Job completed for Rug Cleaning Customer in Amsterdam

Completion date: February 17, 2025

Location: Amsterdam, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

-Rug required cleaning due to odor and mildew
-Rug had worn areas
-Rug had torn fringes
-Rug had binding unraveling

Solutions provided:

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 Jafri Rug restoration fixed 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 do the following:
• 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, Jafri's skilled weavers 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.
• Deep Cleaning: After shaving off the pilling, the rug would undergo a deep cleaning to remove any remaining loose fibers and dirt. This would also help restore the softness of the wool.
Additional Steps in the Restoration Process:
• Deep Cleaning: Once the repairs are done, the rug would be carefully cleaned using appropriate techniques for Persian Kashan rugs. This would likely involve hand-washing the rug with a gentle, wool-safe detergent to remove dirt, oils, and any debris, followed by rinsing and drying.
• Final Inspection: After repairs, the rug would undergo a final inspection to ensure that all issues (moth damage, wear, pilling, etc.) have been properly addressed. Any minor touch-ups or final adjustments would be made.
Challenges and Considerations:
• Color Consistency: With moth damage, fading, or re-dyeing, matching the original color and design of the rug is critical. Artisans skilled in Persian rug restoration use specific techniques to ensure that the restoration looks seamless and authentic.
• Preservation of Value: Since Persian Kashan rugs can be valuable, every step must prioritize both cleaning and repairing the rug in a way that preserves its authenticity and market value.