Our Process
Here at Artisan, every rug is individually cleaned by hand, using specialized tools. We do not use any automatic cleaning systems, (where a rug is fed into one end, and comes out washed on the other end) like many rug cleaners do.
We believe (as most rug collectors do) is that each rug has individual, specialized needs...we would not, for example, wash a silk rug as we would a Chinese 90-line rug, or washed a urine soaked rug that has loose dyes the same way would wash a color-fast indian rug.
We care for the finest rugs from all over the world. These fine rugs should not be cleaned like wall to wall carpeting! We will pick up your rugs, dust them and then wash them, do any spot treatments and any additional treatments as necessary, thouroughly dry them, and then deliver them to you!
Step One: Inspection
When your rug arrives at our shop, it will be carefully inspected for staining, odors, and any other areas of concern, including any pre-existing conditions or damage caused by pets. We will also fill out a pre-inspection form for you to keep and take photographs of the rugs especially of any pre-existing damage.
Step Two: Dusting
One of the most important steps, and commonly overlooked by some cleaners, is Dry Soil Removal. We accomplish this by using rug-dusting machines that gently “shake” the dry soil out of your rug. This is a crucial step, as the dry dirt that is in the base of the fibers are cutting away at the fibers and damaging your rug! A rug can hold double its weigh of dirt in its pile! This is a critical step, as 80% of the soil in the rug is dry and has to be removed properly before cleaning.
Step Three: Hand Washing
After proper dusting and dry particulate removal, we will then individually hand-wash the rugs. This is primarily done in fresh-water wash pits (if there are any pet urine problems) or washed in an inclined wash floor using gentle ph balanced cleansers and very gentle agitation to loosen the remaining soils and contaminants from the fibers of the rug. All rugs are cleaned with the appropriate methods for their construction and fiber type; some rugs cannot be cleaned with full immersion so we also dry clean rugs with chemical-free solutions as needed.
Step Four: Fringe Detailing
Some fringes may need special attention due to heavy soiling and/or require specialized stain removal techniques. Bleaches are never used as the fringes will degrade over time! Your fringes will look new after our fringe detailing.
Step Five: Water Extraction
Once we have properly cleaned your rugs, we will rinse and then extract the rug using specialized extraction tools. This is very important also, as the better the rug is extracted the quicker it will dry, eliminating any issues with post-cleaning dye migration.
Did you know...
Your rugs, whether hand-knotted, antique family heirlooms or modern, machine-woven accent pieces -- are representative of your style and your home. They are an investment, truly works of art. Properly caring for them takes a true Artisan.
We are are a boutique rug washing company...many larger rug washing facilities use large machinery to wash rugs in an assembly-line fashion, not us! Our Hand-Washed process starts with a thorough pre-inspection of your rug and ends with your complete satisfaction.
Rugs should be cleaned every 2-3 years of normal use; rugs that are in heavy traffic areas or exposed to pets or children should be cleaned at least yearly.
What Your Neigbors Are Saying About Us
We know that you can't always believe what a company says about itself or its service... But you certainly can believe what our clients have to say!
Our Service Area
We gladly serve most of Northeast Florida! Here are the towns we serve and all points in between:
-
Palm Coast
-
Ormond Beach
-
St. Augustine
-
Anastasia Island
-
Daytona Beach
-
Daytona Beach Shores
-
Wilbur by the sea
-
Ponce Inlet
-
New Smyrna Beach
-
Flagler Beach
-
Bunnell
-
Port Orange
-
Deland
-
Deltona
-
Lake Mary
-
Ponte Vedra
-
Vilano Beach
-
Green Cove Springs
-
St. Johns
-
Fruit Cove
-
World Golf Village
-
Julington Creek
Step Six: Climate Controlled Drying
Once the water is extracted from the rug, we will hang the rug in our climate-controlled drying room, where special air movers and dehumidifiers will dry the rug properly and quickly. Once your rug is completely dry, (less than 7% Humidity) we will inspect the rug and fringes for proper cleaning. Your rug will then be wrapped and be ready for pickup or delivery!