Hand repairing a colorful traditional rug with needle and thread.

Rug Hole Repair and Reweaving in San Diego

Hole repair and reweaving at Zeytounian Rugs happens in three stages at our San Diego workshop. We read what caused the damage, rebuild the warp and weft foundation across the opening at the original tension, then reknot the pile in matched wool and shear it level with the field.

  • ✓ 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.


Holes Rebuilt Knot by Knot Since 1956

Rug hole repair starts with two questions: what made the hole, and how much sound weave is left around it? An ember from the fireplace, a puppy’s teething months, a caster that ground against the same spot for a decade, a tear from a move, moth larvae working under a couch. Each leaves a different wound, and at Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair each gets the same remedy done well: the hole rewoven by hand at our Kearny Mesa workshop until it belongs to the rug again.

Reweaving is the difference between hiding a hole and healing one. A glued patch or a piece of tape stops the unraveling for a season. A rewoven area rebuilds what the loom built originally: the warp and weft foundation first, then new pile knotted into that grid, matched to the color and character of the wool around it. Nicholas Zeytounian did this work when the shop opened in 1956, and his grandsons Anthony and Alexander do it today.

The evaluation is free, and it is honest. Most holes can be rewoven. A few should not be, because the rug around them is too far gone or too plain to justify the hours, and we say so. One hole is a repair; damage across the whole field is a restoration, and simpler edge problems are covered under rug repair. Pickup and delivery runs countywide.

Frayed fringe and woven signature panel on the edge of a blue and cream rug

What a Proper Hole Repair Involves

A hole is not missing pile. It is a break in the structure the pile hangs on, and repairing it in the right order is what makes the repair last. Work that skips the foundation fails at the edges within a few years of vacuuming. Ours is built from the bottom up:

  • Warp and weft foundation rebuilt across the opening
  • New pile hand knotted to match color, wool, and knot count
  • Pile sheared level with the surrounding field
  • Edges of the repair secured so the loss cannot creep
  • An honest recommendation when reweaving is not the right call

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Reweaving Work at the Workshop

Hole Repair, Step by Step

Handwoven traditional rug with intricate patterns and fringes.
New white fringe sewn onto a beige floral rug on the workbench

Reading the Damage

The cause decides the plan.

Before anyone threads a needle we work out what made the hole and whether it is finished making it. A burn is done the moment it happens. Moth damage is not, and reweaving over an active infestation wastes everyone’s time, so those rugs are washed through first. We read the fiber, the dyes, the knot count, and the condition of the foundation around the opening, because every one of those facts sets the boundaries of the repair. Then we lay the options out plainly, with a written estimate, before any work begins.

Red rug edge with worn binding and grey foundation threads exposed
Worn selvedge along the edge of a red patterned rug

Rebuilding the Foundation

Every knot in a hand-knotted rug is tied around warp threads and locked in place by the weft. A hole breaks that grid, and new knots have nothing to hold to until it is restored. We anchor new warp threads into sound foundation on either side of the opening, then weave the weft back through them, recreating the grid at the same tension as the original. Tension is the quiet skill here: strung too tight, the repair puckers the field around it; too loose, and it sags into a soft spot underfoot. Done right, the rebuilt foundation is indistinguishable from the loom’s work.

Short worn fringe on the edge of a beige floral rug before replacement
Before and after of a corner repair on a red rug with a woven calligraphy border

Reweaving the Pile

With the grid restored, the pattern returns one knot at a time. We match the wool for color and character, follow the design across the gap, and tie each knot in the same style the original weaver used, at the same density. Direction matters as much as color: pile leans the way it was knotted, and catches light accordingly, so a rebuilt area knotted against the grain announces itself even in a perfect color match. The new pile is then sheared level with the field:

  • Wool matched to color, sheen, and age
  • Knot style and density follow the original
  • Pile direction kept consistent with the field
  • Sheared and finished level with the rug

Why choose Zeytounian Rugs for Hole Repair and Reweaving in San Diego?

Reweaving is slow work that cannot be rushed and cannot be faked. The repair sits in the middle of the rug where every guest can see it, and it either disappears or it does not. Three generations at the same bench since 1956 is our answer to that test. We know how Persian, Turkish, Moroccan, and Chinese rugs are constructed, which is what lets a rebuilt area lie level and read true instead of sitting on the rug like a patch.

Holes rarely arrive alone. A rug that took a burn usually needs a wash; one the dog chewed may need its fringe repaired too; moth holes always mean treating the infestation before the weaving starts. Because washing and weaving happen under one roof in Kearny Mesa, the whole job is planned once and handled by the same hands. Clients bring us work from La Jolla, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, Coronado, and across San Diego County, and we pick up and deliver.

You get a free written estimate and a straight answer about whether reweaving makes sense for your rug. Zeytounian Rugs has been San Diego’s trusted rug repair specialist for three generations. For rugs with damage spread across the whole field rather than a single opening, our rug restoration service is the deeper version of the same craft.

Hole Repair and Reweaving Questions, Answered

Almost any, provided the foundation around the hole is sound enough to anchor new warp and weft. Even large openings can be rebuilt if the surrounding weave holds. The free evaluation tells us that within minutes, and we tell you before any work starts.

The goal is a repair that reads as part of the original weave. We match the wool, the color, the knot count, and the pile direction, and on most rugs the rewoven area is very hard to find once it is sheared level. Antiques with faded or uneven dyes take more effort to match, and we are honest about what to expect.

Yes. Burns and chewed areas are two of the most common holes we reweave. The scorched or shredded material is cleared back to sound weave, the foundation is rebuilt across the opening, and new pile is knotted in to match the pattern.

A patch covers or fills a hole with separate material and shows its edges sooner or later. Reweaving rebuilds the rug’s own structure: foundation first, then hand-knotted pile matched to the original. It takes longer and it lasts, which is why it is our standard for hand-knotted rugs worth keeping.

Not by itself. Moth eggs survive surface treatments, so we wash the rug through our full immersion process before any weaving, clearing out larvae and eggs. Repairing first and washing never is how moth holes come back a year later.

No. We pick up and deliver anywhere in San Diego County, or you can drop the rug at our Kearny Mesa shop during open hours. Either way the reweaving is done in-house by our own craftsmen.

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.
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
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
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!
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!

The Three Stages of a Hole Repair

Hole repair and reweaving, stage by stage
Stage What we do Why it decides the result
Reading the damage We work out what made the hole and whether it is still making it, then read the fiber, the dyes, the knot count and the condition of the foundation around the opening A burn is finished the moment it happens, but moth damage is not, so those rugs are washed through first rather than rewoven over an active infestation
Rebuilding the foundation New warp threads are anchored into sound foundation on either side of the opening, then the weft is woven back through them at the original tension Strung too tight the repair puckers the field, too loose and it sags into a soft spot underfoot
Reweaving the pile Wool matched to color, sheen and age, knot style and density following the original, pile direction kept consistent with the field, then sheared level Pile leans the way it was knotted and catches light accordingly, so an area knotted against the grain announces itself even in a perfect color match
Zeytounian Rugs gold ZR monogram with olive branch

Contact Us for Professional Hole Repair and Reweaving

★★★★★ 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 Repair Work

★★★★★ 5.0 · Google Reviews

★★★★★

Fantastic Job!
We have a 8’ diameter circular asian rug that ’s 40 years old. It was dirty and the fringe was torn off from vacuuming. We took it to Zeytourian Rugs for cleaning & restoration. They did a fantastic job bringing the vibrant colors back to life. They replaced the white fringe and the rug looks brand new. Wouldn’t take it anywhere else.

Peter Sorvas

1 month ago · Google review

★★★★★

We got our Persian rug professionally cleaned for the first time after nearly 20 years. It moved with us across the country several times and survived our college years and our first child’s baby/toddler years. Zeytounian Rugs did an incredible job! The colors are so bright and the rug is so soft. They hand-repaired the worn edges and the tassels are stark white. I’m truly impressed by the quality of their work. 10/10, would definitely recommend!

River Amin

3 weeks ago · Google review

★★★★★

This is the most amazing company. They do a fabulous job. They made my old beat up. Rug. Look like brand new. They are Reasonably priced andso nice to work with. I would definitely recommend them.

Babra Rosenberg

2 weeks ago · Google review

See all of our rug cleaning and repair services in San Diego.