Job completed for Hyde Park Rug Cleaning and Restoration Customer

Completion date: March 20, 2025

Location: Hyde Park, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

This is a before and after photo of a Persian Lillihan that was completely distressed and required reweaving into the field and repairing the borders. The rug is an amazing threadbare rug from the 1900s made with vegetable dyes.

Solutions provided:

Jafri Rugs restored the rugs by doing the following:

Inspection and Identification: Jafri Rugs 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 Jafri’s weavers reweaving the entire field. 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 Areas of the rug
As an example the medallion is a central feature in Persian rugs, and significant wear or fading can take away from the rug’s beauty and value.
• Color Restoration: To restore the faded vegetable and chrome dyes, Jafri’s first class weavers dyeing techniques may be employed. This could involve carefully re-dyeing the worn 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 weavers had 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’s weavers 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.