Job completed for Customer in Copake

Cleaning and repairing a Persian rug—particularly a hand-knotted antique one circa 1900 rug requires specialized care and precision to preserve its fibers, dyes, structure, and value. Below is a detailed overview of rug cleaning and repair process done by Jafri Rug restoration

This rug is a classic Persian Serapi made in Iran, rather valuable, and requires enormous care and restoration given its distressed and worn field

Jafri Rug restoration will do the following step by step:

1. Inspection & Documentation

• Rug is inspected under strong lighting for:

  • Damage (holes, tears, moth damage)

  • Fiber content (wool, silk, cotton)

  • Color stability (testing for dye bleeding)

  • Odors (e.g. pet urine, mildew)

• Measurements are recorded; before photos are taken.

2. Dry Soil Removal (Dusting)

• Rug is flipped and vibrated or beaten using a rug dusting machine or compressed air.

• This step removes up to 80% of dry dirt and sand embedded in the foundation.

• Avoided by carpet steamers but critical for longevity.

🧠 Fact: Persian rugs can trap several pounds of grit, which can shred fibers if not dusted out before washing.

3. Colorfastness Testing

• Specialists blot dyes with water and pH-neutral cleaning agents to check for bleeding.

• If unstable, dye-locking agents are applied or rug is washed carefully in cold water.

4. Pre-Soaking / Odor Treatment

• Rugs with pet urine or mildew are submerged in odor-neutralizing solutions.

• Enzyme-based treatments may be used to break down organic stains before shampooing.

5. Hand Washing or Submersion Wash

• Traditional Persian-style hand washing uses:

  • Wool-safe, pH-balanced shampoo

  • Gentle brushing following the nap of the pile

  • Repeated rinsing with soft water

• For extremely dirty rugs, the entire rug may be submerged and agitated in a wash pool.

🚫 Avoid high-pressure or in-home “steam cleaning”—it can cause shrinkage, color bleeding, or structural damage.

6. Rinsing & Water Extraction

• Rinsed thoroughly using flowing water or soft spray wands.

• Excess water is extracted via a centrifuge wringer or by rolling and pressing.

7. Drying

• Rugs are hung in a climate-controlled room or flat-dried on drying beds with airflow.

• Wool rugs may take 24–48 hours to fully dry.

8. Final Grooming & Inspection

• Pile is brushed to align the nap and restore softness.

• Fringe is combed, dried, and sometimes whitened.

• Final inspection checks for odors, stains, stiffness, or repair needs.