Rug Cleaning FAQ's

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Is my Rug worth Cleaning ?

This is a subjective question, and is really up to you. Value isn't always measured monetarily. A rug can have market value,  sentimental value, or it could simply have the value of tying a rooms color and theme together.  We look at the environmental impact of discarding rugs as a value for cleaning them too, the less rugs we can send to the landfill the better! It is true that the cleaning cost of some rugs may outweigh the market value of the rug, so ultimately it is up to you to decide if you want to replace the rug or extend its life. Rugs and textiles should be cleaned periodically for health regardless of value. If you are going to decide to discard your rug, please consider donating it to us. We use discarded rugs for our own training purposes, and donate many clean rugs to the Idaho Youth Ranch to support their ongoing efforts. You can learn more about IYR and there fantastic programs at www.iyrthriftstores.org

What is the difference between a Rug and a Carpet ?

These terms seem to be used interchangeably. Rugs can be hand or machine made, made of natural or synthetic fibers......however so can a carpet. A Rug is a floor covering that is not attached and does not extend wall to wall. Carpeting is typically attached and/or does cover more than 90% of the floor. The interesting thing is that the two terms can easily be used for a single product. The easy way to know if it's a rug, is if we can roll it up and bring it to our shop without ripping up your carpet;) Typically Rugs are much denser that installed carpet, and therefore can hold on to A LOT of soil and particulates that simple vacuuming just won't remove.

Can you get rid of Pet odors and Stains?

We can handle any kind of pet odor and staining. We can completely neutralize odors with our PH correct decontamination bath. Staining depends on the fiber and the duration of time the Urine has set, and if improper cleaning agents were used. Interestingly, fresh urine starts off as an acidic agent, however as it ages, it turns alkaline and can damage natural fibers. Most stains will completely disappear or be greatly reduced. 

Can I have my Area Rug  cleaned in my home?

Area Rugs should always be cleaned in a specialty rug cleaning setting as reccomended by the IICRC, Woolsafe Providers, and ARCS. Proper flushing and cleaning require lots of water to remove the deeply embedded soils, And definitely for Urine  or larger spills. Also many natural fibers require specialized speed drying and PH neutralizing that simply cannot be done in a home. Some rugs have loose dye that will bleed to other areas the first time ( sometimes every time) a rug is washed. Our Shop has the largest rug washing floor in the valley and we are very familiar with all types of investment and heirloom quality rugs and textiles.

How Often should I have my Area Rug  cleaned?

Cleaning Intervals depend on the use. Most manufacturers suggest every 12 months. Rugs should be cleaned BEFORE they look Dirty! Most rugs need cleaning every 1 to 3 years, depending on the amount of traffic it gets. For high traffic rugs or rugs in homes with pets, clean it yearly. Rugs in entrance ways, High traffic hallways, kitchens and bathrooms should be professionally cleaned more often. Rugs in lessor used areas of the home, and for wall hanging rugs and tapestry's, a good professional dusting once a year and a cleaning every 5-10 years is sufficient. Our Fiber ProTector product can greatly help in keeping your textiles looking great in-between cleanings

How is Fiber Specialties different from other cleaners?

We have over 75 years of combined rug and textile experience. We only clean Rugs and Investment Quality textiles. We do not do tile/grout cleaning, or air duct cleaning, nor do we refinish wood floors. We are highly specilized rug and textile cleaners. We clean some of the most expensive handmade rugs flying on Private, Corporate, Heads of State and Royal Family Aircraft all over the world, and we take the same approach to every rug that comes through our doors. We are consistently in contact with the best Rug cleaners in the industry around the world to compare new products and processes. Some Rug Manufacturers even use us to inspect and clean their products.

Do you offer pickup and delivery?

Yes, we offer 2 levels of pickup and delivery service. Standard Care and White Glove Service. Both of these services are flat rate, all-inclusive pricing. 

What is Your Service Area?

We operate throughout the Treasure Valley on a regular basis, however we are happy to discuss you job and how we can facilitate a service in your area! We always love an excuse to road trip around Idaho!

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all forms of payment. Cash, credit card, and check. Payment is due in full at the time of service. We try not to keep a lot of cash around, however we do have banks a block away! We also have electronic invoicing and contactless terminals.

How do you determine pricing?

We utilize standardized fixed rate pricing for all our services. Rug services are priced by the square foot, protection services are priced by square footage and or by covered yards. Contact us for a custom pricing quote, and we will help you get the right measurements. No hidden fees.

Do you offer any type of after care or warranty?

Included with our Rug cleaning and Fiber ProTector services, Fiber Specialties  offers a FREE 3-year performance agreement. 

What do all the acronyms stand for?

-MRC (Master Rug Cleaner) This is an intensive certification given by some of the most respected cleaners in the country. Fiber Specialties has 3 Certified Master Rug Cleaners on staff. 

-IICRC (Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification) is the leading technician and company certification requiring training to ensure the quality of the cleaning industry as a whole in Disaster clean up, Carpet Cleaning, Rug and other Specialty cleanings.

- ARCS (Association of Rug Care Specialists) Is the Gold standard as it pertains to Rug Cleaning shop Certification. This Organization ensures that a Rug Cleaning shop is dedicated to providing Museum Quality Cleanings in a proper environment as well as providing continuing education to its staff.
-CRI (Carpet and Rug Institute) certifies equipment, processes, solutions, and firms on behalf of most if not all carpet manufacturers (the vacuum you use must be CRI certified or most carpet warranties are void!)
-Woolsafe International tests and certifies cleaning solutions and protection products on behalf of the Wool Processing Industry, These products are typically the Gold standard of safety for Rug cleaning and Protection products.

What about Fiber ProTector and other textile protection products?

Well We would love for you to check out our Fiber ProTector page, or peruse the Fiber ProTector FAQs page below!