Our carpets and rugs are our homes largest filters. The fibers collects soil, dead skin, dust mites, and allergens, which then work their way through the pile to the backing, where they build up over time. The Eureka company did a study several years ago and found that a 9’ x 12’ rug can hold up to 87 pounds of dirt! Regular vacuuming and surface cleaning are inadequate to address rugs with even a fraction of this level of soiling.
The Rug Spa at J&S Steamway is Alaska’s premier Oriental and area rug cleaning facility. Our state-of-the-art, top of the line equipment provides the greatest opportunity to bring your rugs back to their original clean, healthy condition.
The J&S Rug Spa cleaning process:
Step 1: Pre-Inspection and Pick Up
We will determine as much as we possibly can about the type of rug and inherent qualities that may affect cleaning. We will outline the expected results and cleaning “prescription”. Our company will come to your home to pick up your rug, or you may drop it by our shop.
Step 2: Dry Soil Removal
Woven rugs, especially hand knotted rugs are designed to hide dry soil. We use a variety of techniques to “dust” the rugs from the front and back. A machine called a Rug Badger and special vacuum attachments are methods implemented to remove this soil build-up. This is the most important step in cleaning any textile.
Step 3: Pre-Condition
Depending on fiber content and soiling type, the rug will be pre-treated to emulsify the soils.
Step 4: Pre-Spot and Fringe Preparation
Any potentially difficult spots will be pre-treated with special solutions to increase chances of removal. The fringe is also pre-treated for maximum soil removal.
Step 5: Shampoo
Depending on fiber content and soiling type, the rug will be pre-treated to emulsify the soiling. We will then select the people and pet friendly, environmentally safe cleaning solution best suited for your specific rug type, to ensure maximum cleaning while protecting sensitive natural fibers.
Step 6: Rinse or Wash
Depending on the type of rug it will be rinsed with extraction equipment on both sides or washed in a wash pool designed especially for Oriental Rugs.
Step 7: Speed Dry
Once the soil is rinsed away, the rug will enter our Rug Revolution for final rinsing and water extraction. This machine is a centrifuge which safely spins your rug at high revolution, extracting 98 percent of the remaining water and along with it any soil remaining after the cleaning process. Our high volume air movers and dehumidifiers will then quickly complete the drying process eliminating the risk of mildew development common with other rug cleaning methods.
Step 8: Finishing
When the rug is dry, it is combed and finished with soft groomers made for specialty rugs.
Step 9: Post Inspection and Delivery
Our cleaning specialist will give the rug a final inspection and release it for pick up or delivery. Your rug will be wrapped in brown craft paper or plastic bag to protect it while in transport. Upon delivery, we will lay the rug for you.
