After a house fire, a rug is rarely hurt only once. It has usually been hit by the fire, the smoke and the soot, then by debris from the structure, and then soaked by the water the firefighters used to put the fire out. If you are holding a smoke damaged rug and wondering whether it can be saved, call us. Many fire damaged rugs can be brought back, and we have done it successfully several times.

We accept fire and smoke damaged rugs. Every rug is different, so we evaluate each one case by case, and we do not promise 100% success. Before we start, we explain what we think is possible, how the process works, the risks and the cost, and then you decide whether to go ahead.

Fire Damage on a Rug Is Restoration, Not Regular Cleaning

People often call this cleaning, and that is a fine word to search with: restoration is simply the technical word for it. But it is not the same job as a regular cleaning.

A regular cleaning removes everyday dirt, and the rug goes home looking and smelling fresh. Fire damage is different. The soot, ash and smoke smell go from the top of the rug to the bottom, into the smallest cracks and crevices of the fibers and the foundation.

To get them out, the solutions have to be harsh, and wool and dyes were never made for that. The same work that removes the contamination can cause fading, bleeding dyes, fraying or weakened fibers. That is why this work is done at the owner’s risk: the rug is already badly damaged, and we put everything we have into saving it. It is labor intensive and often takes several rounds of washing.

Can a Fire Damaged Rug Be Saved?

Yes, many can. We have restored fire damaged rugs successfully several times, including wool and oriental rugs. Results depend on the rug and on how much damage it has, so we look at each one first and tell you honestly what we think is possible.

We look at what the fire and smoke did, how much soot and debris is in the rug, and what the water did afterward. Then we tell you what we can do for it.

Three Kinds of Damage in One Rug

• Fire and smoke: soot and the smoke smell work deep into the fibers.
• Debris from the structure: ash, dust and bits of burned material settle into the rug.
• Water from putting out the fire: a rug soaked by firefighters can also have mildew, mold and set colors on top of everything else.

What to Do With a Fire Damaged Rug Until We Pick It Up

• Take photos before anything moves. They are useful for your records, and for insurance if you plan to file a claim.
• Lay the rug flat. Do not drape it over a railing, chair or line: a wet rug is heavy, and draping can crease it.
• Do not roll or fold it while it is wet and leave it. That traps moisture where mildew starts.
• Do not try to clean it yourself. Leave the soot and the smoke to us.
• Do not scrub or beat the rug. That can push soot deeper into the fibers.
• Do not use a household vacuum on visible soot.
• Do not use store-bought cleaners or sprays on it.
• Wear gloves when you handle it.
• Call us and tell us what happened.

We Restore the Rug, Not the House

We work on the rug at our own rug plant. If your floors, walls or belongings were damaged, you will need a fire restoration company for the house, and we will take care of the rug.

How Long and How Much?

Fire-damaged rugs are not rushed and are not moved ahead of other work, so they can take a while. Getting soot and debris out of the smallest cracks takes time, and it often takes more than one round of washing. That is also why it costs more than a regular cleaning. Size, fiber and how much damage there is decide the work, so we give you a price after we see the rug.

Pickup and Delivery

A rug that has been through a fire and a soaking can be very heavy, and you should not be the one lifting it. Pickup and delivery are free from Horizon City, Socorro and Fabens, through El Paso, all the way to Las Cruces. See our rug pickup and delivery page.

Smoke Damaged Rugs in Las Cruces and Southern New Mexico

If your rug went through a fire in Las Cruces, Mesilla or elsewhere in southern New Mexico, we pick it up and bring it to our El Paso rug plant, and we bring it back to you.

Questions We Hear After a Fire

Can a smoke damaged rug be saved?

Often, yes. It depends on the rug and on how much damage there is, and we tell you honestly after we see it. Call us and we will take a look.

Should I throw out my rug after a fire?

Not before someone who restores rugs has looked at it. Take photos, keep the rug, and call us.

How do I get the smoke smell out of a rug?

Getting the smoke smell out is the goal of the work, and it often takes several rounds of washing. We cannot promise every smell comes out, and we tell you what we expect after we see the rug.

Is soot bad for wool?

Soot and ash work into wool fibers and can leave a dark residue that is hard to remove. Do not scrub or vacuum it. Keep the rug flat, wear gloves, and call us.

My rug was soaked by firefighters. What now?

Lay it flat and do not roll or fold it while it is wet. Wet rugs can develop mildew, so call us as soon as you can.

Does insurance cover a fire damaged rug?

We cannot tell you what your policy covers. Take photos before anything moves, keep the rug, and ask your insurance company or adjuster.

Who will be handling my rug?

A family-owned team that has cleaned rugs in El Paso since 1995, with current IICRC certifications.

Call Us About Your Fire-Damaged Rug

Call (915) 820-2656 and tell us what happened. We will tell you honestly what to expect. Our customers rate us 4.9 stars on Google.