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

Specialty Rug Cleaning in San Diego

Specialty rug cleaning takes a different approach for every fiber, and Zeytounian Rugs has cared for San Diego’s shag, sheepskin, flokati, cowhide, berber, and kilim rugs at one dedicated facility since 1956. Each rug is read for material, dyes, and construction first, so the wash is built around what that specific piece can safely take.

A long shag pile, a natural sheepskin backing, and a flatweave kilim each behave differently in water, so we match the method to the piece. Every washable rug is cleaned by hand with all-natural soaps and no harsh chemicals, while hides get a low-moisture treatment that protects the skin.

✓ 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 Specialty Rug Cleaning Specialists

Some specialty rugs need patient flushing to clear soil that has packed down at the base of a deep pile. Others cannot be soaked at all, because a leather or skin backing will stiffen and crack once it is saturated. We identify the fiber and construction of every specialty rug that comes in, then decide whether it belongs in a full-immersion wash or a controlled low-moisture clean.

One Facility for Every Kind of Rug

Many carpet cleaners turn shag, sheepskin, and cowhide rugs away, because a machine built for wall-to-wall carpet has no safe setting for loose wool pile or a hair-on hide. We are a dedicated rug facility, run by the third generation of the same family, and set up for natural and synthetic fibers alike.

Whatever the rug is made of, it is handled on its own and cleaned by the method its fiber can take, so it comes back soft and undamaged.

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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

Specialty Rugs We Clean in San Diego

Each specialty rug gets its own wash plan. We read the material, the dyes, and the construction of the piece, then build the cleaning around what that specific rug can safely take.

From synthetic looped berbers to hand-loomed Greek flokati, we clean the full range of specialty rugs, alongside the Persian, oriental, and wool pieces our facility washes every day.

Free Estimates
Local Pickup & Delivery
Eco-Friendly

Shag Rugs

Shag rugs hide their dirt. The pile is long and loose, so grit and pet hair sink to the base where a vacuum cannot reach. Our shag rug cleaning starts with a thorough dusting to shake that buried soil free, followed by a full-immersion wash that flushes both the pile and the foundation. Careful drying and grooming lift the strands back up, so the rug feels plush again instead of matted and flat.

Sheepskin & Hide Rugs

Sheepskin rug cleaning is nothing like washing a knotted wool rug. The wool sits on a natural skin backing that holds its own lanolin, and soaking that skin leaves it stiff and cracked. We clean sheepskin and other single-pelt hides with a gentle low-moisture method that lifts soil and refreshes the wool while keeping the backing soft and pliable. It comes back clean without losing the give that makes a real sheepskin worth owning.

Flokati Rugs

A flokati is a thick, hand-loomed Greek rug woven entirely from long wool, so it behaves like a shag but with far more fiber to manage. Our flokati rug cleaning washes the wool by hand, then fluffs the pile as it dries, which is what gives a genuine flokati its deep, cloud-like loft. Rush the drying and the wool clumps and mats down heavy, which is exactly what a proper facility wash is meant to prevent.

Cowhide Rugs

A cowhide is hair-on leather, not a woven textile, so it never goes into a wash tub. Cowhide rug cleaning is done by hand on the surface, cleaning the hair in the direction it lies and conditioning the leather backing so it stays supple. Over-wetting a cowhide is the quickest way to ruin one, and that is the thing we take care to avoid.

Berber Rugs

Berber rugs are woven in low, tight loops, in wool or in hard-wearing synthetics. Those uncut loops trap fine soil and can snag or pull if a rug is scrubbed too aggressively. Our berber rug cleaning uses controlled moisture and gentle agitation to clear the grit without distorting the loop pile, then dries the rug flat so it holds its shape and its low, even surface.

Kilim Rugs

A kilim has no pile at all. It is a flatweave, usually wool, often carrying bright tribal dyes that can bleed if they are not tested first. Our kilim cleaning always begins with colorfast testing, then a gentle hand wash and a thorough rinse that clears soil from both faces of the weave. Flatweaves dry quickly, and we keep that drying controlled so the colors stay crisp and the weave stays true.

Delicate Fibers With a Page of Their Own

Silk Rugs

Real silk asks for cool water, low-pH soap, and slow drying, and nothing else will do. Our silk rug cleaning page walks through how we protect the sheen and the fine detail.

Wool Rugs

A full immersion wash is what restores wool’s softness and color, and it is the heart of what we do. See the complete wool rug cleaning process.

Viscose & Bamboo Silk Rugs

Viscose browns and stiffens when it is washed carelessly, so moisture stays under tight control. Our viscose rug cleaning method covers art silk and bamboo silk pieces.

Antique Rugs

Old dyes and brittle foundations change the whole wash plan, and repair often runs alongside the bath. Read how antique rug cleaning works at our facility.

Turkish Rugs & Kilims

Anatolian weaving runs from thick Oushak pile to slit-woven kilims, and each is washed its own way. Start with our Turkish rug cleaning page.

Persian & Oriental Rugs

The hand-knotted classics come through our wash floor every week. Visit Persian rug cleaning or oriental rug cleaning for the details.

Watch Our Wash Process

Before & After Rug Cleaning

Matching the Wash to the Construction

Specialty rugs take our full nine step immersion wash process only as far as their construction allows. Deep-pile shag and flokati hide a surprising amount of sand at the base of their long fibers, so the grit is shaken free while the rug is completely dry and the pile is groomed after drying to restore its deep, even loft, while hide and leather-backed pieces skip the soak entirely and are cleaned by a low-moisture method so the backing is never saturated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you clean rugs that San Diego carpet cleaners turn away?

Yes, that is most of what this page covers. Shag, flokati, cowhide, berber, and kilim rugs all need handling that wall-to-wall carpet equipment cannot give them, and our facility washes or surface-cleans each one by the method its construction can take.

How do you decide at your San Diego workshop between the wash tub and low-moisture cleaning?

The construction decides it. Washable fiber rugs go into the full immersion process, while a hair-on hide or any leather-backed piece is cleaned by hand with controlled moisture, because soaking a skin leaves it stiff and cracked. We sort every rug during the inspection.

Will a matted shag or flokati get its loft back?

In almost every case, yes. The wash flushes out the packed soil that weighs the pile down, and we work the fibers as they dry so the strands lift instead of clumping. Grooming at the end restores the deep, even surface.

Do the bright colors on a kilim bleed in the wash?

They can if they are not tested, so kilim cleaning always starts with colorfast testing. Dyes that hold go through the gentle hand wash. A dye that moves changes the plan to a controlled low-moisture clean before any harm is done.

Do you pick up specialty rugs across San Diego County?

Yes. Pickup and delivery are available across San Diego County for every rug type on this page, and each piece is measured and quoted with a free estimate before cleaning starts.

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.

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

Specialty Rug Types and the Method Each One Takes

Construction decides the wash
Rug type	What makes it different	How we clean it
Shag	Long, loose pile, so grit and pet hair sink to the base where a vacuum cannot reach	Thorough dusting, then a full immersion wash of pile and foundation, with drying and grooming to lift the strands
Sheepskin and hide	Wool sits on a natural skin backing that holds its own lanolin, and soaking the skin leaves it stiff and cracked	A gentle low moisture method that keeps the backing soft and pliable
Flokati	A thick hand loomed Greek rug woven entirely from long wool, with far more fiber to manage than a shag	Washed by hand, then the pile is fluffed as it dries so the loft comes back
Cowhide	Hair on leather, not a woven textile, and over wetting is the quickest way to ruin one	Cleaned by hand on the surface in the direction the hair lies, with the leather backing conditioned
Berber	Low, tight uncut loops that trap fine soil and can snag or pull under aggressive scrubbing	Controlled moisture and gentle agitation, then dried flat so the loop pile keeps its shape
Kilim	A flatweave with no pile at all	Washed to suit a flat woven structure rather than a knotted pile

Related Rug Cleaning Services

Viscose Rug Cleaning · Silk Rug Cleaning · Antique Rug Cleaning · Request a free estimate

Contact Us for Professional 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. 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