• Rugs are pre-inspected for any possible problems that may arise while cleaning such as dye runs, insect pests, urine, etc.

• Rugs are thoroughly 'dusted' to remove dry particulate soil.

• Dyes are stabilized for washing.

• The rug is scrubbed with a gentle detergent to loosen soils and oils.

• Spots are addressed.

• Fringes are treated and then rinsed thoroughly.

• The rug is flushed and thoroughly rinsed of all residual cleaning and treating solutions.

• The water is wrung out through 16' rollers.

• The rug is brushed to set the pile in the appropriate direction.

• The rug is dried in a temperature-controlled drying room.

• After the rug is completely dry, the rug will be inspected. If it does not pass inspection, it will be washed again at no additional charge.

• If a rug is in need of repairs, our specialists are ready to suggest appropriate repair options.

• To extend the life of your oriental and area rugs, vacuuming frequently is a must. Why? Because everyday dust and dirt can settle into your rug. If the rug is in a well-trafficked area, particles of dirt can be pushed down into the rug to the backing and even to the floor, exposing the rug and the floor to damage from abrasion. 

• Please note: Vacuuming, while essential to the overall care of your rug, can only remove approximately 80% of the soil. The rest of the soil will be trapped in the rug and includes air-borne pollutants such as cooking oils and greases as well as ordinary dust and dirt. This soil gets into the fiber and will act like sandpaper and can cut it. If the rug is a natural fiber, vacuuming can pull up some of this fiber, causing wear areas. On synthetic rugs, the sandpaper effect will not cut the fibers but will abrade them, leaving areas that are distorted. The light reflecting through the plastic fibers may give the appearance of soiling even after a thorough cleaning.

• Because of the above, make sure you have your rugs professionally cleaned on a regular basis. In our rug washing plant, rugs are placed in our dusting equipment before they are cleaned to remove as much of the trapped soil as possible.

• It is also a very good idea to roll the rug up every few months and dust under it. If possible, vacuum the back of the rug at that time as well. This would be the time to check the back of the rug for any moth or other insect infestation. Moth larvae, especially, often eat from the back of a wool rug to the front before they are even noticed. 

• Please Note: When vacuuming oriental rugs and other area rugs with fringes, vacuum from side to side (opposite the fringes). This will save the fringes from being pulled up into the vacuum which can damage the fringes and even damage the vacuum. If using a vacuum tool to clean the fringes, cover it with an old nylon stocking and vacuum carefully to protect the fringe as well as the vacuum. We have fringe rakes for sale in our plant which can be used to remove soil from the fringes and also straighten them. An added plus--you don't have to bend over or get down on your hands and knees to use this tool!

• Another important tip to extend the life of your oriental and area rugs is to take care of spills as soon as possible. A carpet or rug fiber acts as a wick and will pull spills up to the top of the pile. Once the soiling material is exposed to the air and allowed to dry, a spill can become a permanent stain.

• The first best choice for quickly removing spills that could become permanent stains would be to blot the area from the outside to the center of the spill with a white absorbent material such as a Turkish towel or thick paper towels. 

• Keep on hand an arsenal of non-toxic cleaning agents to combat specific spills. See our ABC Spot Cleaning Guide  to learn how to remove spots with ordinary household solutions. See also Green Cleaning Solutions on this website. ABC also carries a ‘green’ spotting solution in our plant for sale.

• Never pour liquid spotters directly onto the area because the spill will be diluted and will spread out, making it more difficult to remove. Use absorbent material saturated with a spotter or spotting solution to blot the area instead.  

• Remember to ALWAYS BLOT, never scrub the soiled area. Scrubbing can sometimes result in irreversible distortion of the fiber.

• After you have blotted and can no longer get any transfer of soiling to the absorbent material, blot with water on a new absorbent material and then put a layer of absorbent material on the area with something heavy on top. Allow to dry for 24 hours, replacing the absorbent material frequently. This will allow any remaining soiling to 'wick up' to the surface and the absorbent material will prevent it from exposure to the air.

• Sun fading is a form of damage that cannot be repaired. Keep your rugs out of direct sunlight. Rotating your rugs regularly will keep you aware of the beginning of any changes due to sun fading. 

• Rugs left undisturbed under furniture can harbor moths and other insects. Checking them underneath while rotating them will provide evidence of any beginning rug damage which can be quickly remediated.

• Rugs in high traffic areas should be rotated regularly for even wear.

• Make sure to reverse your reversible rugs regularly, such as braids and some kilims, for even wear.