9 Steps- Rug Cleaning Process

Posted by The Olde World Rug Washing Company on July 2nd, 2019

In-Plant Rug Cleaning in surrounding areas in Long Island NY is recommended for Oriental Rugs and loose woven rugs. They should not be cleaned on location like wall to wall carpet. The Olde World Rug Washing Company cares for the finest to the most basic rugs from around the world; we clean tribal, area, wool, silks, flokati, and even box store rugs. We will pick your rug up and bring it to our special cleaning plant where it will receive our very thorough Nine Step Cleaning System to get maximum soil and spot removal. Having your rug cleaned in our plant allows us to give it several treatments for a more thorough cleaning, controlled drying, and the use of various tools that are not available on location.

Step 1: Pre-Inspection and Pick Upantique rug cleaning

We will determine as much as we possibly can about the type of rug and inherent qualities that may affect cleaning. We will outline the expected results and cleaning “prescription”. Our company will come to your home to pick up your rug, or you may drop it off at our shop.

Step 2: Dry Soil Removal

Woven rugs, especially hand-knotted rugs, are designed to hide dry soil. A few years ago, the Eureka company did a study and found that a 9 x 12 could hide 87 pounds of dirt! WOW! We use a variety of techniques to “dust” the rugs from the front and back. A machine called a rug duster, special vacuum attachments, and any many other methods are implemented. This is the most important step in cleaning any textile.

Step 3: Pre-Condition

Depending on fiber content and soiling type, the rug will be pre-treated to emulsify the soils.

Step 4: Pre-Spot and Fringe Preparation

Any potentially difficult spots will be pre-treated with special solutions to increase chances of removal. The fringe is also pre-treated for maximum soil removal.

Step 5: Shampoo

Most rugs are cleaned with an Oriental Rug Shampoo that is especially designed to get maximum cleaning while protecting sensitive natural fibers.

Step 6: Rinse or Wash

Depending on the type of rug, it will be rinsed with extraction equipment or washed in a wash pit designed especially for Oriental Rugs.

Step 7: Speed Dry

Once the soil is rinsed away, the rug is dried flat or hung to dry in a controlled environment. Proper drying is essential to avoid unnatural shrinkage.

Step 8: Finishing

When the rug is dry, it is combed and finished with soft groomers made for specialty rugs.

Step 9: Post Inspection and Delivery Inspection and Delivery

Our rug cleaning specialist will give the rug a final inspection and release it for pick-up or delivery. Your rug will be wrapped in brown craft paper to protect it from dust and environmental soils until it is picked up or delivered. Upon delivery, we will lay the rug for you.

How to Care for your Oriental Rug

Rotation – To ensure even wear, your rug should be rotated once a year. Depending on the traffic, the rotation may vary from six months to two years.

Vacuuming – Oriental rugs, like most carpeting, should be vacuumed on a regular basis to remove dirt and restore life to the fibers. Be sure not to vacuum the fringe with your beater bar! Use the end of a vacuum hose from a canister vacuum.

Padding – A quality pad used under your rug helps protect it from dirt, wear, and slippage.

Spot and Spill Procedures – Make sure that you safely and immediately clean up spots and spills before they set:

First, soak up the excess liquid by blotting with a clean absorbent material. Do not brush or rub the stain

Then, spot-clean with a mild detergent-white vinegar-water solution. Do not over wet.

Rinse area thoroughly with water and a small amount of vinegar. Avoid wetting the rug’s backing

Blot dry until most of the moisture has been absorbed

Allow to air dry. A fan or cool hair dryer can be used to hasten the drying process.

For stains that do not come out using these methods, call for expert advice from one of our cleaning specialists.