So your prized oriental rug has seen better days, huh? Whether it's damage from normal wear and tear, a pesky pet accident, or an unfortunate spill, finding a reputable rug repair in New York can be tricky. There are many options, but how do you know which company can properly clean and restore oriental rugs? These intricate works of art require specialized care and handling. You want a company with expertise, experience, and a proven track record of quality work. As a New Yorker and rug owner yourself, you deserve nothing less. In this article, we'll explore some tips for finding the best oriental rug repair and cleaning specialists in New York so you can get your rug back to its original glory.

Do Your Research on Oriental Rug Cleaning Companies in NY

Finding a reputable Oriental rug repair and cleaning company in New York can be tricky with so many options. Do your homework to find specialists you can trust.

1. Check online reviews from sites like Yelp or the company’s Google reviews. Look for companies with mostly positive reviews mentioning quality work, fair prices, and good customer service. If reviews mention damage or poor work, scratch that company off your list.
2. See what organizations the company belongs to, like the Oriental Rug Retailers of America or the International Society of Appraisers. Membership shows a commitment to high standards and ethics.
3. Ask about experience. An established company, especially one that has been around for generations, has the knowledge and skills to properly handle and care for antique or high-value rugs. They’ve seen and repaired every kind of rug.
4. Inquire about the cleaning process. Look for companies using gentle, non-toxic methods to thoroughly clean rugs without causing color runs or damage. Avoid harsh chemicals, bleaches, or machine washing which can destroy natural fibers.
5. Get estimates from a few contenders and compare. While you don’t want to choose based only on price, estimates should be fair and transparent with no surprise fees. Ask about any additional charges upfront.
6. Trust your instincts. If something feels off about a company or its promises seem too good to be true, keep looking. Your oriental rugs deserve the best care from specialists you feel confident in. With the right research, you will find rug repair and cleaning experts in New York to keep your investment beautiful for years to come.

Check the Company's Experience and Credentials

When it comes to repairing and restoring your precious oriental rug, experience, and credentials matter. You want specialists who know their stuff.

Look for a company that has been in business for at least 10-15 years. They’ll have seen and repaired hundreds, if not thousands, of rugs in that time. Ask if they have experience with your specific type of rug whether it’s Persian, Turkish, Tibetan, or another style. The more experience they have, the better.

Check that the company and technicians are properly certified and accredited. The Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA) and the International Society of Appraisers (ISA) offer certifications for rug repair, cleaning, and appraisal. Technicians with these credentials have extensive training and expertise.

Meet with the technicians who will be working on your rug. Discuss the specific repairs or restoration needed and make sure they understand what is required. Ask about their experience with similar projects. You want to feel confident they can do the job properly.

A reputable company will thoroughly inspect your rug first and provide a written estimate for the necessary work. They’ll explain the process in detail and give you an honest assessment of the results you can expect. If anything sounds off or makes you uncomfortable, keep looking.

Your oriental rug is an investment and deserves the best care. Do some research to find specialists with the experience, credentials, and commitment to quality that will ensure your rug is repaired or restored as close to its original glory as possible. With the right company on the job, you’ll have peace of mind that your rug will well care for many years to come.

Read Online Reviews from Actual Customers

Check Multiple Review Sites

Don’t just stick to one website for reviews check several to get a balanced perspective. Some of the top sites for finding reviews of local businesses include Yelp, Google Reviews, Facebook Reviews, and HomeAdvisor. See what customers on these various platforms are saying about the companies you are interested in. Look for rug cleaning specialists with mostly positive reviews mentioning quality work, fair prices, responsiveness, and professionalism.

Look for Common Themes

As you read through reviews on different sites, look for common themes, both positive and negative. For example, do multiple reviewers praise a company for being upfront about fees, doing quality work, and handling rugs with care? Or do you see the same complaints about damaged rugs, poor communication, or hidden charges from certain companies? Finding companies with overwhelmingly positive reviews mentioning similar attributes is a good sign.

Consider the Number of Reviews

While reviews are helpful, don’t put too much stock in companies with only a handful of reviews. They may be too new to properly judge, or could even have fake reviews. Look for rug cleaning companies with a large number of reviews, ideally 50 or more. The more reviews, the better sense you’ll get of the overall quality and reputation.

Check How Companies Respond to Negative Reviews

Even the best companies will get an occasional negative review. What’s telling is how they respond. Look for companies that address negative reviews professionally by apologizing to the customer, taking responsibility for any mistakes, and outlining how they will make things right and improve. Companies that ignore or attack negative reviewers are ones to avoid.

By checking reviews across sites, identifying common themes, considering the number of reviews, and seeing how companies respond to complaints, you'll find rug cleaning specialists with the best reputation for quality work and customer service in New York. These are the companies most likely to properly handle and restore your valuable oriental rugs.

Ask About the Cleaning Methods and Processes

When it comes to oriental rug repair and cleaning in New York, the methods and processes used are extremely important to consider when choosing a specialist. The wrong techniques can severely damage these delicate works of art.

Cleaning Methods

The best specialists will use gentle, non-toxic cleaning solutions and methods tailored to your specific rug. Avoid any company that soaks or submerges rugs in harsh chemicals, as this can cause colors to bleed and weaken the fibers. Look for companies that:

• Perform a thorough inspection of your rug to determine the proper cleaning method. The age, origin, and current condition of the rug are all factors in choosing the right process.
• Use controlled washing, where rugs are cleaned in a machine that controls water temperature, pressure, and pH levels. This is a very gentle, effective method.
• Offer hand washing and repairs. For high-value or antique rugs, hand washing and repair by skilled specialists is the gold standard.
• Provide a guarantee that their cleaning methods will not damage or fade your rug. Reputable companies stand behind their work.

Drying and Restoration

Proper drying and restoration are just as important as cleaning. Look for a company that will:

• Air dry rugs away from direct heat and sunlight. Air drying is the gentlest method and helps rugs retain their shape.
• Perform minor repairs like edge binding, hole patching, and securing loose fibers at no extra cost.
• Offer full restoration services for high-value or antique rugs. Skilled specialists can replace damaged fringe, re-weave holes or tears, and reinforce weak areas of the rug.
• Return your rug in the same condition or better. Well-cleaned and restored rugs should show no signs of damage, color bleeding, or loss of shape.

By asking the right questions about cleaning methods and restoration processes, you can find oriental rug specialists in New York that you can trust to properly care for your valuable rugs. Focus on companies that value gentle, non-toxic techniques and provide highly-skilled hand cleaning, repair, and restoration services. Your rugs will thank you!

Get Estimates and Compare Prices

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential Oriental rug repair specialists in New York, it is time to get estimates and compare prices. This step is crucial to finding a reputable company that won’t break the bank.

Get Written Estimates

Ask each of the companies on your shortlist to provide a written estimate for the work that needs to be done. Make sure the estimates are detailed and specify things like:

• The exact repairs or restoration services required
• Types of materials to be used
• Timeframe for completion
• Total cost

Compare the estimates closely. Higher prices don’t always mean higher quality, so look for companies with experience, credentials, and a solid reputation as well.

Ask About Experience and Credentials

An oriental rug repair specialist with many years of experience, proper certifications, and a long list of satisfied clients will likely do the best work. Some things to inquire about include:

• How long has the company been in business? Look for at least 5-10 years of experience with oriental rugs.
• Do they have any special certifications or accreditations? Credentials like a certification from the Oriental Rug Retailers of America (ORRA) indicate a high level of skill and knowledge.
• Can they provide reviews or references from previous clients? Check online reviews as well to see the company’s ratings and what others have said about their services.

Discuss the Repair Process

A reputable oriental rug repair specialist should be able to walk you through the entire process, step-by-step. Make sure you fully understand things like the methods they’ll use, timeframes for each stage of the work, how they’ll ensure the structural integrity and appearance of your rug, and their policy if any additional damage occurs during the repair process. Don’t hesitate to ask as many questions as needed to feel comfortable.

Comparing estimates, experience, credentials, and the overall repair process for each company will help you find oriental rug specialists in New York that provide high-quality work at a fair price. With the right research, you can have your cherished rug looking like new again without worry.

So, there you have it, a few tips to help you find the best oriental rug repair specialists in New York. With some research and by checking reviews from other customers, you'll be well on your way to finding a reputable company to clean, repair or restore your precious oriental rugs. Remember, these rugs are investments, and keeping them in good condition with regular professional care will help maintain their beauty and value for years to come. Don't trust just any rug cleaning service - do your homework and find specialists with expertise in oriental rugs. Your rugs deserve the best care, so take your time finding a company with a proven track record of quality work. With the right specialists on the job, your oriental rugs will continue to be treasured heirlooms for generations.