Job completed for Customer in Vienna

Completion date: August 4, 2025

Location: Vienna, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

Cleaning and repairing a Persian Tabriz 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

The first image shows moth damage that really destroyed the field of the rug

The second image shows the post restoration work where Jafri Rug restoration reweaved into the field restoring the floral motifs.

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.