PREPARING OUR VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE ORIENTAL RUGS FOR SALE

Washing and Cleaning

Most rugs which we source are quite old, many having been stored in basements and households for many years. More often than not, they have been previously used and do require careful cleaning.
The process we employ to clean all rugs is one which has been used for centuries, albeit with a few “modern” aids.
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Cleaning aged, pre-used rugs is a multi-step, labour-intensive process. Firstly, any loose wool or dry soil/dust is removed. Traditionally, this task was completed by vigorous beating or shaking but, today, we have purpose designed vacuum machines which not only remove surface particles, but which also ensure that the vibrations release any soil or dirt lodged lower in the pile or on the back of the rug.
To ensure all residual loose wool or soil/dust is removed, this process is sometimes supplemented with a compressed air “blast” using a machine which forces air through the pile, freeing any particles not removed by the beating / vacuuming process.

Once all residual wool and soil/dirt is removed the rug is then washed. Again, the original process was to use a stiff broom and running water but the more modern and resource-efficient method is to use a rug washing machine which fully submerses and gently agitates the whole rug. Our process uses only water, gently ph neutral detergent and agitation. Heat and artifical solvents or other chemicals are avoided at all times as these can adversely affect the original colors as well as the delicate fibres of hand-spun, naturally dyed wool.

After the washing process s complete, the rug is then rinsed, applying high pressure water until all residual detergent and particles are cleared.

The final step in the rug cleaning process is gentle air drying. Again, the traditional method of leaving a rug to dry in a well-ventilated, open air space has, these days, been replaced by centrifuge-like machines which gently rotate the rug to remove all residual water. Once the rug is nearly dry to the touch, the top surface is groomed to restore the pile to the original direction and, then, the rug is then hung in a well-ventilated, airy space to allow it to dry completely from both sides.

Restoring, Repairing and Rejuvenating

Some of our more unique, rare and valuable Vintage and Antique Rugs may have some areas of minor damage. This is to be expected of a textile which is over 60 years old. Depending on the original quality of the design, materials and weaving as well as the origin and history of the Rug, we will often decide to repair and rejuvenate the piece and restore it to as close to original condition as possible.

Such work is highly specialized and requires the expertise of a skilled Repairer / Master Weaver who is able to assess the best way to repair the damaged areas using yarn of the same age and colour.

When we determine a Rug is far too valuable to consign to the scrap heap, we are fortunate to be able to employ the services of a Master Weaver to complete the necessary work. This work may take weeks, even months, to complete, but the result is giving a second life to a Rug which has, most probably, outlived but also honours the original weaver.

Due to the fact that natural fibers such as Wool and Cotton may contract or relax over time, especially when they are over 60 years or more of age, it is sometimes necessary to also use specialized stretching techniques to restore the Rug to as close to original condition as possible. Again, we engage an expert professional service which is dedicated to such work to complete the final step in the restoration process. As a result, all of our Vintage and Antique Rugs will sit squarely and firmly on the floor.