Job completed for Customer in Caroga

Completion date: February 19, 2025

Location: Caroga, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

This is a classic tribal Kilim woven rug where the colors are fading. Unlike hand knotted rugs, this rug is woven and requires an entirely different wash and restoration process

Jafri Rug restoration observed the following during their inspection:

The rug is completely worn and torn across the field and borders
The vegetable dyes have completely faded, requiring color restoration
Fringe and binding is unraveling

Solutions provided:

Jafri Rugs will make sure to do the following:

A Navajo kilim 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
• 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.

• Color Restoration: To restore the faded vegetable dyes professional dyeing techniques may be employed. This could involve carefully re-dyeing the 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 kilim'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. Jafri Rugs often restores 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.