Job completed for Customer in Copake

Completion date: August 4, 2025

Location: Copake, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

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

Solutions provided:

Jafri Rug restoration will do the following step by step:

1. Inspection & Documentation

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  Rug is inspected under strong lighting for:

  
  
  
  
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    Damage (holes, tears, moth damage)

    
    
  
  
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    Fiber content (wool, silk, cotton)

    
    
  
  
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    Color stability (testing for dye bleeding)

    
    
  
  
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    Odors (e.g. pet urine, mildew)

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  Measurements are recorded; before photos are taken.

  
  

2. Dry Soil Removal (Dusting)

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

  
  


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

  
  


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  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

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

  
  


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

  
  

4. Pre-Soaking / Odor Treatment

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

  
  


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

  
  

5. Hand Washing or Submersion Wash

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  Traditional Persian-style hand washing uses:

  
  
  
  
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    Wool-safe, pH-balanced shampoo

    
    
  
  
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    Gentle brushing following the nap of the pile

    
    
  
  
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    Repeated rinsing with soft water

    
    
  
  
  
  


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  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

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  Rinsed thoroughly using flowing water or soft spray wands.

  
  


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

  
  

7. Drying

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

  
  


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

  
  

8. Final Grooming & Inspection

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  Pile is brushed to align the nap and restore softness.

  
  


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  Fringe is combed, dried, and sometimes whitened.

  
  


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