The Art of Traditional Rug Cleaning

Expert Hand Washing, Stain Removal & Protection by Authentic Art Gallery

A fine handmade rug is more than a floor covering – it is a work of art. Persian, Oriental, wool, and silk rugs can
represent generations of craftsmanship, culture, and history. Caring for these pieces requires far more than
ordinary carpet cleaning.
At Authentic Art Gallery, rug care is part of our heritage. With three generations of experience and more
than 20 years of professional rug cleaning experience in the United States, we specialize in the traditional
care of fine handmade rugs. Our cleaning process combines time-honored hand-washing techniques with
modern treatments designed to help protect the beauty, color, texture, and longevity of each rug.
Every rug is different. Before cleaning begins, we carefully evaluate the rug’s fibers, construction, colors,
condition, stains, and areas of concern. This allows us to determine the safest and most appropriate cleaning
process for each individual piece.

A Tradition Passed Down Through Generations

For generations, Persian families have understood the importance of caring for their rugs. Traditionally, rugs
were periodically taken outside, carefully cleaned, rinsed, and naturally dried as part of maintaining a fresh and
clean home.
In Iranian culture, this tradition has a special connection to Nowruz, the Persian New Year. Before the arrival
of spring, families traditionally deep-clean their homes as part of khaneh tekani – the Persian tradition of
“shaking the house.” Rugs have long been an important part of that process.
At Authentic Art Gallery, we continue the spirit of this tradition while adapting the process to the delicate
requirements of valuable handmade rugs.

Our Traditional Hand-Washing Process

1. Detailed Inspection & Color Evaluation

Every rug is carefully inspected before washing. We examine the foundation, pile, fringe, previous repairs,
stains, pet accidents, and other areas requiring special attention. Particular care is given to handmade rugs
with natural dyes, wool, silk, or delicate fibers, where controlling moisture and color migration is extremely
important.

2. Deep Dust & Dry Soil Removal

A surprising amount of fine dust and dry soil can settle deep within a rug’s foundation where normal household
vacuuming may not reach. Before washing, the rug is thoroughly vacuumed and cleaned from both the front
and back to remove as much loose dust, dirt, hair, and debris as possible. Removing dry soil first allows the
washing stage to be more effective and reduces the amount of abrasive material trapped within the fibers.

3. Pre-Treatment & Spot Cleaning

Stains and problem areas are individually evaluated before the full wash. Depending on the rug and the nature
of the stain, we can provide specialized treatment for pet urine, coffee, wine, food spills, odors, and other
difficult spots. Pet accidents often require more than surface cleaning because urine and odor can penetrate
deep into the pile and foundation of a handmade rug.
Our goal is always to achieve the best possible improvement while protecting the rug’s original fibers and dyes.
Because stains vary in age, composition, and previous treatment, complete stain removal cannot always be
guaranteed.

4. Traditional Hand Washing

Once prepared, the rug is washed in a large dedicated washing area using professional rug-cleaning solutions
selected for fine textiles. Rather than treating a valuable handmade rug like ordinary wall-to-wall carpeting, our
process involves careful, hands-on washing. The cleaning solution is gently worked through the rug to loosen
embedded soil and contaminants while special attention is given to the pile, foundation, colors, and fringe.
This stage requires experience and patience. Handmade rugs – particularly pieces containing natural dyes, silk,
antique fibers, or previous repairs – must be handled carefully to minimize the risk of color bleeding, fiber
damage, distortion, or unnecessary wear.

Thorough Rinsing & Traditional Drying

After washing, the rug is thoroughly rinsed to remove loosened dirt and cleaning residue. Excess water is then
carefully extracted from the rug using methods appropriate for its construction. Removing moisture properly is
an important part of protecting the rug’s shape, foundation, and appearance.
When conditions and the individual rug allow, we incorporate natural air and sunlight into our traditional
drying process, carefully monitoring the rug as it dries. Proper drying is essential; a handmade rug should
never simply remain wet for an extended period. Once dry, the rug receives a final inspection before it is
prepared for return to your home.

Pet Urine, Coffee, Wine & Difficult Stain Treatment

Accidents happen – even to extraordinary rugs. Authentic Art Gallery offers specialized stain and odor
treatments for handmade rugs affected by:
• Dog and other pet urine
• Coffee and tea
• Red wine and beverages
• Food and organic stains
• Dirt and high-traffic discoloration
• Unpleasant odors
• Certain water-related staining and damage
We treat each situation individually rather than applying the same chemical or technique to every rug. Wool,
silk, cotton, natural dyes, synthetic dyes, and antique rugs can respond very differently to moisture and Authentic Art Gallery cleaning products.
For water-damaged rugs, we can inspect the piece and determine what cleaning, drying, repair, or restoration
may be possible. The earlier a water-damaged rug is professionally evaluated, the better.

Deep Cleaning for a Healthier Home

Rugs naturally collect material brought into a home through everyday life – including dust, outdoor soil, pet hair,
pollen, food particles, and other debris. Much of this material can settle below the visible surface of the pile.
This is especially worth considering in homes with children, pets, high foot traffic, or people sensitive to
dust and allergens. Professional washing helps remove deeply embedded soil, odors, and contaminants that
routine vacuuming alone may leave behind.
For rugs in high-traffic environments, professional cleaning may be appropriate more frequently. In many
homes, having a fine rug professionally evaluated every 6-12 months can help determine whether washing is
necessary. Rugs in lower-traffic areas may require cleaning less frequently. We prefer to evaluate the rug
rather than recommend unnecessary washing.

Advanced Rug Protection After Cleaning

For clients who want additional protection, Authentic Art Gallery also offers a professional protective
treatment that can be applied after cleaning when appropriate for the rug.
This treatment is designed to help reduce the absorption of liquids and make certain spills and stains easier to
address before they penetrate deeply into the fibers. It can provide an additional layer of protection against
everyday accidents involving water, coffee, wine, food, and other liquids.
It is important to understand that no treatment makes a handmade rug completely stain-proof or waterproof.
Instead, professional protection can provide valuable extra time to respond to a spill and can make future
maintenance easier.

Why Handmade Rugs Require Specialized Care

A Persian or Oriental rug should not be treated like ordinary carpeting. A high-quality handmade rug may
contain hand-spun wool, natural dyes, silk highlights, cotton foundations, delicate fringe, and thousands – or
even millions – of individually tied knots. Some rugs have already survived for generations.
Improper cleaning can cause colors to migrate, fibers to become damaged, fringe to deteriorate, or the rug to
lose its original texture and character. That is why professional rug washing is both a technical skill and an
art.
At Authentic Art Gallery, our approach comes from generations of hands-on experience with handmade rugs.
We understand that when a client leaves a valuable rug with us, they are often trusting us with something that
has financial, artistic, and sometimes deeply personal value.

Free Pickup & Delivery Across Southern California

Authentic Art Gallery proudly serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego with professional
Persian rug cleaning, Oriental rug cleaning, handmade rug cleaning, and fine wool and silk rug care. We offer
free pickup and delivery for our rug-cleaning service, making specialized care convenient for clients
throughout Southern California.
We can pick up your rug, inspect it, discuss any stains or areas of concern, professionally clean and treat it,
and return it once the cleaning and drying process is complete. Whether your rug needs traditional hand
washing, pet urine and odor treatment, coffee or wine stain removal, water-damage care, or professional rug
protection, our goal is simple: to preserve its beauty and help it last for generations.

Three Generations of Rug Care

At Authentic Art Gallery, rugs are not simply our business – they are our craft and our heritage. With three
generations of experience and more than 20 years of rug-cleaning experience in the United States, we
bring traditional knowledge, careful workmanship, and personal attention to every rug entrusted to us.
From Persian and Oriental rugs to fine wool, silk, antique, and contemporary handmade pieces, every rug
receives individualized care based on its materials, condition, and construction.

Your rug was made by hand. We believe it deserves to be cared for by hand.

Schedule Your Professional Rug Cleaning
Authentic Art Gallery
350 Broadway Street, Laguna Beach, California 92651
Phone: 949-677-7327 | 949-497-2777
Email: info@AuthenticArtCo.com
Serving Orange County, Los Angeles & San Diego
Free Pickup & Delivery