The number one thing to keeping your rugs clean and looking good is not just how it is cleaned, but how it is protected. After years of trying different protectants we have selected Fiber shield as our favorite fiber protectant. This amazing product absorbs deep into the fiber reducing, wear, staining and fading keeping your rug at its best for the longest period of time.
The Process
Fiber Shield is applied to rugs after they have been cleaned, or if it is a new rug. Fiber Shield is sprayed over the surface of the fibers and then brushed in to make sure there is an even application, it is then hung up to dry. The way that Fiber Shield works is that it puts a layer of protection around the fiber so that when something is spilled it will bead up and is easier to clean up. It will also keep dirt and dust on the outside of the fiber so that it cleans better when vacuumed or when it is professionally cleaned.
However it does not make a rug bullet proof, if something is spilled on the fiber and is not removed within a short amount of time then it can absorb into the fiber and possibly leave a stain. Also some more oily spills such as tomato sauce or olive oil could penetrate faster and leave a stain.
Fiber Shield works well with customers who have heavy traffic areas or lots of spots, customers that have children or pets are ideal candidates for this service.
The Process
Our deodorizing process is used for mostly removing pet odors which would be urine, feces and pet oil odor. Pet oils or a dog smell can be one of the most challenging odors to remove especially materials that absorb oils (wool, Olefin, Polypropylene and polyester). It is important to us that we inform our customers that in the cleaning process some pet oils can absorb into the fiber and be nearly impossible to remove in the cleaning without damaging the fiber. In some cases we can be successful and completely remove the odor but sometimes it may have an odor when returned.
Our deodorizing techniques work really well with removing urine and feces odors but sometimes is not able to remove staining from the urine or feces. The spots can be greatly improved but sometimes can permanently stain the fibers.
The way that our deodorizing process works is by first flushing all of the urine or feces out of the rug and hand brushing our shampoo through the fibers, we do this until we see clean water coming through the rug. Then we apply our deodorizing product that goes into the fibers and the foundation and attacks the odor molecules.
After all products have been thoroughly rinsed out of the rug we hang it up to dry in our temperature controlled dry room. After the rug is dry we check the rug for any odors if we do find that there is still an odor we then will send the rug back through the same process.
What do other companies do?
Most companies when deodorizing use products that introduce a new odor in other words they try and cover up the odor with a scent. They don’t flush out all of the urine or feces so the odor is still in the rug, they then apply the deodorizer which then just adds another odor, so many times the rug will then smell like urine and something else like lemons.
The Process
Moth proofing is applied most times after a rug has been cleaned and dried. Moth proofing is sprayed on the back and the front of the rug evenly. Moth proofing is only applied on wool rugs. The reason why is that moths lay their eggs in wool items usually in a dark undisturbed place. When the eggs hatch larvae come out and eat the wool this causes “Moth damage”. Once the larvae turn into moths they will then repeat the process and hatch more eggs and continue to spread the damage. You will notice wool missing in areas and see little rice like cocoons along with granule residue (black or colored specs).
The way that our moth proofing works is that it is a type of fluoride that basically dehydrates the larvae when they eat the fiber so that it cannot turn into a moth; this stops the problem. Our moth proofing solution has no odor, is non toxic, does not change the texture, feel or look of the rug; and it will continue to work until the rug is cleaned again.
What do other companies do?
Most cleaning companies do not recognize moth damage and therefore do not offer this service. However there are different ways of moth proofing that use scent to repel moths. Moth balls are sometimes used which can have a toxic chemical that is very difficult to remove after being applied. Lavender works as well but as soon as the lavender loses its odor, it no longer works. Cedar works but again once it loses its odor, no longer is effective. A rug should be wrapped for storage if it will be stored for a period of time this is the best recommended way to store a rug.