We find that washing Oriental rugs yields the best results. The process is simple.

Rugs are examined before cleaning to asses condition and establish a plan for each individual piece. Work begins with stabilization of weak or damaged areas and removal of dry soil. Spots and stains are pretreated or removed. Carpets are then submerged in water and cleaned with synthetic detergents. Rugs are individually monitored during the cleaning process, fully rinsed, and dried in a controlled environment.

The basic objective in cleaning is removal of soil and restoration of appearance. There can be other goals: removal of color run, elimination of odors, softening of stiff or rotten areas, and the modification of color or luster are also common objectives. We offer a range of services and are available to discuss process and expected results before work is done. Our goal is to help clients make informed choices.

We are able to clean carpets up to 25×40 feet in size and have procedures to clean carpets in delicate or fragile condition. Experience allows us to proceed confidently. It is our client’s best guarantee.

Color run, or dye ‘bleed’ as it is sometimes called, can occur for many reasons. Typically the migration of unstable synthetic dyes, color run can also be a result of natural dyes poorly applied or aggressively washed, or of pigments applied after weaving. Color run can generally be removed, but there are factors that make the process challenging and results variable.

Procedures for removing color run are generally proprietary, often shrouded in mystery and folklore by the trade. They are fairly simple processes, typically employing reducing agents or oxidizers. These procedures can be effective but success depends substantially on the experience and skill of the person doing the work.

The process employing a reducing agent, commonly sodium hydrosulphite, is referred to as ‘stripping’. It is useful for removing synthetic dye run, acid dye ‘paint jobs’ used to alter color, and staining from synthetic dye sources (artificially colored foods and drinks, medicine, etc.) The process does not damage fiber and can often remove color run or staining without substantially altering original color.

A second category of processes employs an oxidizer, typically sodium hypochlorite or related compounds. Many variations of this wash exist and employ auxiliary agents in proprietary formulations. The trade refers to these washes by a variety of names; bleach wash, luster wash and antique wash are common terms. At low strength they can remove stains and certain types of color run. In more aggressive formulations they can be used to create artificial luster in wool, soften color, and alter the ‘hand’ of the fabric.

We offer color run removal and antique washing as a service to our clients. While it is often possible to predict results from photos, it is best to examine a rug in person and test sample areas if necessary.

Rugs often lead a very tough life. Pets, insects, flower pots, the wear and tear of daily use take their toll; there are times when something has to be done.

Many different stabilization, repair and restoration techniques can be used to treat these weavings. The work is done by hand; it requires skill, experience, and the right materials.

Holes and damage can be rewoven with nearly undetectable results, or simply sewn to prevent further loss. Worn areas can be restored, though extensive overall wear can be cost-prohibitive to treat. Good results require materials with the closest match of color, fiber, and spin. We dye the majority of our materials ourselves, using both synthetic and natural dyes. Yarns are spun, or re-spun, to provide the best match.

Careful assessment of condition and good planning are essential. We are experienced in this work and encourage discussion to reach a clear understanding of what can be expected.

We offer restoration services at our facility in Denver as well as with Woven Legends Restoration in Izmir, Turkey.