Rug Cleaning Method

With each and every oriental rug clean that we undertake, the same attention to detail is given to each item regardless of it's value. From the initial moment of our careful inspection, right through to the final return of your rug, a dedicated cleaning process takes place.

The Inspection: This is the most important stage of the rug cleaning process, as it is at this moment that our high levels of training actually begin. Correct fibre identification is critical for the safe cleaning of your rug. Once we have identified the fibre make up, a thorough inspection of the condition of the rug takes place. Any problems we notice are brought to your attention both verbally and in writing. In most cases our clients are usually fully aware of any existing damage, but there can be occasions where we see damage that is not easily noticeable.

Dye Testing: The second stage of the process is a two part dye test. Each and every colour within your rug is tested for dye stability, and helps us to identify the correct and safest cleaning method for your rug.

Vacuuming: Dry soil within your rug can be the biggest cause of damage to the fibres of the rug, and full removal of this dry soil is highly important. Grit and dirt held within the rug acts like an abrasive to each fibre strand, similar in effect to sandpaper. We use a specially imported vacuum system for the cleaning of rugs and it is solely dedicated to rug cleaning. Initially, the back of the rug is vacuumed and assists in vibrating the dry soil loose from the fibres, the second vacuum process is to the face fibres of the rug and removes the loosened soil. This process is repeated until we have full removed as much dry soil as possible. It may seem overkill to vacuum the rug as much as we do, but without this dry soil removal, as soon as the wet cleaning process begins this soil turns into an almost mud like substance and is drawn through the fibre strands.

Cleaning Process: The vast majority of the rugs we clean are done by what is known as a hot water extraction method. In basic terms this means preconditioning the rug with the most gentle cleaning solution available. This solution is very eco-friendly and gentle to the fibres during the cleaning process, and is rinsed out by nothing more than water prior to the water being extracted. Any residues left behind folllowing the clean simply biodegrade within a matter of days, leaving no resoiling residues behind in your rug. Cleaning temperatures are deliberately kept low to ensure no damage is caused to the fibres which can occur when cleaning at high temperature, which is an often made mistake by some cleaners.

Drying Process: We use a specialist blowing system to help dry the rugs, and this is done at room temperature and again is done in a carefully controlled safe manner. Once the rug is totally dry, we brush groom the rug to align the pile. Another visual inspection is carried out at this stage, and if we think further improvements can be made we redo the whole process again.

Fringes: The fringes on rugs quite often suffer the most damage from wear and the simple task of becoming tangled when general day to day vacuuming takes place within the home. If the condition of the fringes permit, we clean these during the cleaning process. However if the fringes are badly damaged we have the facilities to remove the existing fringes and replace with new. With high value rugs we advise against renewal of the fringes as this can reduce the value of the rug should the rug be sold at a future date. Whilst damaged fringes may be unsightly, due to the age of such rugs some damage will be expected to a dealer and forms part of the character of the rug.