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

Antique Rug Cleaning & Restoration in San Diego

Antique rug cleaning rewards a patient hand and a trained eye, and our family has washed fine rugs exactly that way, by hand, since 1956. An old rug carries the record of the loom it came from, its knots, its dyes, its wear, and it deserves to be read before it is touched.

Age changes everything. The foundation can be brittle, early vegetable dyes can bleed the moment they meet water, and a rug may already carry repairs from a previous owner. We test first, wash gently, and can rebuild worn fringe, edges, and thin spots so a piece you inherited is ready to hand down again.

  • ✓ 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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San Diego Antique Rug Cleaning Specialists

The oldest rugs are also the least forgiving. A foundation woven a century ago can hide dry rot, the wool can be dry and brittle, and hand-ground dyes may sit only a wash away from running. That is why antique rug cleaning at our facility begins with testing, not soap. We read the age and condition of each piece, confirm the colors will hold, and then hand-wash slowly with all-natural soaps so the rug comes clean without any stress on the weave. Antique and Persian rug hand washing has been done this way at Zeytounian since 1956.

Why Antique Rugs Deserve Expert Care

An heirloom rug usually carries two kinds of value, the money it represents and the family it belongs to. Harsh detergents and high-pressure equipment can flatten those old dyes and pull apart a foundation that was already thinning, and none of that can be undone. Once a hundred-year-old warp snaps under pressure, it is gone.

Three generations of our family have cleaned and repaired antique rugs by hand since 1956, and that continuity matters with old weaving. Our artisans can reweave a worn field, secure a loose selvage, and rebuild fringe, so heirloom rug cleaning and antique rug restoration happen together on the same piece rather than in separate hands.

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Rug cleaning technician applying foam to a traditional Persian rug for deep cleaning.
Squeegee pushing foam across a blue rug patterned with fish

Antique Rug Types We Clean in San Diego

No two old rugs age the same way, so no two are washed the same way. Before any water touches an antique, we identify where and roughly when it was woven, then set the fiber-safe soap, water temperature, and handling to that specific piece.

We work regularly on hand-knotted and handwoven antiques of every origin, including Persian, Turkish, Afghan, Moroccan, Chinese, Caucasian, and Indian rugs, along with tribal kilims and flat weaves. Fine older pieces are the heart of what we do.

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Antique Persian Rugs

Old Persian rugs are hand-knotted in wool or silk and often colored with hand-ground vegetable dyes that were never meant to sit in water. Indigo and madder reds are the usual culprits for bleeding. We test every color on an antique Persian rug before washing, hold the water cool, and keep agitation light so the pile, the foundation, and the palette all come through the wash intact. These are among the most valuable pieces on our floor, and they are handled accordingly.

Antique Turkish, Caucasian & Tribal Rugs

Village and tribal antiques from Turkey, the Caucasus, and beyond were woven for daily life, so many arrive with genuine wear, old repairs, and soft, sun-touched colors that are part of their character. Flat-weave kilims add their own challenge, since a slotted, backless weave shows every misstep. We map the weave and any prior mending first, then wash by hand at a pace the piece can take, preserving the age and history the rug has earned rather than scrubbing it away.

Antique Wool Rugs

Wool from an older rug can behave two ways. Where the natural lanolin survives, it stays resilient and cleans beautifully, and full immersion brings the color and softness back. Where decades of dry heat have leached that oil out, the wool turns brittle and needs a gentler touch to avoid cracking fibers at the base of the knot. We judge which we are dealing with during inspection and adjust the wash so an antique wool rug is refreshed without pile loss or distortion.

Antique Silk Rugs

Antique silk is the most fragile thing we handle. The fibers are extremely fine, the dyes are often original and unstable, and heat or a strong chemical can dull the sheen for good. We hand-wash old silk with mild low-pH solutions, keep water pressure and heat off it entirely, and dry it slowly under watch. Cleaned this way, a silk rug keeps its luster, its drape, and the fine detail that made it worth keeping.

Vegetable-Dyed Antiques

Before synthetic dyes arrived, weavers colored wool with plants, insects, and minerals, and those early dyes are gorgeous and unpredictable in equal measure. A reactive red or blue can migrate into the ivory ground during a careless wash and leave a permanent stain. Colorfastness testing is not optional on these rugs. When a dye reads unstable, we switch to a controlled, low-moisture method that lifts the soil without letting the colors travel.

Rugs with Dry Rot or Prior Repairs

Some antiques come to us already fragile, with dry-rotted foundations from a long-ago flood, moth-eaten patches, or old repairs that no longer hold. A weak rug cannot survive an ordinary wash, so we stabilize it first. Our artisans can reweave lost knots, rebind edges, and rebuild fringe, turning a piece too fragile to use back into one you can put on the floor. Cleaning and antique rug restoration are done together, in the same shop, by the same hands.

Watch Our Wash Process

Before & After Rug Cleaning

Antique Persian rug with intricate floral patterns and signs of wear.

Hand knotted rug in soft beige and rose with a central star medallion

Medallion rug with a grey soiled cast laid out flat

Clean ivory medallion rug with apricot accents and white fringe laid out flat

What Changes When the Rug Is an Antique

Two points of our full nine step immersion wash process carry extra weight on an antique. Decades of dry grit are vibrated out of the foundation before any water is introduced, because once wet that grit sinks in as sediment no rinse pulls back out, and every early vegetable dye gets its own wet test before the bath, since one unstable red or indigo moves the whole piece to a gentler low-moisture cleaning. Any repair work is blended into the surrounding pile during finishing, so a rebuilt area sits down evenly with the rest of the rug.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, when the wash is built around the rug’s condition. We inspect the foundation first, test every dye, and keep the hand washing slow with all-natural soaps. A piece too fragile for immersion is stabilized by our repair artisans before cleaning, or cleaned by a low-moisture method instead.

Not if the dyes are tested first, which is why colorfastness testing is a fixed step in our process. Stable dyes go through the full immersion wash. If a color shows any tendency to run, we switch to a controlled low-moisture clean that keeps every color inside its own lines.

Yes. Our artisans reweave worn areas, secure loose selvages, and rebuild fringe in the same shop where the rug is washed. Repair and cleaning are planned together during the inspection, and finished repairs are blended into the surrounding pile before the rug goes home.

A dry-rotted foundation cannot survive an ordinary wash, so we stabilize the weak areas before anything else. The inspection tells us where the rot is, the repair work reinforces it, and only then does the rug move on to a wash matched to what the foundation can take.

We do. Pickup and delivery are available anywhere in San Diego County, and the rug is measured and quoted with a free estimate before any cleaning begins.

Authentic handmade rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Testimonials from Our Clients

All Testimonials

Excellent
5.0
Maura Kelly Barcelona
2 days ago
Excellent customer service and super convenient. These guys know what they’re doing! And the prices are super reasonable. 10/10 recommend
susan halenza
4 days 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
5 days 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
6 days 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
6 days 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
1 week 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
1 week 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
1 week 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.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
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
2 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
2 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
2 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
2 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
2 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.
Photo from customer review
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
2 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
3 weeks 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
3 weeks 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
4 weeks 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!
Photo from customer review
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
4 weeks 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
4 weeks 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
4 weeks 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
4 weeks ago
Response from the owner:Thanks for the five stars, Bj. Really appreciate you taking the time.
Liz Sisco
4 weeks ago
Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair did a fantastic job cleaning 10 of my Persian rugs. Alexander and Anthony are friendly, professional and passionate about caring for rugs. Pick up and delivery was seamless and the rugs came back looking NEW! I highly recommend Zeytounian Rugs for all your rug cleaning and repair needs.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for the great review Liz! It was a pleasure washing your beautiful persian and oriental rugs!
Susan Penman
1 month ago
My pup unfortunately had a vomiting accident on our 6 month old handmade silk Turkish rug and I jumped online and saw the incredible reviews from all of your customers and was so impressed I called immediately screaming HELP! We met the next day and your calmness and confidence gave us exactly what we needed to know that we found the best team to care for our very special piece of art! Thank you all for saving us! I 1000% recommend you trust this family with your heirlooms as well any other rugs you need assistance with, additionally the team recommended we have a sleeve sewn on the back and hang our beautiful piece of art, best decision ever! Feel free to call us at any time for a live reference!
Photo from customer review
Response from the owner:Susan, thank you so much for this amazing review. We're honored you trusted us with such a special handmade silk rug. We know how overwhelming those moments can be, so it means a lot to hear that we were able to give you peace of mind. Seeing your rug restored and now proudly displayed on the wall made the whole experience even more rewarding for us. Thank you again for your trust, your kind words, and your recommendation. It was a pleasure helping you, and we hope you enjoy your beautiful rug for many years to come!
Babra Rosenberg
1 month ago
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.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Babra! We’re thrilled to hear you’re happy with your rug cleaning and our service. It means a lot to us that you’d recommend Zeytounian Rugs. We look forward to helping you again in the future!
Anna Ancona
1 month ago
They were very professional and great at communicating. They cleaned my Moroccan rug in a week. Loved supporting this family owned business!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much, Anna, for your wonderful review! We're thrilled you loved our service and are grateful for your support of our family-owned business. It was a pleasure caring for your Moroccan rug! – The Zeytounian Rugs Team

What Changes When the Rug Is an Antique

Antique handling compared with a standard wash
  Antique and heirloom rug Newer rug
Foundation Already thinning, and a hundred year old warp that snaps under pressure is gone for good Sound foundation with more tolerance
Dyes Old dyes flatten under harsh detergents and high pressure, and none of it can be undone More stable under a standard wash
Equipment Hand washing only, no high pressure equipment Hand washing, wash read to the fiber
Repair alongside cleaning Worn field rewoven, loose selvage secured and fringe rebuilt on the same piece Cleaning usually stands alone
Who handles it Three generations of the same family, by hand since 1956 The same facility, same hands

Related Rug Cleaning Services

Persian Rug Cleaning · Silk Rug Cleaning · Rug Restoration · Request a free estimate

Contact Us for Professional Antique Rug Cleaning

★★★★★ 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.

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