December 10, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

Jafri Oriental Rugs has serviced Dutchess County for over 45 years

The second 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.

November 05, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

Given the age and value of the rug, this is a rug that should not be sent to any rug store, but should go to Jafri Rug restoration as the weavers are specifically skilled to repair these threadbare rugs and understand the motifs and match the wool dye lot for dye lot. The artistry will maintain the antiquity of the rug and will not make it look newly made and will also raise the value of the rug.

Jafri Rug restoration will do the following:

1. Assessment and Inspection:

Condition Check: Inspect the rug thoroughly for signs of wear, including fraying edges, missing or damaged knots, stains, or fading. This is essential to assess the scope of restoration work needed.

Fabric Type: Identify the materials used (wool, silk, etc.) to ensure the correct restoration techniques and materials are used.

Color Matching: Persian rugs often feature vibrant and intricate color schemes. Color matching is important for any repairs to ensure the restoration blends seamlessly with the original.

2. Cleaning:

Gentle Cleaning: Before restoration, the rug is cleaned to remove dirt and stains. This is typically done by hand or machine using organic olive oil shampoo foam to cleanse the rug and techniques that preserve the integrity of the fibers.

Drying: After cleaning, the rug must be carefully dried to prevent any damage or shrinkage.

3. Repairing Damaged Areas:

Reweaving/Knots: If there are missing or damaged knots, the missing sections will be re-woven by hand. Skilled weavers use the same knotting technique that was used in the original rug to ensure consistency.

Fringe Repair: If the fringe is damaged or missing, it can be reattached or replaced using matching fibers.

Edge Repair: The rug’s edges may become frayed over time. A repair may involve re-binding the edges to prevent further unraveling.

4. Color Restoration:

If the rug has areas with faded or discolored sections, dyes matching the original colors may be applied to restore the vibrancy. This requires careful attention to detail to blend the colors seamlessly.           

Pre-Repair Cleaning

• A deep cleaning is performed before repairs to remove dirt, oils, and debris that interfere with repair work.
• Includes:
• Dusting (front and back)
• Gentle hand washing with pH-neutral detergents so as not to erode the fibers of the rug
• Rinsing and drying in a temperature-controlled environment

Structural Repairs

These are the most critical to maintain rug integrity:

a. Edge Repair (Overcasting or Binding)

• Rewrap or rebind fraying edges to prevent unraveling.
• Uses matching wool or cotton thread.
• Restores tension and keeps the weft and warp from separating.

b. Fringe Repair or Replacement

• Stabilizes or reconstructs the fringe (often the warp threads).
• May involve:
• Tying off loose fringe
• Sewing in new fringe sections
• Weaving new fringes into the foundation

c. Hole or Tear Repair

• Small holes: patched and reinforced from the back.
• Larger holes or tears: require reweaving the foundation (warp and weft), then tying new knots to match the original pattern.

4. Pile Reweaving / Pattern Reconstruction

• Rebuilds worn or missing areas by hand-knotting new wool or silk into the structure.
• Requires:
• Color-matching wool (often hand-dyed)
• Matching the knot density, knot type (Turkish or Persian), and pattern
• Done by experienced weavers to ensure seamless blending with the original design.

5. Color Restoration

• In areas where colors have faded or bled, restorers may:
• Touch up color with textile-safe dyes where there is already wool shown in the pile but requires blending of color for consistency in the rug’s colors
• Avoid painting, which can damage fibers over time

 6. Shearing & Grooming

• After repairs, the pile is carefully sheared to match surrounding areas.
• Helps ensure a consistent pile height and finish.
• Brushing aligns the nap and improves visual consistency.

 7. Blocking & Reshaping

• If the rug is warped or misshapen:
• It’s dampened and laid flat under weight or pinned.
• Dried under tension to restore its original shape and prevent buckling.

8. Final Cleaning & Inspection

• A final surface clean removes any dust or fibers from the repair.
• Inspection ensures:
• Seamless repairs
• Color and texture matches
• Edges are secure and the rug lies flat

October 15, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

The second picture shows the post repair work where Jafri Rug restoration fixed this rug by doing the following:

This took approx 6 months to restore

-The rug was rewoven in the field bringing back the true colors and warp and weft of the rug

-The fringe was refringed

-The edging was rebound to make sure the wool would not unravel into the field

-Color restoration was done to bring back the dye lots of the rug

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.

June 30, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

Given the age and value of the rug, this is a rug that should not be sent to any rug store, but should go to Jafri Rug restoration as the weavers are specifically skilled to repair these threadbare rugs and understand the motifs and match the wool dye lot for dye lot. The artistry will maintain the antiquity of the rug and will not make it look newly made and will also raise the value of the rug.

June 06, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

Jafri Rugs not only cleaned the rug but brought back the vitality of the rug and increased the overall value of the rug. Jafri Rugs antique weavers repaired the rug to its original state and restored a century old rug. The rug required spot treatment and binding and fringe restoration. The rug additionally required reweaving into the field of the rug which was all done by hand.

May 12, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

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.

December 10, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

This Yazd Kerman is an antique turn of the century Persian masterpiece rug. Jafri Oriental Rugs has serviced Dutchess County for over 45 years and is an authority on not only the history of the rug but the most proper way to repair it. The rug is incredibly valuable and is a palace size rug measuing 11'.6"x16'.2". The was produced in the town of Yazd, near Kerman, Iran. The first image shows the rug completely worn requiring the following work:

-Warp and weft coming thru the rug, and various holes throughout the field requiring reweaving and color restoration work where Jafri Rug restoration weavers match the wool dyes lots and reweave into the floral motifs of the rug.

-Fringe completely fraying requiring fringe implant, circa 1900 tea stained fringe

-Edging completely unraveling into the field

-Moth damage of the rug

Jafri Oriental Rugs has serviced Dutchess County for over 45 years

The second 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.

June 14, 2025 | Rhinebeck, NY

The before and after images show the work required to fix this rug. The rug is a classic sumac and therefore requires craftsmanship to bring this heirloom rug back to its original condition. Jafri Rugs did the following: -Recreated the original schematic of the rug to reweave the destroyed medallions 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.