Job completed for Great Barrington Navajo Kilim Rug Cleaning

Completion date: January 6, 2026

Location: Great Barrington, MA

Why did the customer contact us?

This is an example of a navajo kilim rug that had torn fringes. The kilim market is incredibly valuable due to its woven nature and the fact that these are tribal rugs that come from an actual Navajo tribe in the south west. The rug did have a few problems with it when inspecting it:

-The rug was harshly stained with soot and ash and required an all organic wash

-The rug's fringes were torn from both ends requiring fringe implants, however the fringe added was a propos to that era of kilims

-The rug also had a few tears in the field requiring reweaving into the field by blending the same type of wool

The first picture shows the torn fringes

The second picture shows the rug post-restoration work

Solutions provided:

Jafri Rug restoration fixed this Kilim rug entirely and raised the value of
the rug by doing the following:

1. Inspection and Identification: Jafri Rugs carefully
inspected to assess the extent of the moth damage. This involves checking the
front and back of the rug for signs of infestation.

Moth Treatment: The rug would be treated to eliminate any
remaining moths and eggs. This usually involves a deep fumigation process
using eco-friendly chemicals or freezing the rug to kill any pests.

Re-weaving or Repairing Damaged Areas:
The affected areas would likely require Jafri's weavers reweaving the entire
field. The damaged wool would be carefully removed, and new wool fibers,
typically dyed to match the original, would be woven into the affected areas
to restore the rug's appearance.

2. Worn and Faded Areas of the Rug

As an example the medallion is a central feature in Persian rugs, and
significant wear or fading can take away from the rug's beauty and value.

Color Restoration: To restore the faded vegetable and chrome
dyes, Jafri's first class weavers dyeing techniques may be employed. This
could involve carefully re-dyeing the area using natural dyes or color-safe
synthetic dyes. This process is done with precision to match the original hues
and avoid dye bleeding.

Reweaving/Restoration: If the medallion's pattern is worn
down to the point of damage, Jafri's weavers had to reweave the intricate
design. This involves painstakingly replicating the original design and
colors.

3. Fringe and Binding Unraveling

The fringe and the binding are crucial for maintaining the structural
integrity and aesthetic of the rug.

Fringe Repair or Replacement: The unraveling fringe would
need to be reattached or replaced, depending on the extent of the damage.
Jafri's weavers often restore the fringe by knotting it back into place using
similar fibers (wool or silk, depending on the rug's original material). If
the fringe is too damaged, it might need to be completely replaced.

Binding Reinforcement: The edges and binding would also be
repaired. This could involve stitching new binding material (usually wool or
cotton) onto the rug's edges, followed by a careful reinforcement of the
stitching to prevent further unraveling. A careful color match is essential to
keep the aesthetic intact.

4. Wool Pilling

Pilling happens when fibers get tangled and form small balls of fuzz, which
can occur naturally over time with wool rugs.

Shaving the Rug: Pilling can be removed through a careful
process of shaving. Special tools or razors designed for rugs are used to
gently remove the pill without damaging the fibers underneath. The
professional would carefully go over the rug to ensure the pilling is removed
evenly, leaving the wool in good condition.

Deep Cleaning: After shaving off the pilling, the rug would
undergo a deep cleaning to remove any remaining loose fibers and dirt. This
would also help restore the softness of the wool.

Additional Steps in the Restoration Process:

Deep Cleaning: Once the repairs are done, the rug would be
carefully cleaned using appropriate techniques for Persian rugs. This would
likely involve hand-washing the rug with a gentle, wool-safe detergent to
remove dirt, oils, and any debris, followed by rinsing and drying.

Final Inspection: After repairs, the rug would undergo a
final inspection to ensure that all issues (moth damage, wear, pilling, etc.)
have been properly addressed. Any minor touch-ups or final adjustments would
be made.

Challenges and Considerations:

Color Consistency: With moth damage, fading, or re-dyeing,
matching the original color and design of the rug is critical. Artisans
skilled in Persian rug restoration use specific techniques to ensure that the
restoration looks seamless and authentic.

Preservation of Value: Since Persian rugs can be valuable,
every step must prioritize both cleaning and repairing the rug in a way that
preserves its authenticity and market value.