The hand washing of rugs and carpets is a profession and an art of its own. The colour, texture, wool blend and age is information that is required before deciding on the most appropriate method of cleaning each item. Every style of rug and carpet has its own washing and caring technique. The colour of antique rugs will not fade if hand washed correctly, that is in such a way that it will not affect its colour or damage the wool. It is essential that the rug cleaner know whether or not a rugs colour will fade during the cleaning. This knowledge is critical to the cleaning process. We have many decades of experience and can take special care to ensure that the colours will not fade or run into each other.

Hand washing the rug or carpet.

The rug or carpet has to be hand washed and cleansed from dirt and other foreign material with specially prepared natural shampoo without agitating or damaging the wool or its colours. Detergents that are used for woollen clothing are not compatible for use in hand washing carpets.

The longevity of rugs and carpets depends on the amount of water used during the hand washing process and the climatic conditions of where the carpet will be stored. The adverse effects of incorrect hand washing technique will weaken the wool strands and in time they become fragile and fall apart.

This photograph shows how the carpets are spin dried. This machine has been specially built to remove all excess water from rugs and carpets. As the carpet is spun the run-off water is checked to ensure it is clean and if necessary additional water is added to rinse the carpet.

Drying after the wash.

When a carpet has been washed the excess water has to be quickly taken off so that the colour will not run. The carpet will then have to be taken to a moderately warm room without direct sunlight and dried with the assistance of a fan, forced ventilation and if necessary dehumidifiers.

Ali Boge

"My whole life has evolved around the carpet industry. My family's profession and livelihood is based on the carpet industry and pertain to the A to Z knowledge and expertise of the trade. I could even say that the rug profession has worked its way in to my soul."

Ali Boge

 

Rugs, Carpets, Kilims and the Australian Climate

Australia has a relatively high humidity level and as a consequence rugs and carpets should be aired regularly to reduce the amount of moisture they hold. Moisture and humidity causes rugs and carpets to wear out more quickly as it softens the wool making it more susceptible to abrasion from dirt and is the main cause of rotting and decay.

 

Spills and stains

When accidental spills of food and beverage occur it should be cleaned with a white piece of cloth and clean water (without soap) with a rubbing motion without agitating the carpet immediately. A professional cleaning of the rug or carpet should be organized before the stain dries either by dropping it in at our premises or organising for us to pick it up. As a stain dries and sets it can become impossible to fully remove.

 

Patchwork Rug

Patchwork Kilim