Hand repairing a colorful traditional rug with needle and thread.

Rug Restoration in San Diego

Rug restoration at Zeytounian Rugs rebuilds what a rug has actually lost, by hand in San Diego. We reweave missing pile to the original knot count and color, rethread broken warp and weft, re-secure selvage and ends, and treat moth or dry rot damage before rebuilding it.

  • 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
Get a Free Rug Estimate
No obligation · pickup & delivery countywide

Rug Restoration in San Diego, Hand Rebuilt Since 1956

Zeytounian Rugs restores antique and heirloom rugs in San Diego, rebuilding worn foundations, reweaving lost pile, and repairing damaged ends and sides by hand. A third generation family workshop since 1956, we match the original wool and dyes so repairs blend into the weave, with pickup and delivery countywide.

Rug restoration in San Diego is what you turn to when a rug has gone past a simple fix: large areas worn away, a foundation coming apart at the seams, moth channels bored through the wool, or color bled out by an old flood. At Zeytounian Rugs this is the deep end of the trade. Nicholas Zeytounian began restoring rugs in San Diego in 1956, and the bench now belongs to his sons Anthony and Alexander, the third generation of the family to rebuild old and valuable rugs by hand.

Restoration goes further than a patch. We reweave lost areas of pile knot by knot, rebuild the warp and weft foundation a rug is built on, remake the selvage and end finishes that hold its structure, treat and repair moth and dry-rot damage, and restore color where old dyes have run or faded. Each of these is hand work done at our Kearny Mesa workshop, matched to the way your particular rug was woven.

What the Free Evaluation Looks At

We read a rug before we recommend a plan for it. We check the fiber in the pile and the foundation, the knot count, how the ends and edges were finished, and whether the dyes still hold. That reading tells us how much of the original weave is sound, what can honestly be rebuilt, and how close the finished result will come to the piece you remember.

Not every rug needs full restoration, and we say so. A single frayed end or a loose binding is a straightforward job you can read about on our rug repair page. Our guide to choosing a rug repair service covers what to check before trusting anyone with that work. Restoration is for pieces where the damage is structural or spread across the field, and where the rug, often an heirloom or an antique, is worth the hours it takes. We weigh that with you before any work begins. Pickup and delivery covers the county, and every estimate is free.

 

 

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

Museum Quality Workmanship

Restoration only holds when the person doing it understands how the rug was built. Our weavers restore Persian, Turkish, Afghan, Moroccan, Indian, kilim, silk, and wool rugs, and because we know how each is constructed, we can rebuild a missing area so it belongs to the rug rather than sits on top of it. On antique and oriental rug restoration we work back from the original materials and technique, then lay out the options in plain terms before we start.

  • Reweaving: lost pile rebuilt knot by knot to match color and depth
  • Foundation rebuilding: warp and weft rewoven where a rug has split
  • Selvage and end finishes remade so the structure holds
  • Moth and dry-rot damage treated and rewoven
  • Color and dye restoration for bled or faded areas
  • Full restoration of antique and heirloom pieces

Contact us for a Free Estimate!

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Before & After Rug Restoration

Rug Restoration Services

Frayed fringe and woven signature panel on the edge of a blue and cream rug
Handwoven traditional rug with intricate patterns and fringes.
Short worn fringe on the edge of a beige floral rug before replacement
New white fringe sewn onto a beige floral rug on the workbench
Before and after of a corner repair on a red rug with a woven calligraphy border

Reweaving Lost Areas

Lost areas of a rug can be brought back!

When a rug loses pile to heavy wear, a burn, or moths, reweaving is how the pattern returns. We rebuild the warp and weft foundation across the gap first, because new knots need something sound to hold to. Then we knot new wool or silk into place, matching the color, the knot count, and the direction of the pile so the rebuilt area lies level with the field around it. On a large loss this is slow, deliberate work measured row by row, and it is the heart of what restoration means. Done well, the finished area reads as part of the original weave rather than a patch laid over the top.

Red rug edge with worn binding and grey foundation threads exposed
Close up of a red rug border with a freshly rebound edge
Worn selvedge along the edge of a red patterned rug
Hand holding the corner of a red rug with frayed fringe and navy selvedge

Foundation & Selvage

A rug is built on a grid of warp and weft threads, and the selvage is the wrapped yarn that seals its long sides. When that structure fails, the rug splits, buckles, or unravels from the edge inward, and no amount of surface work will hold it together. We rebuild the foundation itself, rethreading warp and weft and re-securing the selvage so the rug regains its shape and tension. This is the groundwork every other restoration step depends on:

  • Split or torn foundation rewoven
  • Selvage and side edges rebuilt
  • Broken warp and weft rethreaded
  • End finishes secured to stop further loss
Hand repairing a colorful woven rug with a needle and thread.
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.

Moth, Dry Rot & Color

Two kinds of damage quietly take apart a stored rug: moths, which eat wool down to the foundation, and dry rot, which weakens the threads when a rug sits damp. Both leave brittle, missing areas that have to be rebuilt, not just cleaned. We treat the cause first so it does not return, rebuild the foundation, and reknot the pile. Where old water damage or age has pulled the color out of true, we restore the dye to bring the field back into balance:

  • Moth-eaten areas treated and rewoven
  • Dry-rot damage rebuilt from the foundation up
  • Color and dye restoration for bled or faded areas
  • Antique and heirloom pieces stabilized for the long term

Why choose Zeytounian Rugs for Rug Restoration in San Diego?

Restoration puts a rug in someone’s hands for weeks, so who does the work matters. A rebuild done at a tension the rug cannot hold will pull the surrounding weave out of true, and a poor color match is something you notice every time you walk past it. Three generations at the same looms have taught us to rebuild in a way that lasts and to respect the hand of the original weaver.

We take on oriental rug restoration and antique rug restoration along with wool rug restoration for pieces that have simply worn thin with use. We serve La Jolla, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, Carmel Valley, Coronado, and communities across the county. A rug weak enough to need restoration should not be folded into the back of a car, so we pick up and deliver. We collect the piece, restore it, and bring it home.

You get an honest evaluation and a clear recommendation before any work begins, from one rewoven area up to a full structural rebuild. Zeytounian Rugs has been San Diego’s trusted rug repair and restoration specialist since 1956, and restoring antique and heirloom rugs is where three generations of practice show most. For older pieces that also need washing, our antique rug cleaning service pairs naturally with restoration. We treat every rug that comes through the door with the care we would give our own.

Rug Restoration Questions, Answered

Repair handles a single problem, like a frayed end or a loose binding. Restoration is for damage that is structural or spread across the rug, and it makes sense when the piece is an heirloom, an antique, or simply worth more to you than a replacement. We give you that honest read at the free estimate, including the rare case where restoration is not worth doing.

Usually, yes. As long as we can anchor to sound foundation around the loss, we rebuild the warp and weft and reknot the pile to match. Even rugs that look past saving often have a foundation strong enough to restore.

The goal is a rebuild that reads as part of the rug. We match fiber, color, knot count, and pile direction. On an antique with faded, uneven dyes an exact match takes more effort, and we tell you honestly what to expect before we begin.

Yes. We treat the cause so it does not come back, rebuild the foundation the moths or rot destroyed, and reweave the pile. Catching it early leaves more of the original weave to save.

It depends on how much has to be rebuilt. A small rewoven area moves faster than restoring the foundation across a whole rug. We give you a realistic timeframe with your free estimate so you are not left guessing.

No. We pick up and deliver anywhere in San Diego County. The restoration itself happens at the Kearny Mesa workshop, and we return the rug to you when the work is done.

Authentic handmade rugs with intricate patterns and vibrant colors.

Testimonials from Our Clients

All Testimonials

Excellent
5.0
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.
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.
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.
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 Rug Restoration Rebuilds

Restoration work by type of loss
Type of loss What we rebuild Cases we handle
Lost pile and lost areas The warp and weft foundation is rebuilt across the gap first, then new wool or silk is knotted in, matched for color, knot count and pile direction so the area lies level with the field Heavy wear, burns and moth loss, measured row by row on a large loss
Foundation and selvage Warp and weft rethreaded and the selvage re-secured so the rug regains its shape and tension Split or torn foundation rewoven, selvage and side edges rebuilt, broken warp and weft rethreaded, end finishes secured to stop further loss
Moth, dry rot and color The cause is treated first so it does not return, then the foundation is rebuilt and the pile reknotted Moth eaten areas treated and rewoven, dry rot damage rebuilt from the foundation up, color and dye restoration for bled or faded areas, and antique pieces stabilized for the long term

Contact Us for Professional Rug 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.

Get Driving Directions to Zeytounian Rug Cleaning & Repair