Our Rug Care Process

During our initial inspection we will determine as much as we possibly can about the type of rug and inherent characteristics and conditions that may affect cleaning. A company representative will come to your home to transport your rugs or you may drop off Cash and Carry rugs at our facility and save the handling fee.

Our handling fee is based on the number and size of rugs we transport with a minimum of $50.00. We carefully tag the rug at this time to avoid any mix-up while the rug is in Southern Idaho Rug Washers’ possession.

Every rug is thoroughly pre-inspected and photo documented front, back and sides to determine and identify if there are pre-existing conditions, which could potentially affect the cleaning process. We will carefully document these conditions to help determine the best method of safely yet effectively cleaning your rug. You will be contacted by our rug cleaning expert prior to cleaning to discuss your rugs condition. Once we get your authorization to proceed, we guarantee to give you expertise and workmanship consistent with industry standards of care combined with results that may be limited by the conditions and cleaning situation we encounter.

Your rug is carefully pre-vacuumed with a Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI)-approved commercial vacuum to remove surface hair, dander, lint and other insoluble dry soil.

Woven rugs, especially hand-knotted wool pile rugs hide substantially more dry soil than wall-to-wall carpet. Studies performed by the Eureka Company found that a 9 x 12 rug could hold as much as 87 pounds of particulate soil. We use a variety of techniques to dust the rug. Gently beating (like Grandma used to do), the rug from the backside with a specialized machine allows soils to sift downward and out of the pile. This is the most important step in cleaning any rug, as dry particle soil can cut the rugs delicate fibers and cause premature wear. Following dusting, the rugs face is vacuumed once again to remove fine particles left on the surface.

One of the worst situations that can occur during rug cleaning is dye migration or bleeding. Since most fine rugs are made of wool or silk which is dyed with acid dyes, dye migration is always a concern. We will perform a prolonged colorfastness test to determine which cleaning method to employ to avoid potential color migration problems while achieving the most effective cleaning results.

Any potentially difficult spots will be pre-treated with special solutions to increase chances of removal.

Most area rugs are made with natural fibers. All of the cleaning agents we apply to your rug have been tested by the WoolSafe Organization (www.woolsafeusa.org). Pre-conditioning your rug prior to cleaning allows the soil to be thoroughly dissolved and emulsified prior to the actual cleaning process.

The fringe is also pre-treated with a specialty fringe cleaner for maximum soil removal.

Our rug experts will evaluate your rug to choose the best cleaning procedure possible for maximum soil removal based on fiber content, delicacy and colorfastness. These methods may range from minimum moisture to complete submersion cleaning.

Depending on the type of rug, soils will be thoroughly rinsed from your rug with extraction equipment or flushed with a specialized wand in a rug bath designed especially for area rugs and Orientals.

After soil removal, the rug may be dried flat on our specialty rug drying platform or hung to dry on our rug tower in a climate controlled environment. Inadequate or incomplete drying or wet cleaning on-location could cause prolonged drying, texture change, cellulosic browning, dye migration, mold growth, dimensional change, and/or dry rot.

Some rugs require additional fringe cleaning or correction after the initial cleaning. We have special procedures and solutions to restore the original color to the fringe. We never use chlorine bleach which causes degradation and permanent damage to the foundation fiber.

When the rug is dry, it is groomed in the direction of the pile with a soft bristle brush made for specialty rugs. A final vacuuming will remove loose fibers and dry soil that may have surfaced during the drying process.

Fluorochemical protectors resist particle soiling as well as water and oil-based stains. Application of fabric protectors can enhance the performance of your rug and help keep it clean longer. Since fluorochemical coatings may be worn off over time by traffic and maintenance (e.g., vacuuming), they should be reapplied after a period of use and following professional cleaning.

Our cleaning specialist will give the rug a final inspection and release it for pick-up or delivery.

We will carefully wrap them with non-stick plastic tape for ease in handling prior to delivery. Or, if they are to be stored, we offer Tyvek® wrap for maximum protection during storage. Tyvek® wrap allows the rug to breathe while protecting it against moisture, dust and insects. For short term storage we offer acid free Kraft paper wrapping.

Upon delivery, we will re-lay the rug for you as long as you have secured your breakables and the area is clear of all large furniture.

Not only will rug pads bring comfort and cushion to your rugs, but theyll also add durability to make them last longer. You can even protect your floors underneath with padding that prevents color transfer and staining. Rug pads create a safer environment by reducing the wrinkles and slippage of your area rug, which also makes it easier to vacuum. Whether you need a rug pad for a hard surface or carpet, we have the selection for you. Southern Idaho Rug Washers offers three different types of quality rug pads. One is for use under Oriental or pile rugs, a second for flat weaves and a third for use with rugs laid over carpet. Pre-cut or custom cut sizes are available.