Job completed for Persian Rug Care for Customer in Bath

Completion date: February 14, 2025

Location: Bath, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

A Persian Kashan rug with these issues requires a very careful and specialized approach for cleaning and restoration. Each problem needs to be addressed individually to restore the rug while preserving its value. Here’s an overview of how a professional cleaning and restoration service might approach these issues:

1. Moth Damage in the Field
Moths can cause significant damage to wool rugs, especially when the rug is stored in a humid or dark environment. For a moth-infested Persian Kashan:

Inspection and Identification: The rug would be carefully inspected to assess the extent of the moth damage. This involves checking the front and back of the rug for signs of infestation.
Moth Treatment: The rug would be treated to eliminate any remaining moths and eggs. This usually involves a deep fumigation process using eco-friendly chemicals or freezing the rug to kill any pests.
Re-weaving or Repairing Damaged Areas: The affected areas would likely require reweaving or patching. The damaged wool would be carefully removed, and new wool fibers, typically dyed to match the original, would be woven into the affected areas to restore the rug's appearance.
2. Worn and Faded Medallion
The medallion is a central feature in Persian Kashan rugs, and significant wear or fading can take away from the rug’s beauty and value.

Color Restoration: To restore the faded medallion, professional dyeing techniques may be employed. This could involve carefully re-dyeing the medallion area using natural dyes or color-safe synthetic dyes. This process is done with precision to match the original hues and avoid dye bleeding.
Reweaving/Restoration: If the medallion’s pattern is worn down to the point of damage, skilled artisans may need to reweave the intricate design. This involves painstakingly replicating the original design and colors.
3. Fringe and Binding Unraveling
The fringe and the binding are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic of the rug.

Fringe Repair or Replacement: The unraveling fringe would need to be reattached or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage. A professional would often restore the fringe by knotting it back into place using similar fibers (wool or silk, depending on the rug’s original material). If the fringe is too damaged, it might need to be completely replaced.
Binding Reinforcement: The edges and binding would also be repaired. This could involve stitching new binding material (usually wool or cotton) onto the rug’s edges, followed by a careful reinforcement of the stitching to prevent further unraveling. A careful color match is essential to keep the aesthetic intact.
4. Wool Pilling
Pilling happens when fibers get tangled and form small balls of fuzz, which can occur naturally over time with wool rugs.

Shaving the Rug: Pilling can be removed through a careful process of shaving. Special tools or razors designed for rugs are used to gently remove the pill without damaging the fibers underneath. The professional would carefully go over the rug to ensure the pilling is removed evenly, leaving the wool in good condition.

Solutions provided:

Initial Inspection
• The cleaning process begins with a thorough inspection of the rug. Jafri Rugs assesses its material, condition, and any stains or areas of damage. This helps determine the appropriate cleaning method and whether any repairs are needed.
• Dusting and Vacuuming
• Pre-Cleaning Dusting: Before washing the rug, Jafri Rugs dusting will loosen and remove embedded dirt and dust from deep within the fibers. This step is crucial for preserving the structure of the rug and preventing dirt from turning into abrasive particles during cleaning.
• Vacuuming: The rug is vacuumed to remove surface dirt and debris. This step helps ensure that the rug is ready for the next phase of cleaning.
• Pre-Treatment of Stains and Spots
• Jafri Rugs will apply specialized treatments to any visible stains or heavily soiled areas. These treatments are designed to break down the stain without damaging the rug fibers. For delicate rugs, a stain-removal solution will be chosen based on the specific material and stain type.
• Washing or Deep Cleaning
• Hand Washing: For high-end rugs or those with fragile fibers, we may choose to wash the rug by hand using cool water and a mild olive oil soap detergent. This method is especially common for wool, silk, and other delicate materials.
• Machine Cleaning: Some synthetic rugs may be cleaned with specialized machines that use gentle agitation to remove dirt and stains.
• Rinsing
• After the washing process, the rug is thoroughly rinsed to remove any detergent or cleaning solutions. This step is critical to avoid leaving any residues that could attract dirt or cause deterioration over time.
• Drying
• Air Drying: Once cleaned, the rug must be dried properly to prevent mold, mildew, or warping. This is done in a controlled environment, often using specialized equipment that ensures even drying. Rugs are usually laid flat or hung in a climate-controlled area.
• Avoiding Direct Sunlight: To prevent color fading, rugs are generally not placed directly in the sun during the drying process.
• Post-Cleaning Treatment
• After the rug has dried, it may undergo a final treatment, such as brushing or combing the fibers to restore its texture. Some rugs may also receive a protective treatment to help resist dirt, stains, or future damage.
• Final Inspection and Return
• Once the cleaning and drying processes are complete, the rug is thoroughly inspected to ensure it meets the desired cleanliness standards. Any final adjustments are made before the rug is returned to its owner.