Flood-Damaged Oriental and Persian Rugs? Expert Restoration in Tampa

How to Restore Your Oriental and Persian Rugs Flooded After Hurricane Milton

Hurricane Milton caused widespread flooding in the Tampa Bay area, leaving many homeowners with water-damaged belongings, including their prized Oriental and Persian rugs. These luxurious and delicate rugs, often made of wool or silk, are beautiful works of art and valuable investments. If your rug was submerged in water during the hurricane, time is of the essence. Without prompt and proper cleaning, your rug could become a breeding ground for mold, bacteria, and other harmful contaminants, risking its beauty and value. Fortunately, Oriental Rug Salon, a trusted rug restoration specialist in Tampa, is here to help.

In this guide, we will explain the steps to restore your flood-damaged Oriental or Persian rug and why choosing a professional service like Oriental Rug Salon is essential for safeguarding its integrity.

Understanding the Risks of Flood-Damaged Rugs

Floodwater can wreak havoc on delicate Oriental and Persian rugs. Unlike regular carpets, these rugs are often made from natural fibers such as wool and silk, which are highly absorbent. When exposed to water, these fibers can weaken, stretch, or even rot, leading to irreversible damage if not addressed quickly. Additionally, floodwaters are often contaminated with dirt, chemicals, viruses, and bacteria, which can get trapped within the rug’s fibers.

Mold and mildew pose another serious risk. Moisture trapped in a rug’s fibers can promote mold growth, which not only affects the rug’s appearance and smell but can also cause respiratory problems for those in your household. Bacteria and viruses can also become embedded in the rug, making it unsanitary if not properly cleaned and sanitized. A carpet cleaning company does not have the experience, sanitizing agents, equipment, or experience to clean a wool or silk area rug in the home.  Watch this video to learn more.

By acting quickly and choosing the right restoration professionals, you can mitigate these risks and prevent permanent damage to your valuable rug.

Why Professional Cleaning Is Crucial for Water-Damaged Rugs

Attempting to clean a flood-damaged Oriental or Persian rug alone can be risky. Most household cleaning products are not designed for the unique fibers of these rugs and could cause further damage. Moreover, improper drying techniques can trap moisture in the rug, leading to mold growth and fiber deterioration.

This is where professional services like Oriental Rug Salon come into play. Oriental Rug Salon is certified by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification (IICRC), the International Carpet & Rug Institute (CRI) and is an International WoolSafe Approved Service Provider. These certifications ensure we follow the industry’s best practices for cleaning and restoring fine rugs.

The team at Oriental Rug Salon understands the intricacies of different types of rugs, whether hand-knotted, machine-made, or antique. We use specialized cleaning solutions that are gentle on wool and silk but tough on dirt, mold, and bacteria. Our state-of-the-art drying techniques ensure that the rug is thoroughly dried without damaging its fibers. Most importantly, Oriental Rug Salon offers free pickup and delivery throughout Tampa, making the entire process convenient and hassle-free.

What to Expect During the Rug Restoration Process

When you choose Oriental Rug Salon to restore your flood-damaged Oriental or Persian rug, you can expect a thorough and professional process that focuses on preserving your rug’s beauty and value. The restoration typically takes about ten days, during which your rug will go through several steps to ensure complete cleaning and drying.

1. Inspection and Pre-Treatment: The process starts with a detailed rug inspection. Oriental Rug Salon’s experts will assess the extent of the water damage and identify any areas of concern, such as mold growth, fiber weakening, or dye bleeding. Based on this assessment, we will apply a pre-treatment to loosen dirt and the appropriate sanitizing agents to eliminate harmful bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants.
2. Deep Cleaning and Sanitization: Once pre-treated, your rug will undergo a deep cleaning using specialized solutions designed for natural fibers. This second application removes dirt, bacteria, viruses, and mold from the rug’s fibers. A thorough rinse follows the cleaning to ensure no cleaning agents are left behind.
3. Drying and Final Inspection: After cleaning, the rug is dried using state-of-the-art drying equipment. Proper drying is crucial to prevent mold and fiber deterioration. Once the rug is dry, it undergoes a final inspection to ensure it meets Oriental Rug Salon’s high standards. The restored rug is then wrapped and ready for delivery.

Entrusting your rug to Oriental Rug Salon gives you peace of mind. You know it will be restored to its former glory and free from harmful contaminants.

Why Choose Oriental Rug Salon for Your Rug Restoration Needs

Oriental Rug Salon comes highly recommended by hundreds of interior designers, Oriental rug retailers, collectors, and rug owners who cherish their fine rugs. Our expertise in handling water-damaged rugs makes us the go-to choice in the Tampa Bay area, especially in the aftermath of events like Hurricane Milton. Here’s why:

• Certified Expertise: Oriental Rug Salon holds certifications from the IICRC, CRI, and WoolSafe, ensuring that your rug is in the hands of professionals trained in the latest cleaning and restoration techniques.
• Convenient Services: Oriental Rug Salon offers complimentary pickup and delivery for most rugs in the Tampa area, making the rug restoration process as easy as possible.
• Timely Restoration: The average restoration time is just ten days, meaning you won’t have to wait long to have your rug back in your home.
• Safety and Sanitation: Our cleaning and drying processes ensure your rug is thoroughly sanitized, removing harmful contaminants like mold, bacteria, and viruses. This is especially important after a flood, where your rug may have been exposed to unsafe water.

If your Oriental or Persian rug was damaged during Hurricane Milton, don’t wait. Acting quickly can prevent permanent damage and help preserve its beauty and value for years.

Trust Who The Professionals Trust | Call Us Any Time

Oriental Rug Salon is Florida’s “cleaner of choice” for professional Oriental and Persian area rug care. From cleaning, sanitizing, and repairs to certified appraisals, insurance and restoration companies rely on our services to provide testimony for appraisals in the court system. A Rug Master supervises our services with years of experience, and our technicians are experienced and professional.

For more information about Oriental Rug Salon, please visit us at https://orientalrugsalon.com/ or call us at 239-424-8171. Our 6,000-square-foot facility can handle any size or type of area rug, and we have the experience and certifications in place to guarantee that your Oriental or Persian area rug receives the best care.