FAQs

Why choose Aladdin's Rug Cleaning?

Rugs are our specialty. For over 25 years, we have focused exclusively on the professional washing, repair, and restoration of rugs. We use a thorough immersion cleaning process that delivers results that conventional carpet cleaning methods simply cannot.

Why can’t you give me an exact price over the phone?

Every rug is unique, and a ‘one size fits all’ price often leads to inaccurate quotes. Our pricing depends on several critical factors that cannot be accurately determined over the phone. We offer a free in house, no obligation quote to physically inspect the rug and provide you with a fair written price.

How long does the process take, and do you pick up and deliver?

Our premium washing and drying process typically takes between five to seven  working days. Sometimes, whilst the rug in our possession, we may need to attend to any reoccurring stains or high-traffic areas, which may add some time to the cleaning process. To reduce any hassle, we offer a free, convenient pick-up and delivery service across Wollongong, Bowral, and the South Coast. 

Is there a risk that my rug will shrink or bleed colour?

To reduce this risk, prior to washing, we perform an inspection to identify the rug fibre type, construction, and perform a colourfastness test to ensure that the cleaning process is tailored to deliver optimum results.

We are a Woolsafe certified business meaning that we hold a globally recognised certification that our cleaning process is safe and effective for use on wool and delicate fibres. We use pH balanced solutions and specialised immersion cleaning techniques, along with a centrifuge and temperature controlled drying room, to reduce the risk of dye bleed or shrinkage. 

Can you completely remove pet urine stains and odours?

Standard surface cleaning cannot remove the uric acid crystals embedded deep within rug fibres and foundations.

Our enzyme soaking and compression flushing treatment is designed to fully neutralise urine at its source - removing odours completely, rather than masking them with deodorants. 

Why can pet stains sometimes be permanent?

While our deep immersion washing process completely flushes out biological contamination and neutralises odours, a physical stain can sometimes remain. This happens because pet urine is highly acidic and, when wet and left untreated, it chemically reacts with the rug's fibres to essentially dye or bleach the material. As the pet urine dries, it shifts to a high alkaline state that can permanently weaken and alter natural fibres like wool and silk. While we can ensure that your rug returns to you sanitary and fresh, the original chemical damage to the rug's dyes cannot always be reversed.

How often should I have my rug cleaned?

For high traffic areas like entry ways, hallways, family living areas, or homes with pets and allergy sufferers, we recommend a professional, deep immersion clean every 12 months 

For low traffic areas, we recommend cleaning every 18 to 24 months.

Are your cleaning solutions safe for my children and pets?

Absolutely. We use water-based, eco-friendly, non-toxic, and bio-degradable cleaning solutions.

Our Woolsafe approved products leave no sticky residues behind. 

Our cleaning process involves flushing rugs with clean, fresh water, ensuring your rugs are completely safe for the whole family to enjoy.

How can I remove spots and stains at home?

If a spill occurs, act quickly by blotting (never rubbing) the area immediately with a clean, white paper towel or cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. For minor spots, gently dab the area using a small amount of lukewarm water or a mild, diluted wool-safe detergent or soda water, working from the outside of the stain inward to prevent it from spreading. 

Always avoid harsh supermarket stain removers, chemical sprays, or vigorous scrubbing, as these can permanently bleach and distort the fibres, set the stain, or cause the rug's dyes to bleed. 

We offer an effective, Woolsafe approved Pro Spot Remover for use on unexpected accidents. 

For tough, dried, or recurring stains, it is always safest to hand the rug over to a specialist for a professional, deep immersion wash.

Stain removal 

Download the ‘Woolsafe Carpet Stain Removal’ app for free, to guide you through the correct process to remove an assortment of spot and stains.

Visiting pet or new puppy

Whether you’re welcoming a new puppy or hosting a friend's dog for the weekend, we highly recommend rolling up your rugs and putting them away temporarily.

Countless customers have told us that accidents do not usually happen with their own well trained pets, with accidents almost always caused by excited visitors.

Save your rugs from the trouble and expense until the visitor has left the building.

Rotation is key - give your rug a spin! 

Once a new rug is perfectly placed, it’s easy to set and forget. However, many of our customers notice years later, usually after moving furniture, that one side has received much more traffic than the other.

To keep your rug looking fresh and to ensure an even wear pattern, we highly recommend rotating your rug every six months. It’s a quick trick that vastly prolongs the life and appearance of your rug!

The Golden Rule: Blot, never scrub

When a spill happens, the natural instinct is to grab a cloth and scrub vigorously. However, scrubbing frays the fibres, distorts the rug's pile, and pushes liquid deeper into the pile and backing.

Firmly press a clean, plain white paper towel or microfiber cloth over the spill to blot up the liquid. Then either use water or soda water in a spay bottle to remove the remainder of the stain. Work from the outside of the stain toward the centre so that it does not spread. Wait until the area has dried - if the stain has not been removed, call a professional. Do not risk making the stain irreversible by attempting to treat it again with another product .

Ditch the supermarket chemicals

When an accident occurs, many rug owners reach in a panic for anything under the kitchen or laundry sink. Harsh retail stain removers or dish soaps have a high pH and have tendency to remove colour, bleach areas, and leave a sticky chemical residue behind that acts like a magnet for dirt causing the spot to re-appear a few weeks later.

Stick to a simple, neutral solution like soda water or plain cold water. Always patch-test a hidden corner first to check for colour bleeding.

Say "no" to the vacuum beater bar. 

While a spinning beater bar or rotating brush head is great for wall-to-wall carpets, it can be devastating for the majority of rugs. This is because it can pull loose delicate fibres (especially on wool, silk, or art silk (viscoes) rugs) and completely distort fibres. Fringes can get caught in the spinning beater bar, resulting in them being torn and tangled.

Always tuck fringes under the rug to reduce the risk of them getting caught under the vacuum.

Switch the vacuum setting to "suction only" or use a flat floor attachment. Vacuum in multiple directions to ensure a thorough clean.

Vacuum the back

Most people only vacuum the top of their rugs; however, fine dust, grit, and allergens can filter down through the fibres and settle at the very base of the rug. 

Once every few months, flip your rug over and vacuum the back side. This loosens the deeply embedded grit so that it can be more easily removed. 

Quick ‘cheat sheet’ for fabric types

Aladdin’s often remind our customers that material types matter. A brief summary of the characteristics of popular fabric types is listed below: 

• Wool: Resilient, however, hates heat and heavy scrubbing (can shrink or felt which is irreversible).   
• Synthetic (Nylon/Polyester): Highly durable and stain-resistant; can handle slightly tougher DIY cleaning.
• Viscose / Artsilk: Highly sensitive. Even plain water can permanently discolour or mat these fibres with aggressive scrubbing. Spills on these should be blotted immediately and dried quickly, or handed straight to a professional to avoid cellulosic browning.