Rug repair or restoration: what is possible?
Which kinds of damage can be fixed, how to spot moth damage early and why cleaning is often the first step.
What kind of damage can be repaired?
| Damage | What we do |
|---|---|
| Fringes frayed or torn off | Secure the fringes (re-tie the end knots) or knot on new ones |
| Side edge (shirazeh) come undone | Re-wrap or overcast the edge |
| Holes, burns, worn patches | Darn, or re-knot the pile on oriental rugs |
| Moth damage | Clean, contain the damage, re-knot the pile |
| Tears in the foundation | Stabilise from the back and sew up |
| Machine-made rug: edge or binding loose | Sew a new edge or bind with tape |
Not every kind of damage can be repaired invisibly. With faded colours or pile worn down over large areas, we agree with you whether restoration is worthwhile or whether securing the rug is the better solution.
Fringes and edges: why acting early saves money
The fringes of a hand-knotted rug are the ends of the warp threads – they hold the whole rug together. If the finish at the end is missing, first the fringes come loose, then the first rows of knots, and the rug gets shorter every time you vacuum it.
It is similar with the side edges: a wrapping that has come undone is quickly redone. If people keep walking over it, the foundation tears – and a small repair becomes a big one.
Tip: Never vacuum fringes with the brush head. A runner under chairs and turning the rug regularly (twice a year) spread the wear.
How to spot moth damage
Clothes moths love wool and silk, darkness and quiet – in other words, the areas under the sofa, the bed and the wardrobe. Look out for:
- bare patches in the pile, often in lines along the knots,
- fine white webbing or little tubes on the underside,
- crumbly dust in the colour of the rug.
If you find an infestation: vacuum the rug thoroughly (including the back and the floor underneath) and have it cleaned before it is repaired. Cleaning removes eggs and larvae; the repair only comes afterwards.
How much do cleaning and repair cost?
| Work | Our price |
|---|---|
| Clean a machine-made rug | from CHF 25.– / m² |
| Clean a hand-woven oriental rug | CHF 35.– / m² |
| Clean an oriental rug with a wool foundation | CHF 45.– / m² |
| Clean a silk rug, Aubusson or wall hanging | CHF 70.– / m² |
| Repair and restoration | after inspection |
The repair depends on the size and type of damage, the knot density and the material. We look at the rug and tell you the price before we start. Bring it in rolled up (not folded), or send us a photo on WhatsApp first. More: Rug repair in Lucerne and rug cleaning.
Is restoration worth it?
For a hand-knotted oriental rug, almost always: with good care it lasts for generations, and a professional repair preserves its value. For an inexpensive machine-made rug, usually only securing the edges and ends is worthwhile – an elaborate restoration is not.
Not sure? Bring the rug in. We will tell you honestly what makes sense.
Frequently asked questions
Contact →Can a rug be repaired?
Yes. Fringes, edges, holes, moth damage and tears in the foundation can be repaired in most cases. On oriental rugs, the pile is re-knotted.
How much does rug repair cost in Switzerland?
It depends on the damage, the size and the knot density. At Zekos Express in Lucerne we quote the price after inspecting the rug, before any work starts. Cleaning costs from CHF 25.– per m².
What should I do about moths in a rug?
Vacuum the rug and the floor thoroughly, have the rug cleaned to remove eggs and larvae, and only then repair the bare patches.
Can frayed rug fringes be saved?
Yes. The fringes are secured with a new end finish or knotted on again. The sooner this is done, the fewer rows of knots are lost.
What is the best way to transport a rug?
Rolled, not folded. Folding can crack the foundation, especially on older rugs.
