Our 10 Step Expert Rug Cleaning Process
Rug cleaning methods may vary slightly, along with the chemicals used during the cleaning process, but what follows is our preferred method of cleaning a quality rug:
The first point of inspection will take place in your home (or on our site for drop-off clients) when we collect your area rug / carpet for cleaning.
We will identify the rug / carpet type (antique Persian rug, Turkish Kilim, Moroccan rug, Navajo rug, Karastan rug) and specify its dimensions (area rug or small-sized carpet).
At this stage we will also inspect your rug for any potential pre-existing damages such as tears or holes. In addition, we will check for moth or insect damages and pet contamination (e.g., urine stains).
The final step before your rug begins its journey to our rug spa is to take a photo and label it before rolling and packing it carefully in our van.
Step 2: Advanced Rug Inspection & Testing
Before we begin our professional rug cleaning process, we once again assess your rug to check there is no structural damage to the actual fibers or fringes.
The dyes are then tested for color-fastness to determine the most suitable cleaning process.
Upon inspection, some rugs may have multiple stains that need individual specialist treatment.
Correctly identifying the cause and type of stain is vital in order to tackle it effectively and minimize the risk of worsening or ‘setting’ the stain.
Step 3: Professional Rug Vacuum
Having inspected your rug and having covered all eventualities, we place it on a grid where it is given a thorough vacuum.
This process alone removes an incredible amount of soil and pet hair. The volume of debris that is released and deposited under the rug grid still surprises us to this day!
We vacuum until your rug no longer releases any more soil and dust, then we move onto the dusting process.
Step 4: Rug Dusting & Blowing
Modern area rugs as well as Oriental & Persian antique Rugs accumulate a significant amount of dirt and dust over time. Vacuuming alone (e.g., done by carpet cleaners) is not sufficient for removing these abrasive soils. Therefore, we run each rug through a powerful, yet gentle, rug dusting machine to ensure it becomes dust and debris-free.The machine vibrates and releases an incredible amount of dust, dirt and debris which a vacuum alone would not be able to collect.
This is vital in order to release the deeply ingrained abrasive soils that cause degradation of the rug fibers.
Once this process is complete, we use a hand tool that blows compressed air across the surface of the rug, literally blowing away any remaining fine dust.
After this, we continue to flush your rug until no hint of soiling remains.
Step 5: Wash Pit Rug Clean (incl. stain removal)
All rugs are assessed for color fastness and shrinkage before entering our wash pit.
Our bespoke wash pit enables us to submerge and flush your rug in clean water to remove dirt and soil before applying a gentle rug cleaning solution and working it into the fibers – front and back. Depending on the composition of your rug, we may use a machine that will agitate the surface of your rug with specific rug cleaning brushes.
After this, we continue to flush your rug, using a water wand and roller until the water runs crystal clear and no hint of soiling remains.
Then we get to work on the fringes; using a small brush, we massage the rug cleaning solution into the fringe, detangling as we go – before thoroughly flushing the fringe and removing excess moisture.
Step 6: Grooming Your Rug
Before drying, we use a grooming brush to correctly set the pile.
This helps facilitate the drying process while also markedly improving its appearance.
Step 7: Drying Your Rug
After cleaning the Oriental & Persian rugs and removing excess water, the rugs are placed in a special room to dry.There are many methods of drying a rug. Our first step is to extract the front and back of your rug using a powerful carpet cleaning extraction machine and wand.
Depending on the size and type of your area rug, we roll-up the rug and insert it into a powerful centrifuge where the rug will be whirled up to 1400 RPM and the remaining water and moisture will be extracted up to 95%.
We then attach a water claw that removes most of the remaining moisture, before either hanging your rug carefully in a temperature-controlled room with dehumidifiers or laying it on a drying table with turbo dryers and vents. Using the natural solar light, we finalize the drying process by exposing the rug to the beautiful California sunshine where it removes any potential odor.
Step 8: Final Inspection & Treatment
Your rug will be inspected for successful removal of all stains and odors, with attention paid to the delicate fringes.
If any stubborn stains remain, they will once again be treated individually for the best chance of removal, before allowing further drying time.
Step 9: A Little Extra Pampering
Once it has finished the spa process, we will vacuum your rug one last time in order to remove any hint of dust that may have settled from the atmosphere.
Your rug is then groomed once again to ensure it’s looking its very best before delivery to you!
Step 10: The Journey Home
Your rug will be wrapped in secure breathable packaging before we call to confirm your pre-agreed delivery date and time is still convenient.
Your rug will then be popped into our van ready to be delivered to your door and rolled out in your home for your inspection.