Complete Guide to Carpet Cleaning
The Complete Guide to Carpet Cleaning | Keep Your Persian Rugs and Carpets Beautiful for Longer
Your cherished Persian rugs and carpets are used daily, and as a result, dust, sebum, pollen, and moisture gradually accumulate unnoticed.
"How should I wash an expensive hand-woven rug?"
"Is it okay to take a rug to a regular dry cleaner?"
"What is the average cost for rug cleaning?"
Many people have these questions, and in recent years, the demand for professional rug cleaning in Japan has been growing.
Especially for hand-woven rugs like Persian rugs, Gabbehs, and tribal rugs, specialized care tailored to their materials and dyes is required, rather than typical machine washing.
This article will provide a detailed explanation from a specialist's perspective, focusing on the rug cleaning process performed at Decorworks, covering:
- The necessity of rug cleaning
- Types of dirt on hand-woven rugs
- Cleaning process
- Estimated turnaround time
- Storage methods
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why is rug cleaning necessary?
Rugs absorb far more dirt than you might imagine from daily use.
Even if the surface looks clean, the inside accumulates dirt such as:
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mites
- Sebum
- Sweat
- Food spills
- Pet hair
- Moisture
- Mold spores
Wool materials, in particular, have high moisture absorption, making them prone to retaining dampness.
Leaving it as is can lead to:
- Odors
- Dull colors
- Hardened pile
- Mold
- Moth damage
Therefore, regular maintenance is crucial.
Especially for high-quality Persian rugs that use natural materials, regular maintenance is extremely important.
Differences Between Persian Rugs and General Rugs
The structure of general rugs and hand-woven Persian rugs differs significantly.
Characteristics of Hand-woven Rugs
Uses natural materials
- Wool
- Silk
- Cotton
- Natural dyes
are primarily used.
High density
Due to the high-density weave, fine dust can easily penetrate inside, but if cleaned properly, it can maintain its beauty for many years.
Delicate dyes
If natural dyes are used, choosing the wrong water temperature or detergent can cause color bleeding.
Therefore, instead of general mass washing, it is necessary to clean each rug individually while assessing its condition.
About Decorworks Rug Cleaning
At Decorworks, we specialize in cleaning hand-woven rugs such as Persian rugs, Afghan rugs, Gabbehs, and tribal rugs.
We prioritize a process tailored to the materials and condition of each individual rug, rather than mass processing.
In particular, we emphasize a pre-wash inspection to prevent:
- Color fading
- Shrinkage
- Pile damage
Pre-Cleaning Inspection Process
First, we meticulously examine the entire rug.
Points to check:
Potential for color bleeding
Dark colors like red and navy may bleed during washing.
Fringe damage
Fringe areas are particularly susceptible to damage and require careful attention during washing.
Moth damage
Since wool is a natural material, it can be susceptible to insect damage.
Types of stains
- Coffee
- Wine
- Pet stains
- Mold
Pre-treatment varies depending on the type of stain.
Dust Removal Process
In fact, a large amount of sand and dust accumulates inside rugs.
Persian rugs, in particular, have fine knots, allowing fine sand to penetrate deep inside.
If washed with water in this state, it can turn into mud and damage the fibers.
Therefore, at Decorworks, we thoroughly remove internal dust before washing.
Even this step alone can sometimes release an astonishing amount of dust.
Hand Washing Process
This is where the serious cleaning begins.
At Decorworks, we adjust detergents and water temperature according to the material.
Detergents used
We use cleaning agents that are gentle on wool and natural dyes, rather than strong chemicals.
Silk-blend rugs, in particular, are extremely delicate and require careful handling.
Cleaning method
- Gentle brushing
- Washing along the fibers
- Avoiding excessive scrubbing
These steps are strictly adhered to.
Vigorous scrubbing can cause the pile to become unruly or lose its sheen.
Importance of the Rinsing Process
After washing, thorough rinsing is performed.
Detergent residue can lead to:
- Stickiness
- Re-soiling
- Odors
Especially for high-density Persian rugs, detergent penetrates deep inside, requiring ample rinsing.
Dewatering and Drying Process
Drying is a very important step in rug cleaning.
Insufficient drying can lead to
- Mold
- Odors
- Shrinkage
.
At Decorworks, we use a method that is close to natural drying, which is less stressful on the rug, rather than rapid high-temperature drying.
Drying time also varies depending on the season and humidity.
Brushing and Finishing Process
After drying, we perform a finishing process to align the pile.
This process restores
- softness
- luster
- three-dimensional pattern
.
After cleaning, rugs often regain their original luster and their colors appear brighter.
How long does cleaning take?
Decorworks rug cleaning usually takes about 10 days to 1 month.
Reasons for changes in delivery time
Condition of dirt
Severe dirt and stains require additional steps.
Humidity and weather
Drying takes longer during the rainy season.
Material
Silk rugs require particularly careful drying.
Presence of repairs
Fringe repair or fraying repair will require additional time.
For high-quality rugs, it is more important to prioritize "safety" over "speed."
About Rug Cleaning Fees
" Rug Cleaning Fees " is a point of concern for many customers.
Fees are primarily determined by the following:
- Size
- Material
- Degree of soiling
- Presence of silk
- Repair details
Especially for Persian rugs, the difficulty of the work varies depending on the material and weaving density, so there is no fixed price.
At Decorworks, we provide a quote after assessing the condition. Rug Cleaning Fees
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1. How often should rugs be cleaned?
For general households, every 5-10 years is recommended.
If you have pets or small children, a shorter cycle is ideal.
Q2. Can Persian rugs be cleaned at regular cleaning stores?
Mass cleaning methods commonly used can pose risks of color fading and shrinkage.
It is recommended to use a specialty store for hand-woven rugs.
Q3. Can stains be completely removed?
It depends on the type of stain and how long it has been there.
However, the sooner it is treated, the more likely it is to improve.
Q4. Can Gabbeh and tribal rugs also be washed?
Yes.
We will clean them after checking the material and dyeing condition.
Q5. Will the pile change after cleaning?
Proper cleaning often restores softness and luster.
Q6. What are the precautions against insect damage during storage?
Avoid humidity and ventilate regularly.
Cleaning is effective before long-term storage.