Job completed for Pittsfield Karastan Rug Cleaning and Repair Customer

Completion date: December 20, 2025

Location: Pittsfield, MA

Why did the customer contact us?

This is an example of a finely made Karastan rug that required enormous work. The wool that was used in this rug is New Zealand worsted wool. The rug is over 50 years old and is a valuable rug. Karastan came from the European markets and whilst the rug is machine made it still has value as it is an older Karastan from Belgium which has the classic Persian Sarouk design. The rug is worn and torn in several areas.

The first two images shows the pre-restoration damage:

-Fringe completely fraying requiring fringe implant, circa 1900 tea stained fringe as the design is a Persian Sarouk, although machine made

-Edging completely unraveling into the field

-Moth damage of the rug

Solutions provided:

Jafri Oriental Rugs has serviced Berkshire 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:

1. Rug is submerged in a cool-water wash pit.


2. 
   Olive oil wool-safe shampoo from Italy is gently applied, no harsh chemicals
   are applied as that can cause color run/color bleeding
   


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


4. 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.