursday and the entire rug was ready by Monday. Extremely quick turn-around time. They pick up rugs as well if you make an appointment which I will be utilizing in the future at this establishment.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Christian. Pet accidents need to be dealt with properly rather than quickly, so getting both on that one felt good. The pickup service is there whenever you need it, just give us a ring to book it in.
David Erb
4 weeks ago
This was the best rug cleaning experience that we’ve had, we’ll absolutely be back again for the excellent results & customer service!!
Response from the owner:David, thank you for the review and trusting us with your rug! We look forward to working with you again
Dewey & Sue Bowen/McMillan
4 weeks ago
Zeytounian did an excellent job cleaning our rugs for a good price. Anthony & Alex were very helpful and quick to respond. They made the whole process easy and even identified the origin and patterns on our rugs. We highly recommend them and will definitely use their services again.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the review guys! Always a pleasure doing business!
Dev Sethi
1 month 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 month 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 month 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 month 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
1 month 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 months 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 months 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 months 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 months 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!

Surface Moth Treatment vs a Full Immersion Wash

Where moth eggs actually sit, and what each treatment reaches
  Vacuuming and moth sprays Full immersion wash
What it reaches The tips of the pile The entire rug, submerged and washed through front, back and foundation
Where the eggs are At the base of the knots, down against the foundation, untouched Cleared out along with the larvae
What drew the moths The soiling stays in the rug The soiling that attracted them is washed out too
Why infestations return A surface treatment leaves the eggs behind Repair only begins once the rug is clean and completely dry, so new wool is never knotted into an active infestation
Keeping them away Not addressed Vacuum both sides a few times a year including under furniture, wash before any long storage, wrap in a breathable material rather than sealed plastic, and check stored rugs every few months

Related Rug Services

Rug Repair · Rug Restoration · Rug Cleaning and Washing · Antique Rug Cleaning · Request a free estimate

Zeytounian Rugs gold ZR monogram with olive branch

Contact Us for Professional Moth Damage Repair

★★★★★ 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. Coming by freeway, Kearny Mesa connects straight off Highway 52 and Interstate 805, and the drive runs about twenty minutes from Coronado, twenty-five from Chula Vista, and twenty-five from Encinitas.

Get Driving Directions to Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair

What San Diego Clients Say About Our Repair Work

★★★★★ 5.0 · Google Reviews

★★★★★

I highly recommend Zeytounian rugs. They cleaned Afghan and Tibetan (2) rugs that I’d stored for over a year and which hadn’t been cleaned in many years. They found moths and treated them beautifully, restoring their lustre. Friendly, convenient by appointment service at a good price!

Louis Cappella

3 weeks ago · Google review

★★★★★

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!

Greg Goorjian

4 days ago · Google review

★★★★★

They are so knowledgeable and provide excellent service. The first time the brothers came out I had lots of questions about the many rugs I inherited and they were patient and kind when answering them. We trust them completely with our antique handmade rugs, for cleaning and repairs, both of which we have had done on multiple rugs. I’m extremely satisfied with every single service they have provided, and their pricing is very fair. We are repeat customers and will continue to be as long as we have rugs. I’m so thankful we found them!

Alejandra Tano

2 months ago · Google review

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