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

Oriental Rug Water Damage Restoration in San Diego

Oriental rug water damage restoration is urgent work, and the hours right after a rug gets soaked matter far more than most people expect. Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair has washed handmade rugs in San Diego since 1956, and three generations later a water-damaged rug still gets full-immersion attention by hand at our Kearny Mesa facility.

A wet oriental rug is a race against the clock. Trapped moisture invites mildew, natural dyes start to migrate, and the cotton foundation begins to weaken while the rug still looks salvageable. Getting it into a controlled wash quickly is what separates a rug that comes back sound from one that is permanently marked.

✓ 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

San Diego Water Damaged Rug Specialists

A flooded or soaked rug does not fail all at once. It fails in stages. Within the first 24 to 48 hours, mold and mildew can take hold in a damp wool or silk pile, and the smell that comes with them is hard to reverse once it settles into the foundation.

Dyes that were perfectly stable when dry begin to bleed as water carries pigment from one knot into the next. The cotton base, now holding water it was never built to hold, loses strength and can dry-rot if it stays wet.

If your rug has taken on water, lift it off the wet floor, do not fold or stack it, and call us so the clock stops. Pickup and delivery runs across San Diego County and every estimate is free.

Why a Soaked Rug Needs Full Immersion, Not On-Site Extraction

A truck-mounted extraction unit is built to pull water out of wall-to-wall carpet glued to a subfloor. A handmade rug is a different problem entirely. Its dyes, foundation, and fringe all react to water, and running suction across a soaked pile in your living room still leaves salts, sediment, and moisture buried in the base of the weave. That buried dampness is exactly where mildew and odor begin. Full immersion flushes the whole rug through clean water so nothing is left behind to rot or smell.

With over seventy years of hands-on rug experience, we treat wet rug restoration as its own discipline. Controlled drying finishes the job. The rug dries evenly under monitored airflow and humidity instead of sitting damp on a floor, which is what prevents the shrinkage, browning, and dye migration a slow at-home dry-out tends to cause.

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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

How Water Damage Affects Different Rug Fibers

Flood water moves through each rug type in its own way. Fiber, dye, and construction decide how far the moisture sinks and what the drying plan has to be, so we pin all three down before the restoration wash begins.

We restore every type of water-damaged area rug and specialize in oriental and handmade pieces, including Persian, silk, viscose, Chinese, Kilim, Caucasian, Moroccan, Turkish, Navajo, Indian, Karastan, and machine-made rugs.

Free Estimates With Damage Notes
Countywide Rug Pickup
All-Natural Soaps, No Harsh Chemicals

Persian Rugs

Hand-knotted wool and silk over a cotton foundation is the kind of base that holds water badly, and the vegetable and synthetic dyes in a Persian rug are the first thing to run once moisture starts moving. We test every water-damaged Persian rug for colorfastness, wash it in clean water at a matched temperature and pH, and correct any dye run before it can set, so the pile, the foundation, and the original colors all survive the soaking.

Oriental Rugs

A soaked flat-weave behaves nothing like a soaked pile rug. Turkish, Chinese, Indian, Afghan, Pakistani, Moroccan, and Caucasian pieces each pair their own dyes with a different tolerance for standing water, so origin and construction get sorted out before any restoration begins, because a thin tribal Kilim or Navajo flat-weave dries and reacts nothing like a heavy Bokhara or Beni Ourain that can hold gallons of water in its foundation.

Wool Rugs

Wool’s natural lanolin buys a little time, but a rug left soaking saturates all the way to the base, where it turns to mildew, a stubborn musty odor, and a yellow-brown cast that never airs out. Full immersion flushes the trapped water and dissolved soil, and controlled drying brings the wool back without shrinkage or matting. Leaving a wet wool rug to dry on the floor is what sets the smell and warps the shape.

Silk Rugs

Silk is the least forgiving fiber when it gets wet. The strands are very fine, they lose strength while saturated, and the dyes move at the slightest provocation, so a rushed blotting attempt at home often does more harm than the water. We restore water-damaged silk with gentle low-pH solutions and tightly controlled moisture, never heat or pressure, so the odor and staining are removed while the luster and fine detail hold.

Viscose, Bamboo Silk & Custom Designer Rugs

Cellulose fibers like viscose and bamboo silk turn yellow-brown the instant water sits in them, and many custom designer rugs are built from exactly these materials. They are the pieces most often written off after a flood or a leak. We use precisely controlled moisture and specialist technique to restore them, and can often reverse the cellulosic browning the water has already caused.

Synthetic & Machine Made Rugs

Nylon, polyester, and polypropylene will shed surface water, but a flood drives moisture straight through to the backing and pad, where mildew and odor settle in long after the face looks dry. Our full-immersion wash flushes the base and dries the rug through, front to back. Even an inexpensive machine-made rug comes back genuinely clean and dry from a facility wash in a way an in-home dry-out cannot manage.

Watch Our Wash Process

Before & After Rug Restoration

Our Full Immersion Water Damage Restoration Process

Restoration follows the spine of our full nine step immersion wash process, and this page keeps to the stages that flood work adds. The hand washing, rinsing, and monitored drying between these stages run exactly as they do for any rug on our wash floor.

1. Inspection and Damage Documentation

Every rug starts with an inspection. We map where the water reached, note the fiber and dyes, and record any dye bleed, weakened foundation, or early mildew, then measure the rug and give you a free estimate. If you are filing an insurance claim, we photograph and document the condition so you have a clear record of the damage for your adjuster.

2. Water Extraction and Dry Soil Removal

We first draw out the standing water the rug is carrying, then dust it with a vibration process that shakes loose the dirt and grit the flood drove into the foundation. Pulling that debris out before the wash keeps it from grinding into wet fibers and makes the restoration that follows far more thorough.

3. Dye Testing and Color-Run Assessment

Water is what starts dyes bleeding in the first place, so before we wash we test the rug for colorfastness and look for bleeding that has already begun. If the colors hold, we wash normally. Where a dye has started to run, we switch to a gentler, more controlled method and work to correct the migration before it becomes permanent.

4. Full-Immersion Restoration Wash

This is the heart of the service. The rug is fully submerged and washed in clean water with all-natural soaps that lift the contaminated flood water, dissolved soil, and any mildew out of the entire structure. Because the whole rug is immersed, the wash reaches the moisture trapped deep in the foundation that on-site extraction never touches. Heavier saturation simply gets a longer, more careful wash.

5. Stain and Dye-Run Correction

Water damage leaves its own marks: brown watermarks, cellulosic browning, and colors that have bled into neighboring areas. We treat these by hand, working to draw browning back and pull migrated dye out of the fibers it settled into. Many stains that look permanent after a flood come out with patient, material-specific work at this stage.

6. Repair and Restoration

Water often does structural harm along with the staining: weakened fringe, unraveling edges, and dry-rotted foundation. Once the rug is clean and dry, our restoration side takes over with hand rug repair and restoration, from fringe repair and edge binding to reweaving damaged sections, so the rug leaves sound as well as clean.

7. Final Inspection and Delivery (or Pickup)

We check that the rug is fully dry, the odor is gone, and no watermarks or bleed remain. After a final pass through our inspection checklist, the rug is groomed, rolled, and returned to your door, or waiting at the front counter when you would rather swing by for it. Pickup and delivery are available across San Diego County, from La Jolla and Del Mar to Coronado, Chula Vista, and Oceanside.

Frequently Asked Questions

How fast do I need to act after a San Diego rug gets soaked?

The first 24 to 48 hours matter most. That is the window where mold and mildew take hold in a damp pile and dyes begin to migrate through the weave. The sooner the rug reaches a controlled wash, the more of it we can save.

What should I do with the rug before your San Diego pickup arrives?

Lift it off the wet floor and keep it flat. Do not fold or stack it, because a saturated foundation is weak and creasing it can do structural harm. Then call us and we schedule the pickup.

Can dye bleed and watermarks be corrected?

Often, yes. We test for colorfastness, wash with a method matched to how far the bleeding has gone, and work brown watermarks and migrated dye by hand. Many stains that look permanent after a flood come out with patient, material-specific work.

Will you document the damage for my insurance claim?

Yes. During the first inspection we photograph the rug and record the dye bleed, weakened foundation, or early mildew we find, so you have a clear condition record to hand your adjuster.

Is it worth restoring a machine-made rug after a San Diego flood?

Usually it is worth asking, and the estimate is free either way. A flood pushes moisture into the backing where mildew settles, and a full-immersion wash flushes and dries the rug through, front to back. We tell you plainly whether restoration makes sense for that piece.

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

5 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

7 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.

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.

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!

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!

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

On-Site Extraction vs Full Immersion Restoration for a Soaked Rug

What each approach leaves behind
	Truck mounted on-site extraction	Full immersion restoration at the facility
What it was built for	Wall to wall carpet glued to a subfloor	Handmade rugs, as their own discipline
What stays in the rug	Salts, sediment and moisture buried in the base of the weave	The whole rug is flushed through clean water so nothing is left to rot or smell
Mildew and odor	Buried dampness is exactly where they begin	Removed at the source
Dyes and fringe	Suction runs across a soaked pile with the dyes still reacting	Dyes are tested and the color run assessed before the wash
Drying	The rug sits damp on a floor	Dried evenly under monitored airflow and humidity
What that prevents	Shrinkage, browning and dye migration are the usual result	Shrinkage, browning and dye migration are prevented

Related Rug Cleaning Services

Rug Restoration · Rug Repair · Pet Urine and Odor Removal · Request a free estimate

Contact Us About Water Damage Restoration

★★★★★ 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. The same freeway runs our pickup vans make work in reverse: Highway 52 from the coast, Interstate 805 from the South Bay, and Interstate 15 from inland North County, roughly twenty to thirty-five minutes from most of the county.

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