Flood & Hurricane Oriental Rug Restoration in SW Florida

Protecting Your Oriental Rugs: Professional Flood and Hurricane Restoration Services in SW Florida

Floodwater can carry a host of contaminants, including dirt, chemicals, and harmful pathogens like bacteria and viruses. When it comes to Oriental and Persian rugs, water exposure outside of professional cleaning conditions can cause extensive damage. At Oriental Rug Salon, we specialize in expert rug cleaning and restoration, especially after floods and hurricanes. Let’s explore the effects of water and hurricane damage and how our services can help restore your rugs to their original beauty.

Understanding the Impact of Water and Hurricane Damage on Oriental Rugs

Oriental and Persian rugs are delicate and require special care. While professional cleaning is part of their regular maintenance, water exposure outside of controlled conditions can be disastrous. A variety of situations can result in your rug getting wet, such as:

  • Hurricanes and floods
  • Moisture from indoor plants
  • Burst pipes and overflowing toilets
  • Spilled drinks and pet accidents

When a rug is submerged in floodwater, especially after a severe weather event like a hurricane, the damage can be catastrophic. At Oriental Rug Salon, we understand the emotional and financial value of these precious items, and we offer specialized services to bring them back to life.

Real-Life Experience: Hurricane Ian and Rug Restoration

During Hurricane Ian, our team received thousands of calls from clients throughout SW Florida, including one from an elderly couple whose antique Tabriz rug was completely submerged in floodwater and mud. The rug had been in their family for over 100 years and to them, was priceless.

Soon after Hurricane Ian, we encountered rugs in every imaginable condition. Some were caked in mud and bacteria, while others were underwater for more than a week. Most were in poor shape, with color bleeding, fiber damage, and severe health risks due to contamination. We were trusted with over 4,000 rugs during a 30-day period. We are proud to report that only 23 rugs were not salvageable.

Our Rug Triage Services After A Hurricane of Flooring Event

The first step in rug restoration is triage—assessing which rugs can be saved. After evaluation, we treat each rug with Microban to eliminate viruses and other harmful contaminants. After sufficient dwell time, each rug is dried, inspected a second time, and then the appropriate bath is developed to restore it. Each rug requires a customized approach to ensure the best possible outcome.

Common Rug Issues After Flooding

Rugs retrieved after floods or hurricanes often face the following challenges:

Color Bleeding: When dyes run, the rug’s intricate patterns may lose clarity and vibrancy.

Fiber Damage: Floodwater can weaken the fibers, leading to deterioration and wear.

Contaminants and Health Risks: Rugs soaked in floodwater become breeding grounds for bacteria, mildew, and disease-causing pathogens.

Staining and Odors: Persistent exposure to dirty water can leave rugs stained and with a foul smell.

We have seen Oriental and Persian rugs left in backyards, driveways, and other outdoor areas after flooding, often baked by the sun and filled with debris. Our team is experienced in handling such cases, ensuring that each rug undergoes thorough cleaning and restoration to eliminate these issues.

Oriental Rug Salon works with all restoration contractors to ensure that client’s area rugs receive the best care.  Ask your water restoration contractor to call us if your area rug requires cleaning or restoration.

The Dangers of Unqualified Contractors

At Oriental Rug Salon, we’ve restored thousands of hurricane-damaged rugs in SW Florida. However, it’s alarming how often contractors advise clients to discard their cherished area rugs instead of seeking professional care. These quick decisions can be devastating, as some contractors may even cut up rugs to begin demolition, or worse, take them away under the guise of “free disposal” only to clean and resell them for profit.

Before throwing away your precious rug, consider contacting Oriental Rug Salon for a free evaluation. We provide honest, independent, professional advice and a thorough assessment of your rug’s condition to help you make the best decision.

Why Choose Oriental Rug Salon for Flood Restoration?

Oriental Rug Salon is a Certified Partner with the prestigious Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC) and the International Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI). We are also an internationally certified WoolSafe Approved Service Provider, ensuring the highest standards in rug care. Our operations are supervised by a certified Rug Master, giving you peace of mind that your rugs are in expert hands.

The Rug Restoration Process

When your rug is flooded due to a hurricane or other water event, our team follows a meticulous restoration process:

Assessment: We evaluate the extent of the damage, including color loss, fiber condition, and contamination levels.

Triage: We determine which rugs can be saved and prioritize them for immediate action.

Initial Cleaning: Our team removes floodwater and any visible debris, ensuring that contaminants are minimized.

Deep Cleaning and Restoration: We use specialized techniques to clean, disinfect, and restore the rug’s fibers, colors, and overall structure.

Drying and Deodorizing: Rugs are thoroughly dried and deodorized to remove any lingering smells and prevent mildew growth.

We offer free pick-up and delivery services for most area rugs across Lee, Charlotte, Collier, and Sarasota County, Florida. We understand the urgency and stress associated with flood damage, and our team is dedicated to providing prompt, professional service.

Client Success Stories: Rug Restoration After Hurricanes

Our expertise has helped countless clients restore their cherished rugs after severe weather events. From antique Persian rugs to contemporary Oriental pieces, we’ve successfully cleaned and rejuvenated rugs that others deemed beyond repair. We take pride in our ability to deliver outstanding results, turning water-damaged rugs back into treasured works of art.

Don’t Let Contractors Make Decisions for You

When dealing with the aftermath of a hurricane or flood, it’s essential to seek professional advice. Some contractors may suggest discarding your valuable rugs to expedite their work, but at Oriental Rug Salon, we know that with the right care, most rugs can be restored to their former beauty. Don’t let unqualified contractors make decisions about your valuables—trust the experts.

Contact Us Today for a Free Evaluation

If your area rug has been affected by flooding due to a hurricane or any other event, contact Oriental Rug Salon at 239-424-8171. We offer comprehensive rug restoration services throughout SW Florida. For more information, visit our website at https://orientalrugsalon.com. We are committed to preserving your rugs and providing top-notch restoration services.

Remember: Before you decide to throw away your flooded rug, reach out to us for a free, professional evaluation. Let us help you bring your cherished rug back to life.

FAQs

Can all flood-damaged rugs be restored?

While many rugs can be restored, the extent of the damage and the time elapsed since the flood play a crucial role. A professional evaluation is necessary to determine the rug’s condition.

Why should I choose Oriental Rug Salon?

We are certified by industry-leading organizations and supervised by a Rug Master, ensuring that your rug receives the highest standard of care and restoration.

How long does the restoration process take?

The timeline varies based on the rug’s condition and the level of damage, but our team works efficiently to restore your rug as quickly as possible without compromising quality. The average turn-around time is 7-10 business days once the client approves the cleaning process.

Is there a cost for the evaluation?

No, we offer free evaluations for rugs damaged by floods or hurricanes. Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Does Oriental Rug Salon offer Oriental rug appraisals?

Yes!  Our appraisal performs appraisals for the courts, insurance companies, rug collectors, and rug owners throughout the United States.  For more information about our appraisal services click here.

Trust Oriental Rug Salon for expert flood and hurricane rug restoration services—keeping your treasured rugs beautiful for generations to come.