PRE-WASH INSPECTION
Each rug is inspected for pre-existing conditions. The inspection takes place at our shop. We look for conditions that can be covered up with soils, such as dye variations (abrash), staining, prior dye bleeding, wear, and white knots. We will discuss any areas of concern with you.
DUSTING
After the pre-wash inspection is complete, the first step is dusting. A wool rug may hold pounds of dry dirt that is not visible to the eye. Wool fibers have fish scale-like pockets that hold many times their weight in soil, dander, mites, and grit. This is not just “dirt” but bacteria, germs, oils, and many other contaminants deposited by your feet.
Simply washing a rug full of dirt in the foundation and face fibers creates a muddy mess. This is why each rug needs to be dusted before it gets wet.
IMMERSION PIT WASHING
We test all rugs for color-fast dyes, and if the dyes are not stable, then we stabilize the dyes in a special solution. The rug is then pretreated and washed using a mild shampoo and lots of water. The rug is then given an initial rinse, rolled up, and placed in our centrifuge wringer, where the dirty water is forced out, and freshwater is introduced for a final rinse.
DRYING
Because the rugs are all different, we chose the correct drying method for each. This could be laid flat, face up or down, or hanging in our drying chamber where the temperature and humidity are monitored and controlled. Most rugs can be expected to shrink up to 5% during their first washing.
DETAILING & FINISHING
The fringes, which are usually part of the cotton warp fibers, and the foundation of the rug are very absorbent and show soils much more than wool. The Fringes need more work to get clean. They are scrubbed during the wash process, but occasionally need more detailing after the rug is removed from the centrifuge wringer. Then, any other spot and stain treatments are done. After the rug is 100% dry, it gets dusted again before being groomed and prepared to go back to your home