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Our hand-washing techniques are custom tailored to the specific needs of each rug. Techniques and solutions are formulated depending on structure, type of material, soiling, fragility, and dye type. After complete removal of sandy grit and particulate matter, most rugs are hand washed in water-based solutions; all rugs are thoroughly rinsed to remove all dirt, soap, or chemical residue. Our heated drying room ensures complete drying and zero mildew. Blocking/stretching is necessary on many rugs after washing and is done as much as is safely possible. By the time the rug is washed and dried, no allergens (other than the fibers themselves or adhesives used in manufacture) remain in the rug.
Deciding
how often to have household rugs cleaned depends on extent of foot traffic,
staining or pet problems, proximity to an unventilated kitchen or other
airborne pollutants, and personal preference regarding the appearance
of the rug. Most professional conservators recommend cleaning every three
to five years to remove damaging soil, grit, and oily buildup in typical
household environments. Allowing rugs to accumulate soil and grit for
too long can cause discoloration and degradation of fibers, and can allow
certain stains to become permanent. Since over-washing is never recommended,
we formulate milder solutions when only light washing is necessary. Stored
or displayed rugs should be kept clean, as they are more vulnerable to
insect damage when dirty.
See below for a series of before-and-after images. Price estimates are made upon checking the piece into our workshop, and are subject to adjustment upon completing the work.
