Job completed for Easton Wool Rug Cleaning Customer

Completion date: December 12, 2025

Location: Easton, NY

Why did the customer contact us?

This is a classic Art Deco rug. The rug has influences from French colors and Chinese Ming Dynasty design. The Art Decoratifs period was a short period of time and therefore had a great deal of influence from a multitide of cultures and countries. This rug has royal colors such as purple and French blue vegetable dyes that come from indigo and lavender. Jafri Oriental Rugs has restored many art deco rugs and the first and second image shows this required a great deal of attention to the following areas of the rug:
-The frame of the rug is completely destroyed, requiring binding around all four sides of the rug
-The backing of the rug is completely destroyed and requires a new backing to be added
-Torn areas in the field requiring reweaving in the worn areas

Solutions provided:

Jafri Oriental Rugs has serviced Warren County for over 45 years
The third  image shows the rug completely restored
Jafri Rug Restoration fixed this rug by applying its professional museum-quality antique rug cleaning process step-by-step:
1. Inspection & Documentation

A specialist first examines the rug to determine:




Age, origin, weave style




Fiber type (wool, silk, cotton foundation, etc.)




Dye stability (natural vegetable dyes vs synthetic dyes)




Fragile areas: worn patches, dry rot, loose fringe, holes, moth damage




Previous repairs or color touch-ups





Why it matters: Antique rugs often have unstable dyes and delicate foundations. The cleaning process is tailored based on the following factors: fabric, type of dye used, age of rug


2. Dry Soil Removal (Dusting)

This is one of the most important steps.


Gentle vibrating dusting machines




Air dusting / compressed air




This removes the following:




Packed dust




Sand/grit




Allergens




Moth larvae and eggs





Why it matters: Up to 70% of soil in antique rugs is dry particulate that tears fibers if washed without dusting.
3. Colorfastness Testing

Before any washing:




Each dye color (reds, blues, greens, blacks) is tested with water and mild detergent.




If dyes are unstable, cleaners apply dye stabilizers or choose a dry-cleaning or low-moisture method.





Why it matters: Natural dyes can bleed or fade; this prevents damage.
4. Specialty Hand Wash (Traditional Bath)

Most high-end cleaners wash antique rugs by hand, never by machine.

Steps:



Rug is submerged in a cool-water wash pit.




Olive oil wool-safe shampoo from Italy is gently applied, no harsh chemicals are applied as that can cause color run/color bleeding




Both sides of the rug are cleaned using soft brushes or hand tools.




Water is circulated to remove embedded dirt.







5. Rinse & Water Extraction




Thorough rinsing removes soap residue that can attract dirt later.




Water extraction is done by rolling, squeegeeing, or suction tools.




No high-heat drying (which can shrink wool or warp foundations).


6. Controlled Drying

Antique rugs are dried:




In climate-controlled rooms with proper airflow





Drying can take 24–48+ hours depending on the rug’s age and thickness.
7. Grooming & Fringe Care

After cleaning:




Rug pile is brushed in its natural direction going the grain and fibers of the rug




Fringe is hand-cleaned and straightened out with a comb




8. Repairs or Restoration





Reweaving worn areas 




Edge/selvage reinforcement




Fringe repair or replacement




Moth damage treatment




Color restoration is used where actual dye and New Zealand worsted wool is used to bring back the original condition of the rug


9. Final Inspection

The rug is checked for:




Even pile direction




Clean fringe




No soap residue




No odor




Proper color stability




Smooth, flat drying


Why Antique Rugs Need Special Care?

Antique rugs are different because:




Natural vegetable dyes can bleed




Wool fibers become brittle with age




Cotton foundations shrink easily




Hand-knotted structure can loosen




Value (sometimes thousands of dollars) depends on condition





Machine carpet cleaning or steam cleaning can destroy antique rugs.