Area Rug Cleaning

with free pickup & delivery

Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC providing professional area rug cleaning in Holt, MI

Why Area Rugs Need Specialist Cleaning Not Just Carpet Equipment

Carpet cleaning equipment is engineered for wall-to-wall carpet: a large truck-mounted extraction head moves across a flat, stationary surface, injects solution, and extracts. This works well for its intended purpose.


Area rugs have fundamentally different cleaning requirements that wall-to-wall carpet equipment cannot address properly. First, area rugs must be cleaned on both sides — soil and allergens settle through the pile to the backing over time, and cleaning only the pile surface leaves the backing contaminated.


Second, rugs must be dried flat, not hung — hanging a rug during drying puts tension on the warp and weft fibers, distorting the foundation that holds the rug's shape.


Third, different rug constructions and fiber types require different chemistry — the pH-neutral requirement for wool, the dye fastness testing required for natural-dyed Orientals, and the specific approaches for silk and plant-fiber rugs cannot be managed in a wall-to-wall carpet cleaning context.


This is why proper area rug cleaning is performed at a facility. It is not a convenience distinction; it is a quality distinction.

Expert area rug cleaning by Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC serving Lansing, MI

In-home rug cleaning is adequate for machine-made synthetic rugs with no dye sensitivity and no significant soiling in the backing. For everything else — wool, hand-knotted, Oriental, Persian, antique, or any rug with natural or plant-based dyes — in-home cleaning is a compromise.


You cannot fully submerge an in-home rug to flush soil from the backing. You cannot control the drying environment to prevent color migration or foundation distortion. The dye fastness pre-test that protects a valuable rug from dye bleeding requires controlled conditions that cannot be replicated in a living room.


Our facility is purpose-built for proper rug cleaning. The free pickup and delivery exist so that the right method is always accessible, not just the convenient one.

Your Rugs Deserve the Best Care

Why In-Home Rug Cleaning Isn't Enough for Your Valuable Rugs

Schedule by calling (517) 582-1083 or submitting a request online.


We arrive at your home at the agreed time, assess the rug on-site, and roll it carefully for transport — rugs are always rolled, never folded, to prevent crease damage to the pile and foundation.


We transport the rug to our facility in Holt, clean it using the appropriate method for its fiber type and construction, dry it flat in a controlled environment, inspect it, and return it to your home. Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 business days.


Rush turnaround is sometimes available. Free pickup and delivery for all clients within our standard service area.

Free Pickup and Delivery
How It Works

Rug Types We Clean and What Makes Each Different

Residential area rug cleaning services from Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC in East Lansing, MI

Oriental & Persian


Our Oriental rug cleaning and Persian rug cleaning process begins with a detailed inspection of construction, pile direction, and dye stability. Because many hand-knotted rugs contain natural dyes and delicate wool fibers, we pre-test every rug and use cleaning methods that protect color, texture, and long-term value.
Deep cleaning for delicate area rugs by Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC in Mason, MI

Wool Rugs


Wool rug cleaning requires pH-balanced solutions and gentle techniques to preserve natural fibers and lanolin. We use lower temperatures, controlled agitation, and careful drying to protect the rug's appearance, durability, and softness.
Professional rug stain removal by Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC in Meridian Township, MI

Silk Rugs


Silk rug cleaning demands the highest level of care. Every silk rug is individually evaluated for fiber condition, dye stability, and cleaning risk before we recommend the safest cleaning method. We always discuss realistic expectations before work begins.
Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC restoring the beauty of area rugs in Holt and Lansing, MI

Synthetic Rugs


Synthetic rug cleaning is ideal for nylon, polyester, and polypropylene rugs found in busy homes and commercial spaces. These durable rugs respond well to deep cleaning, stain removal, and optional anti-static treatments, making them a cost-effective choice for routine maintenance.
Trusted area rug cleaning specialists at Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC serving Mid-Michigan
Pet stain and odor removal for area rugs by Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC in East Lansing, MI
Safe and effective area rug cleaning from Feldpausch Cleaning Services, LLC in Mason, MI

What Happens at Our Facility

When your rug arrives at our Holt facility: we receive and tag it with a unique identifier and the pickup date; we photograph it thoroughly for the condition record; we dry-shake and beat it to dislodge dry particulate soil before applying any moisture; we perform the dye fastness pre-test and allow it to set before committing to the cleaning method; we clean the pile side with appropriate chemistry and agitation; we clean the backing; we lay the rug flat for controlled drying — the most important step for preventing distortion; we inspect the finished rug before rolling for return; and we roll it for transport back to your home.

Storing Your Rug
What Years in an Attic or Basement Do to a Rug

Michigan basements and attics are hostile storage environments for rugs. Basements in the greater Lansing area typically maintain high humidity in summer — 60 to 80 percent relative humidity without dehumidification — which creates ideal conditions for mold and mildew in rug fibers and backings.


Attics experience dramatic temperature swings, with summer heat accelerating fiber degradation in some rug types.


The damage we look for at pickup from stored rugs: moth damage (moth larvae eat wool pile — look for irregular patches of missing pile, shed larval casings in the pile, and webbing on the backing); mildew odor (may or may not be treatable depending on depth of penetration into the fiber); acid rot from acidic packing materials (kraft paper, cardboard) that cause cotton warp threads to become brittle and break; and pest cocoons in dense pile.


We photograph pre-cleaning and discuss findings with you before proceeding. Some storage-damaged rugs are beyond restoration — we will tell you that before you pay for a cleaning attempt.

Expert Area Rug Cleaning Services

Frequently Asked Questions
Area Rug Cleaning

  • How much per square foot for area rug cleaning?

    The cost for area rug cleaning ranges from $2.00 to $5.00 per square foot, depending on the fiber type and level of soiling. Machine-made synthetics are typically at the lower end of the price range, while hand-knotted wool and Oriental rugs fall in the mid-range. Silk and heavily contaminated antique rugs are assessed individually. For a firm quote, call (517) 582-1083 after a pickup assessment.

  • Can you clean a rug in my home instead of at your facility?

    In-home cleaning is suitable for machine-made synthetic rugs without dye sensitivity. However, for wool, Oriental, hand-knotted, silk, or any rug with natural dyes or antique value, facility cleaning is recommended. This allows us to clean both sides, control the drying environment, and perform proper dye fastness testing. Our free pickup and delivery make the facility option as convenient as in-home cleaning.

  • What if dye bleeds during cleaning?

    We prevent dye bleeding through dye fastness pre-testing. Before applying any cleaning solution, we test a small inconspicuous area to observe the result. If a rug is too dye-unstable to clean safely, we inform you beforehand. In some cases, a conservative low-moisture method may be used to reduce risk. In rare instances with extremely fugitive dyes, we may decline to clean to avoid damage.

  • My rug has heavy pet urine through to the backing — can it be saved?

    In many cases, yes. We can perform full submersion flushing of the rug along with enzyme treatment of the backing to address uric acid contamination. However, rugs with backing disintegration from long-term urine exposure may not be fully recoverable. We assess the rug at pickup and provide an honest evaluation of what can be achieved before starting the cleaning process.

  • My rug was in storage for two or more years — what should I expect?

    We inspect for moth damage, mold, mildew, and acid rot from packing materials at pickup. Some storage damage is permanent — structural fiber loss from moths, for example, cannot be reversed by cleaning. If we find significant damage, we photograph it, explain what we found, and discuss whether cleaning is appropriate before proceeding. We never charge for a cleaning attempt on a rug that is beyond reasonable restoration without telling you first.

  • Can you clean an antique or very valuable rug?

    Yes, with appropriate care. Our approach for antique and heirloom rugs: pre-cleaning condition photography, dye fastness testing, conservative method selection, controlled flat drying, and a post-cleaning walkthrough of the result. We encourage owners to know the appraised value so the risk conversation is fully informed.

  • How long from pickup to return delivery?

    3 to 5 business days is standard. Rush turnaround is sometimes available depending on current facility schedule — call (517) 582-1083 to ask. We call or text you when the rug is ready for return.