Horrigan Cleaners
About Us
Three Generations of Care
Trusted Cleaning Expertise Backed by More Than a Century of Experience
Since 1921, Horrigan Cleaners, Inc. has helped homeowners and businesses protect the rugs, carpets, upholstery, and hard surfaces they rely on every day. What began as a small family operation in Gardner has grown into one of Central Massachusetts' most respected cleaning companies, serving communities throughout Gardner, Leominster, Fitchburg, Lunenburg, Princeton, Sterling, Templeton, Hubbardston, Athol, Holden, Littleton, Weston, and beyond.
Today, customers trust us not only because of our experience, but because of our commitment to doing the job right. Whether we're cleaning a treasured oriental rug, refreshing a family room carpet, restoring upholstered furniture, or deep cleaning tile and grout, our goal remains the same: provide the best possible service at a fair price and stand behind our work. That's the approach that has earned the trust of generations of families throughout Massachusetts.
Proven Steps to Ensure Quality
Where It All Started
From a Small Backyard Shop
to a Recognized Rug Cleaning Specialist
Our Story:
Horrigan Cleaners was founded in 1921 by Thomas C. Horrigan in Gardner, Massachusetts. The original business operated out of a small outbuilding behind his home and quickly became a trusted local resource. In addition to the Gardner location, customers could drop off items in nearby communities including Winchendon, Athol, and Orange.
The second generation expanded the business significantly. During the 1960s, Thomas "Tom" J. Horrigan relocated operations to Central Street in Gardner and became one of the first companies in the region to invest in steam-cleaning technology. His interest in rug cleaning helped establish the foundation for what would eventually become one of the company's defining specialties.
In 1991, the third generation built a new state-of-the-art facility on Pearson Boulevard in Gardner to support growing demand. Over time, the company expanded its focus on area rug cleaning, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and tile and grout cleaning. In 2020, the dry-cleaning portion of the business was discontinued, allowing the company to further expand its dedicated rug cleaning operation.
Today, the business is owned and operated by Tom's three sons, Mike, Tim, and Patrick. Their investment in specialized equipment, continuing education, and advanced rug care techniques has helped establish Horrigan Cleaners as a destination for customers seeking expert care for valuable rugs and textiles. The brothers also own Horrigan Premium Laundromat in Gardner and Horrigan Flooring Center in Westminster, reflecting the family's long-standing commitment to helping customers care for and maintain their homes.
Many customers travel from across Massachusetts and even ship rugs to the facility because they know their investment will receive professional attention.
Browse Our Services
Inspecting
Dusting
Washing
Rinsing
Wringing
Drying
Why Experience Matters
Discover What Sets Horrigan Cleaners Apart from Other Cleaning Companies
Our dedicated rug cleaning plant remains one of our biggest differentiators. With specialized equipment such as rug beaters, wringers, controlled drying rooms, and advanced washing systems, we're able to provide a level of rug care that very few facilities can match. Combined with industry-recognized training and decades of hands-on experience, it allows us to confidently care for rugs ranging from everyday family pieces to valuable oriental and Persian rugs.
Why customers continue to choose us:
- More than 106 years of continuous service
- Members of ARCS (Association of Rug Care Specialists)
- Advanced rug cleaning certifications and specialized training
- Purpose-built rug cleaning plant designed specifically for area rugs
- Specialized rug washing, dusting, wringing, and drying equipment
- Controlled drying systems designed to help prevent shrinkage and color bleeding
- Third-generation family-owned and operated
- Residential and commercial cleaning expertise
- Local Chamber of Commerce member
- Honest recommendations and free estimates
Experience the Difference Generations of Families Have Trusted
Whether you need professional rug cleaning, carpet cleaning, upholstery cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, or specialized rug restoration services, our team is ready to help.
Call 978-632-4200 or contact us today to request a free estimate and learn why customers throughout Central Massachusetts continue to choose Horrigan Cleaners.
Have Questions? We've got answers.
Q: How often should I have my area rug professionally cleaned?
A: Most oriental, Persian, and area rugs should be professionally cleaned every 1-3 years depending on foot traffic, pets, children, and overall use.
Q: Why does my rug still look dirty after regular vacuuming?
A: Vacuuming removes surface debris, but most dirt settles deep within the rug's foundation. Professional dusting and washing remove embedded soil that household vacuums can't reach.
Q: Can you clean wool, silk, and oriental rugs?
Yes. Our rug cleaning plant is designed to safely clean wool, silk, cotton, oriental, Persian, and specialty area rugs using fiber-appropriate cleaning methods.
Q: What causes colors to bleed or rugs to shrink during cleaning?
A: Improper washing and drying procedures can cause color migration and shrinkage. Our controlled cleaning and humidity-regulated drying process helps prevent these issues.
Q: Do you offer pickup and delivery for area rugs?
A: Yes. We offer rug pickup and delivery services throughout Central Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire for added convenience.
Q: Do I really need a rug pad under my area rug?
A: Yes. A quality rug pad does much more than keep a rug in place. The right pad helps prevent slipping, buckling, and curling while reducing premature wear caused by friction between the rug and the floor. Rug pads also provide additional cushioning, support heavy furniture, improve vacuuming performance, and can be selected for specific applications such as radiant heat flooring, pet-friendly homes, or hard surface floors.
