ur hand-washing techniques are custom tailored to the specific needs of each rug. Techniques and solutions are formulated depending on structure, type of material, soiling, fragility, and dye type. After complete removal of sandy grit and particulate matter, most rugs are hand washed in water-based solutions; all rugs are thoroughly rinsed to remove all dirt, soap, or chemical residue. Our heated drying room ensures complete drying and zero mildew. By the time the rug is washed and dried, no allergens (other than the fibers themselves or adhesives used in manufacture) remain in the rug.
Our current rates

Deciding how often to have household rugs cleaned depends on extent of foot traffic, staining or pet problems, proximity to an unventilated kitchen or other airborne pollutants, and personal preference regarding the appearance of the rug. Most professional conservators recommend cleaning every three to five years to remove damaging soil, grit, and oily buildup in typical household environments. Allowing rugs to accumulate soil and grit for too long can cause discoloration and degradation of fibers, and can allow certain stains to become permanent. Since over-washing is never recommended, we formulate milder solutions when only light washing is necessary. Stored or displayed rugs should be kept clean, as they are more vulnerable to insect damage when dirty.

The four major threats to long-term conservation of oriental rugs are: moisture, sunlight/ultraviolet exposure, insect damage, and improper cleaning.

1. Moisture. Dampness from flooding, leaks, potted plants, and condensation can cause mildew, rot, bleaching, and degradation of fibers. Any wetting should be dried immediately–a carpet cleaning or flood restoration service can be helpful in extracting water, but make sure an experienced oriental rug professional does the cleaning.

2. Sunlight/ultraviolet light and heat. Especially in the high desert southwest, sunlight will cause irreversible fading of colors and accelerate degradation of fibers. If you are placing a rug near direct sunlight, windows should be filtered with 100% UV protection. Also, radiant heat installed in many newer homes can accelerate fiber degradation, especially in antique and luster-washed contemporary rugs.

3. Insects. Wool moths can infest any wool or animal fiber if it is dirty, in dark or undisturbed areas, or not checked regularly. The most vulnerable pieces are those hanging on walls, stored without protection in dark areas, or placed with furniture covering them so that they cannot be properly vacuumed or inspected. Other damaging insects include beetles and silverfish. Never use moth balls, moth crystals, or moth-proofing or pesticide sprays, which can all damage fibers and dyes. Cleanliness and good housekeeping are the best preventative.

4. Improper cleaning. It is actually better not to clean a rug than to have it improperly cleaned. High temperature solutions, high suction vacuums, high alkaline cleansers, and incomplete rinsing/soap residue build-up are all common and serious problems caused by commercial rug cleaning. Inexperienced or indifferent rug washers can cause color run, buckling, mildew buildup, crusty fringes, tears, over-washing/scrubbing/bleaching of stains, and other often irreversible problems. Get referrals from trusted dealers or conservators for a trustworthy rug cleaner in your area, or contact us at Textival.

Our current rate for oriental rug washing is $2.50/square foot (silk rugs $2.75/sq. ft.). Stain removal, odor treatment, blocking, and excessive soiling can require extra charges in some cases.   to top