What Color Is This Rug?

I recently picked up three rugs from a customer in Fort Liberty, NC. One of them was made in Turkey with a polyester pile and a jute backing. The label said the rug was beige / beige.

This rug was filthy—so much so that I admittedly skipped one of the most important steps in my normal process: carefully inspecting and photographing the rug before cleaning. Typically, I take plenty of photos in the home to capture its true condition, but the customer already had the rug folded up when I arrived. Excited to tackle it, I jumped straight in.

The Cleaning Process

I ran the rug through my normal steps:

• Dusting

• Vacuuming

• Soaking

• Scrubbing

• Power washing

• More scrubbing

• Rinsing

• Water extraction

• Air-drying flat on crates with airflow from above and below

When it dried, I felt confident it looked good.

Something Looked Off

The next day, I noticed areas of the rug looked more brown than others. I assumed this was simply a stain the customer had mentioned, so I brought it home and washed it again, this time drying it in the sun.

Still, a small area remained browner than the rest. Curious, I applied a little peroxide. The next day, that area appeared white. At first, I thought I had damaged it—but I began wondering: was the rug actually lighter in color than I realized?

Adding to my concern, the rug tag specifically stated it was colorfast. But as I looked at the changes, I worried: had I actually removed some of the beige through dye migration?

Seeking Advice

I reached out to my teacher and coach, Anthony Belmont, owner of Rug Spa in Naples, Florida. He suggested touching up the area with pens to restore consistency, which was already my plan. But the experience made me question what this rug was supposed to look like in the first place.

Like most people do these days, I uploaded pictures to AI for analysis. The result? It told me the rug was “vintage” and “distressed”—designed to have color variation. But it couldn’t find an exact match.

So I searched online myself and found an image of what appeared to be the same rug in a smaller size. To me, it looked white and gray, not beige. Yet the manufacturer’s label insisted on beige. Was this the same kind of illusion as that viral dress—some people seeing white and gold, others seeing blue and black?

I circled back to Anthony, telling him the bleached-looking spot was corrected, but I still doubted whether the rug was ever meant to be brown.

The Rug Room & Expert Input

That Wednesday, I joined our weekly “Rug Room” Zoom call hosted by Real Cleaning Innovations, a company co-owned by Cam Mayville. The meeting brings together rug experts from across the country. That evening it was led by Kyle Kluth, a Master Cleaner from Pinnacle Eco Clean in Rochester, NY, with Anthony also on the panel.

Also in the mix was Nathan Koets of Clean Oriental Rug in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Nathan pointed out something crucial: the jute backing was browning and affecting the surface color of the rug. That input helped me understand that some of what I was seeing as “brown” might be backing-related, not just soil or dye shift.

I shared my situation, and the group quickly spotted what was happening and offered guidance. With their input, I decided to surface clean the rug again using a different approach rather than doing a full rewash.

✨ The Final Outcome ✨

The result? The rug now looked like the reference images I had found online—more gray and white than brown or beige.

This experience left me with an important reminder:

• Manufacturer labels don’t always reflect how a rug actually looks once cleaned.

• AI can be a useful tool, but it doesn’t replace decades of real-world experience.

• Communities like the Rug Room, filled with experts sharing their knowledge, are invaluable when challenges like this arise.

So, what color is this rug? After all the washing, re-washing, and expert input, I’d say it’s gray and white. But the label still says beige. Maybe the real answer is: it depends on who’s looking.

At BeClean, we know every rug has a story—and sometimes, a mystery. That’s why we go beyond just cleaning; we dig deeper to uncover the rug’s true beauty. Whether it’s beige, gray, or somewhere in between, our goal is always the same: to restore your rugs with care, expertise, and integrity.

BeClean – Because every rug deserves to look its best.

Rug Cleaning FAQs

How often should I have my rug professionally cleaned?

Most rugs should be cleaned every 12–18 months, but high-traffic rugs or those with pets may need it more often.

Can all rugs be cleaned the same way?

No. Wool, silk, synthetic, and antique rugs all require different methods. That’s why we carefully inspect each rug before cleaning.

Will cleaning cause shrinkage or fading?

Not when done correctly. At BeClean, we use methods that preserve your rug’s color, texture, and structure.

Do you remove pet stains and odors?

Yes—we specialize in pet urine and odor treatments to restore freshness.

Do you pick up and deliver rugs?

Absolutely—we make it convenient for you.

My rug looks fine—do I still need cleaning?

Yes. Rugs trap hidden dust, allergens, and soil that shorten their lifespan.

What if my rug gets water-damaged?

Call us immediately. Quick action is crucial to prevent mold, mildew, and dye bleed.

Ready to Bring Your Rug Back to Life?

At BeClean, we don’t just clean rugs—we restore them. Whether it’s everyday soil, pet stains, or a tricky mystery color, we have the expertise to make your rug look its best.

📞 Call us today to schedule your pickup & delivery service.