A house fire.
A kitchen stove incident.
A nearby building blaze.
Even a chimney mishap or candle accident.
Smoke, soot, and fire can silently destroy the integrity of your most precious rug.
But not all is lost.
At Ahmadi Rug, we specialize in emergency restoration for fire-damaged Oriental, Persian, and antique rugs. Whether it’s a $20K Tabriz or a family heirloom, we help Chicago-area families salvage, clean, and restore what can be saved.
What Happens to a Rug During a Fire?
| Element | Damage Risk |
|---|---|
| Heat | Scorching, dry rot, brittle fibers |
| Smoke | Deep odor embedment, discoloration |
| Soot | Sticky carbon particles embed into wool |
| Water | Damage from fire hoses or sprinkler systems |
| Chemical residue | From extinguishers, cleaners, or deodorizers |
These layers compound and require immediate intervention to avoid permanent destruction.
Our Fire & Smoke Rug Recovery Process
1. On-Site Pickup & Rug Isolation
We safely wrap the rug to prevent further soot spread and prevent contamination.
2. Detailed Damage Assessment
We inspect for burn patterns, smoke zones, foundation warping, and residue levels.
3. Soot & Ash Removal
We use specialized industrial HEPA air-filtration vacuums to remove carbon and ash particles without spreading them.
4. Gentle Wash with Neutralizing Solution
Our custom pH-balanced solution breaks down odor molecules and soot oils without harming the natural fibers or dyes.
5. Ozone Deodorization or Air Exchange Chambers
Used only when needed — to remove persistent smoke smells trapped deep in wool/silk pile.
6. Drying, Grooming, and Final Inspection
We restore rug shape, hand-brush pile, reset fringe, and prepare final documentation for insurance.
Real Case Study: Smoke-Damaged Qom Silk Rug
A client’s Qom silk rug was in the entryway of a condo hit by a small oven fire.
It had no visible burn — but smelled heavily of smoke and had a fine ash coating.
We restored it to 98% of its pre-damage condition by removing the soot, resetting the silk sheen, and rehydrating the fibers.
We Work With Insurance Claims
Yes — your homeowners or renters insurance often covers rug restoration.
We provide:
- Damage photos
- Full restoration quotes
- Certified documentation for claim submission
- Coordination with adjusters or restoration firms
We’ve worked with State Farm, Allstate, Farmers, and private insurers across Illinois.
Common Fire/Smoke Incidents We Handle
- Kitchen grease fires
- Candle or fireplace accidents
- Electrical fires
- BBQ or patio furniture fires
- Space heater or radiator burns
- Firework/sparkler damage
- Fire sprinkler + smoke damage combo
Why You Should Never DIY Fire-Damaged Rug Cleaning
Smoke particles bind to wool, silk, and cotton fibers in a way that home cleaners can’t touch.
Attempting to wash a fire-damaged rug can:
- Set odors permanently
- Cause dyes to bleed
- Weaken already-brittle areas
- Spread soot deeper into pile
Fire Damage vs. Smoke Damage – What’s the Difference?
| Damage Type | Common Signs | Our Response |
|---|---|---|
| Fire/Heat | Burn marks, crisped edges, brittle areas | Cut + repair or recreate sections |
| Smoke | Smell, yellowing, discoloration | Deep deodorizing & neutralization |
| Soot | Sticky, gray-black residue | Delicate soot extraction & pre-treatment |
| Water | Musty smell, dye bleeding | Separate water-restoration protocol |
Your Rug Might Be Salvageable (Even If It Looks Hopeless)
Don’t assume your rug is lost.
We’ve restored pieces from situations where the home was totaled, but the rug was preserved.
If your rug carries memory, value, or history, let us assess it.
📍 Emergency Rug Restoration Available Across Chicago
Including:
- Lincoln Park
- Bucktown
- North Shore
- Evanston
- Winnetka
- Glenview
- Lake Forest
- Highland Park
…and beyond
We’ll coordinate with your contractor or restoration company.
📞 Act Quickly – Odors Set Fast
📋 [Request Fire Damage Evaluation]
📞 (847) 779‑3288
📍 Pickup within 24–48 hours in most cases
🧾 Insurance-ready documentation available
🔗 Internal Links
❓ FAQ
Will insurance pay for the restoration?
In most cases — yes. We provide the needed documentation and quote for claim approval.
What if my rug smells but isn’t burnt?
Smoke odors can linger for decades. Let us assess and neutralize it professionally.
Can you restore rugs even if the home is unlivable?
Yes. We’ll coordinate with your fire restoration company or pickup from storage.
