Atelier · Cleaning
Rug Cleaning
Biological hand-washing by traditional methods — gentle on the fibres, preserving the wool's natural oils. Not an industrial process.
Why hand-washing and not a machine
Virgin wool naturally contains lanolin. That wool grease is the reason a good wool rug repels dirt, stays resilient, and grows more beautiful over decades rather than duller. Industrial cleaning works with heat, aggressive surfactants and high pressure — it lifts the dirt, but it lifts the lanolin out too. The pile then turns brittle, picks up dirt faster and mats.
Biological hand-washing uses cold water, pH-neutral plant-based soaps, and time. It takes longer and cannot be automated — but it is the only method that returns a hand-knotted rug the way it came in.
The process
- 01
Assessment
We examine material, dyeing, construction and condition. Plant-dyed yarns, silk content and open edges each call for different handling — settled before any water is used.
- 02
Dry cleaning
First the rug is beaten and vacuumed. Most of what makes a rug look dull is mineral dust deep in the pile — and that comes out dry, not wet.
- 03
Stain pre-treatment
Individual stains are treated locally before the whole rug goes into water. What can be lifted in one spot should not be spread across the field.
- 04
Hand-washing
Washed by hand in cold water with plant-based soap, worked in the direction of the pile. Then rinsed thoroughly until no soap remains in the weave.
- 05
Drying
Slow drying in a controlled environment, hung and pulled to shape. Drying too fast distorts the base construction — this step cannot be shortened.
- 06
Finishing
Moth protection and impregnation on request. Finally pile grooming and a final inspection before the rug goes back.
What comes out — and what does not
Usually comes out
- ·General greying and dust
- ·Drink stains
- ·Pet hair and odours
- ·Surface soiling
- ·Matting in the pile
Often remains visible
- ·Areas faded by direct sun
- ·Colour damage from bleach or urine
- ·Old, dried-in oil stains
- ·Colour that has already bled from earlier mishandling
We tell you what to expect before washing. A promise we cannot keep is of no use to you.
How often makes sense
For a rug in normally used living space, a professional wash every three to five years is a good guide. More often in heavily used areas, with pets, or in pale colours. In between: vacuum regularly, turn the rug occasionally, and blot stains immediately with cold water rather than rubbing.
Collection and return
We collect the rug from you and bring it back. Smaller formats can also be dropped off at the gallery on Uraniastrasse.
Cost and turnaround depend on size, material and condition — you receive a fixed price after assessment.
Send a rug for cleaning
Tell us briefly which piece it is — a photograph helps. We will come back with an assessment.