Sunday, May 26, 2019

Bamboo Silk, Coconut Silk, Art Silk, Banana Silk, Art Silk, Man-made Silk Rugs, Viscose, Ryan Rugs Professional Cleaning

Viscose is neither synthetic nor natural fiber. It is somewhere in between. Whatever fancy name it is called, viscose is viscose, not more, not less. I wrote about this in one of my previous posts here.

Viscose rugs if not kept, maintained, cared for and washed properly by someone who know doesn't know what it is made of, can be problematic.

We received this dusty, dirty and stained viscose rug from a client who didn't know if she should clean it or not. Our Certified Master Rug Cleaner Kash Sobhe washed and detailed this rug.

Let's take a look at it together.




Before cleaning pictures

    
After cleaning picture

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Wednesday, May 22, 2019

Professional Rug Cleaning

This short video shows how our rug washing and deep cleaning is done.

Thank you for visiting the blog of our 3rd generation family Rug, Animal hide and Textile Company with 66 years of history. This is neither a one-man show out of our garage, nor a big chain corporation with each customer being a number. We do not do wall-wall style carpet cleaning, steam or surface cleaning on your rug. On-site cleaning of rugs defeats the purpose of cleaning as you cannot thoroughly rinse out the shampoo which will collect sticky dirt after it dries.

We have a patented 10-Step Wash Process with hypoallergenic dusting and actual hand washing and deep cleaning in our own state of the art facility with brand new equipment in Van Nuys. Unlike many others, we do not outsource. We’re the SOURCE.We’re the only Certified Master Rug Cleaner in the Greater Los Angeles. We use human/pet/nature friendly tested/certified shampoos and enzymes. We can provide on-demand pictures/videos of your rug, animal hide or textile that is going through our process.

When we see each rug, we’ll tell you the exact cost for the service upfront. You will not receive surprise calls from us regarding new discoveries and extra charges. We do not play games.

You can bring your rug in; simply fold it in half, and roll it to become small to fit into your car. No appointment is needed, and consultation is free. We're open weekdays from 8 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays, from 10 am to 2 pm. We’re on 15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406.


We have Pick-Up and delivery services in many areas in the greater Los Angeles. If you need a pickup, call us please at 310-770-9085 to schedule it.




Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Sunday, May 19, 2019

Our Rug Pads, Our Rug Underlays

Rug Ideas Super Pad is the best pad for hardwood floor, tile, or any other hard surfaces. It is made from a superior quality polyester fabric coated with a high-grade vinyl compound. Rug Ideas Super Pad has an open weave construction that allows maximum air circulation and makes vacuuming easier. It is the best pad in the industry and to prove that compared to other pads which disintegrate within just a few years, we guarantee our pad to work up to 10 years! If it stops working, we will replace it for free!


Rug Ideas Super Thick Rug Pad is the best pad for hard surfaces. It is made from a superior quality polyester fabric coated with a high-grade vinyl compound. Rug Ideas Super Thick Rug Pad features superior grip strength which keeps rugs from slipping and sliding on hard surfaces. This pad is compared with Super Pad and provides about 4x the thickness which many of our clients love and prefer! If you are looking to feel the great cushioning when you step on your rug, this is the pad for you. To prove the difference in the premium quality of this pad compared to others out there which disintegrate within just a few years, we guarantee our pad to work up to 20 years! If it stops working, we will replace it for free!

While some of our clients like our standard pads, many love the Super Thick pads because they are four times thicker and provide more cushioning and comfort under their feet. 

We cut them to fit the sizes and in a way that rugs stay flat and not elevated on your floor.

Our Super Felt pads are ideal for wall to wall carpets and provide proper cushioning while prevent the rugs from sliding around.

Rug Ideas Super Felt Rug Pad is the best pad for carpet, while many do use them for hard surfaces. It is made from a superior quality Felt fabric coated with a high-grade vinyl compound. Rug Ideas Super Felt Rug Pad features superior grip strength which keeps rugs from slipping and sliding. This pad is compared with Super Pad and provides a very nice thickness! If you are looking to feel the great cushioning when you step on your rug, this is the pad for you. To prove the difference in the premium quality of this pad compared to others out there which disintegrate within just a few years, we guarantee our pad to work up to 20 years! If it stops working, we will replace it for free!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406
 Tel. 310-770-9085

Red Wine Stain Removal

A client spilled red wine on his friend's Moroccan flat weave also called kilim. We could safely remove the big stain without damaging the construction or fiber of this tribal art object.




Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406
 Tel. 310-770-9085

Saturday, May 18, 2019

Color Restoration of a Custom Carpet






Color restoration of a custom carpet was one of the jobs we worked on today, Saturday.
This rug was professionally washed after it was in the house that was damaged due to the recent huge Southern California wild fire in Los Angeles and Malibu.

This wool carpet is now on our table for the restoration of the lost color. Kash will take care of this.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Friday, May 17, 2019

Nail Polish Stain Removal

Grand daughter spilled nail polish on grandma's rug when she was out of town. Father called and was anxious to take care of this before grandma was back in town. We picked up the rug and took care of the stain and safely removed it without using harsh chemicals.

They were very happy and it was like the accident never happened.




Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Viscose Rugs, Ryan, Artificial Art Silk Rugs

We receive a lot of viscose rugs that maybe labeled as art silk, banana silk, bamboo silk, hemp silk, coconut silk, man-made silk etc, but they are all Ryan or fake silk rugs. These rugs normally are carpet/rug cleaners nightmare because there are many things that can go wrong in cleaning. But first let's get to know the texture.

What is viscose and where did it come from?
Perhaps you have heard of viscose, or maybe you know it better as Rayon. This is the term for viscose in the United States. But what actually is it?
Viscose is a type of rayon. Originally known as artificial silk, in the late 19th century, the term “rayon” came into effect in 1924. Viscose is the generalized term for a regenerated manufactured fiber, made from cellulose, obtained by the viscose process.

As a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber, it is neither truly natural (like cotton, wool or silk) nor truly synthetic (like nylon or polyester) – it falls somewhere in between.
Viscose is a low-cost fabric, which is popular;  thanks to its myriad of qualities. It can be found in cotton end uses, as well as luxurious velvet’s. Viscose can also be found in feminine hygiene products, as well as tire cords.
Chemically, viscose resembles cotton, but it can also take on many different qualities depending on how it is manufactured.
If a fiber is manufactured, then it is made from cellulose or protein. Cellulose is a carbohydrate and the chief component in the walls of plants. There is a difference between synthetic and manufactured fibers, which makes a difference in their sustainability. Viscose is made from wood pulp, making it a cellulosic fiber, like cotton or linen. It is often regarded as only partially man-made.
Manufactured fibers derive from naturally occurring cellulose, or protein, while synthetic fibers do not – they are completely man-made. So, if they come from a natural source, then why don’t they fall under the “natural fiber” category? Because they require extensive processing to get to the finished result. Therefore, the category of manufactured fibers is often referred to as “regenerated cellulose.”

Is viscose a sustainable fabric?


Because viscose is made from renewable plants, it is frequently cited as being environmentally friendly, and sustainable. But is this actually the case?
Viscose is the oldest manufactured fiber, first being produced in 1883 as a cheap alternative to silk. Viscose production generally begins with wood pulp, and there are several chemical and manufacturing techniques to make it.
This is where some controversy comes into play.
To create viscose, and make it stand up to regular wearing and washing, it must be chemically treated. The recycled wood pulp is treated with chemicals such as caustic soda, ammonia, acetone, and sulphuric acid. We therefore have a fabric, which comes from a natural and sustainable source, but that is made with chemicals.
Because viscose is made from cellulose, there is an argument to say that it is a more sustainable fiber than other synthetic fibers, such as polyester.
Viscose has a myriad of brilliant qualities, which makes it a popular fiber to work with. Thanks to its characteristics, several industries use it, to create a wide range of products. Some of the most beneficial characteristics of viscose include:

§  Versatile – it blends very well with other fibers
§  Breathable
§  Drapes well
§  Excellent color retention
§  Highly absorbent
§  Very smooth
§  Does not trap body heat
§  Relatively light
§  Strong and robust
§  Soft and comfortable
§  Inexpensive
§  No static build up

These all sound great, but there are some slightly less positive traits to viscose. However, none of these are particularly negative. A little care during wearing and washing, will make these traits obsolete. 

§  It can shrink when washed
§  Can wrinkle easily
§  Deteriorates with exposure to light
§  Susceptible to mildew
§  Fibers can weaken when wet

Viscose: a misunderstood fabric?

When a fabric is not labeled as “natural” then consumers can judge it harshly, without any true understanding of the fabric. Viscose is probably the most misunderstood of all fibers, manmade or natural. It is not a natural fiber, but nor is it synthetic.-

In regards to the use of chemicals in the production of viscose, as fabric technology advances, many manufacturers are making considerable and positive efforts to ensure clean production. As we continue to strive for a green-friendly world, increasing work is being put into the sustainability of fibers such as viscose.
Viscose has many desirable qualities, which makes it a wonderful fiber to work with in many ways. Because of its unique versatility, many industries use viscose, from fashion, to the medical profession, to everyday items in the home.
Viscose Fiber




An 8' x 10' Rug With Pet Stains Before Cleaning


After Professional Cleaning Photo

As I said these rugs are difficult to maintain, care for and clean, but we have made it and know to professionally clean them and make them a treasure from a trash.


Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Monday, May 13, 2019

Rug Pads, Rug Underlay

Why use a rug pad for your rug?

Rug pads prolong the life of your rug:
A rug takes a lot of stress as it is being walked on. When walking on a rug the fibers get pushed down against the hard floor underneath and this can eventually lead to wear. A rug pad acts as a protective barrier between your rug and floor and takes much of the stress. The back of a rug, particularly hand made rugs, consists of knots. Without a rug pad these knots can rub and wear against the floor causing premature wear. The rug pad prevents this wear and prolongs the life of your rug.

Rug pads protect the floor:
The back of many rugs is rough or scratchy and without a rug pad, this can lead to damage to your floor. Along with protecting floors from scratches, rug pads also protect from indentations. Many rugs have heavy furniture on them and sometimes this can lead to indentations of your floor. The proper rug pad will resist this weight and prevent any damage.

Rug pads add safety:
Many rugs tend to slip and slide. This is especially true of smaller rugs or runners. The right non slip rug pad not only adds all the benefits mentioned above, it also prevents slipping, making for a safe home.

Rug pads add comfort:
Finally, a rug pad can make a rug more comfortable by adding extra cushion under your rug. This is helpful in kid's rooms or family rooms where comfort is an issue. Many times if one sits on a rug without a rug pad, you can actually feel the hard floor underneath. A nice rug pad will prevent this and make your rug much more comfortable.


A small investment now in the right rug pad for your rug will prove to add comfort and safety to your home while protecting your Persian & Oriental rugs and floors from premature wear and costly damages in the future. 

Our Standard and Super Thick pads come with a 10-year guarantee to work. They receive a free of charge wash next time we clean your rugs because we do not want you to place a clean rug on a dirty smelly rug pad. 





Our felt pads are ideal for over your wall to wall carpeting.


Our Standard (left) and Super Thick pads (right) can work on all kinds of hard surfaces such as tile, ceramic, laminate, wood etc. We have pre-cut packages as well as a huge inventory of rolls. 

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Friday, May 10, 2019

Few Good Rugs With Way Below Their Real Market Value

We recently professionally cleaned five rugs and one flat weave, a decorative textile (all together six pieces) for a client. He has no use for them and would like to sell them below the market prices.

I am posting the pictures and a little descriptions here. If you're interested, please contact him directly. There will be no referral fees, commissions or hidden fees. Direct purchase from a nice gentleman who does not need these hand made rugs and decorative textile.

Click on the pictures to magnify.


File #15258 Rug 1 of 6
This is a hand knotted Chinese rug with art silk foundation and art silk pile. The design is called prayer design. The size is 2’ 6” x 4’ 4”.  It could be around 20 years old. This is good to be used on the floor as a rug or could be hung on the wall like a wall hanging or tapestry. This piece was recently hand washed.    


File #15258 Rug 2 of 6
This is a hand knotted Turkish rug with cotton foundation and Lamb’s wool pile. The design is called floral or overall design. The size is 2’ 11” x 4’ 10”.  It could be around 30 years old.  This piece was recently hand washed. 


File #15258 Rug 3 of 6
This is a hand knotted Persian rug form the province of Fars around the famous city of Shiraz. This is a tribal rug with Lamb’s wool foundation and Lamb’s wool pile. The design is called three-medallion design. The size is 3’ 3” x 5’ 1”.  It could be around 40 years old.  This piece was recently hand washed.    


File #15258 Rug 4 of 6
This is a hand knotted Pakistani rug with cotton foundation and Lamb’s wool pile. The design is called prayer design. The size is 2’ 1” x 3’ 6”.  It could be around 30 years old. This piece was recently hand washed. If 


File #15258 Rug 5 of 6
This is a flat weave textile also called kilim. The design is called stripe or linear design. The rare squarish size is 4’ 4” x 4’ 6”.  It could be around 40 years old coming from Morocco. This is good to be used on the floor as a rug or could be hung on the wall like a wall hanging or tapestry. It could also be used as a table cloth or table cover. This piece was recently hand washed. 


File #15258 Rug 6 of 6
This is a hand knotted Persian rug form the province and the city of Ardabil in north west Iran close to the border of Turkey. This is a rural rug with cotton foundation and Lamb’s wool pile. The design is called floral or overall. The size is 3’ 7” x 5’ 6”.  It could be around 50 years old.  This piece was recently hand washed.

As a bonus, there is an extra piece that I do not have the picture of. You can contact Darrin directly and discuss the price and other matters with him.
818-415-6417 


Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Bear-hide, Animal Hide, Animal Skin Cleaning, Repair and Restoration in Los Angeles

We don’t like and don’t approve killing animals for their hides, but we restore all kinds of hides to make sure their owners do not go to market to buy new ones and add to the demand. 

This Chinchilla patchwork was dropped off by a carpet cleaner for cleaning and restoration and the Bear-hide was shipped to us from Arizona. These are the projects Kash is working on now. This is an Asian bear shot in India in the 1930's by our client's father and is a family heirloom. It was brought in from England with the permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildfire Department.







We will professionally cleaned and restored the Chinchilla patchwork rug. We're going to clean the Bear-hide professionally, sanitize and soften it. We will restore and patch the holes and damaged areas, install a special type of fabric backing and sew canvas straps on the edges by hand.

I will post the after pictures when we finish the job. 

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St. Van Nuys, CA 91406 Tel. 310-770-9085

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Over Dyeing Rugs

Sometimes our clients have a rug that does not match the color of the room in which it should be used. In cases like these, we can over-dye their rugs to match the color of their furniture, walls, paintings or other items they have.

Memorize this formula: Ugly Rug + Rug Magic = Beautiful Shaved Down and Overdyed Rug.
Client bought this at a garage sale and asked us if we can turn this into something he had seen on the internet, so we did.


Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Certified Rug Appraiser (CRA)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.RugIdea.com
15748 Arminta St.
Van Nuys, CA 91406
 Tel. 310-770-9085