Rug Repair: A cosmetic Sergury

We picked up a rug from the home of a Hollywood famous filmmaker. The rug was severely damaged. Apparently a plant was placed on this rug for a long time and each time they watered the plant, few drops were spilled on the rug. It was dry rot. We did a cosmetic repair and cut out the damaged areas and jointed the healthy parts together.

Our client was very happy with the quality of the repair and restoration job. When our customers are happy, we're happy. Here, I am posting few pictures of the rug before and after repair.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.RugIdea.com
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
310-770-9085

Rug Repair and Thimbles

Sometimes our repair personnel in our workshop use thimbles; specially when they want to fix and do the selvages or bindings on the sides of the carpets. We do the repair by hand and if the construction of the rug is very strong and stiff, the needle does not go through; so the repairman/repairwoman needs to use a thimble.

The history of using this protective metal shield which is worn on thumb or finger goes back to the first century AD. It was first used by Romans. Now we use it here in Los Angeles to repair bindings of rugs.

The first picture you see here on the top is from a 9-foot thimble on a stack of buttons from the Garment District of Toronto .

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.RugIdea.com
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
310-770-9085

Rug Repair Los Angeles

Rug repair comes in between rug restoration, and rug conservation. It does not necessarily use the same original weaving techniques, color types or fiber. It makes the damaged rug look nicer. It prevents further damages by for example securing the fringes on the ends and replacing the damaged selvages on the sides.

Rug repair is an art by itself. A weaver usually knows how to make a specific type of rug. He/she may not know about rug making in other regions or even countries. But a repair person should know how to repair a rug made with symmetrical or asymmetrical knots. A repair person, man or woman should be able to use different techniques and methods to repair rugs from around the world. He/she maybe assigned to repair, a kilim, a tapestry, a saddle bag, a Navajo rug, a shag, rug, a Flokati rug or you name it. He/she cannot say oh I have not done a repair on such a piece!!

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
310-770-9085

Rug Conservation Los Angeles

I did not want to have a very lengthy post, so for rug conservation and repair, I am having separate posts.

Conservation of a rug when we try to preserve the rug and protect it against more damages and further deterioration. Different methods maybe used to stabilize the damage and the condition to make sure it does not get worse.

Some of customers bring in their rugs for cleaning while the rug is damaged. They do not want us to do the repair. They do not want to spend money on the repair or for some reasons they may not be ready to have the rug professionally repaired. In this case, We try to secure the damaged areas in a way that those damages do not get bigger in the process of dusting and cleaning. This is what conservation is all about.

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
310-770-9085

Slow Year in Rug Business

We managed to survive, but it was a very slow 2009. Buyers did not want to spend money buying rugs and if they did, they were looking for cheaper rugs. Those who needed to clean or repair their rugs were looking for deals and discount and in many cases postponed to have their rugs cleaned and repaired.

Since I am a positive thinking person by birth, I am sure 2010 will be a better year. If not, I will make it better by re-evaluating our business strategies and adjusting them. The next few days will be slow, but this will give me a chance to review my 2009 to take lessons from the experiences I gained. This will give me a good arsenal to fight and tackle the potential problems I will face in 2010.

Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085

Rug Cleaning, Rug Reapir, Pet Stain Removal Los Angeles

We just put up a new banner on the front window of our rug gallery here on La Cienega Blvd. in Los Angeles. We hope this can attract customers who need rug cleaning, repair and pet urine stain removal.


Khosrow Sobhe
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
310-770-9086

Rug Cleaning, Rug Cleaners, and Rug Repair Los Angeles

Los Angeles Rug Cleaning Seeks To Help Customers

Los Angeles, California – June 12, 2009 – The desire to expand consumer knowledge regarding the care of the rugs in their home and the importance of their cleanliness is the focus of California-based Los Angeles Rug Cleaning. Headed by industry expert, Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay), the company’s website provides a wealth of information regarding how to properly care for rugs, kilims, tapestries, Oriental carpets, and more. The site is an essential resource for rug owners who care about the investment of their rugs and serves to provide education regarding the importance of rug cleanliness as it can significantly impact the health of those who live in the home.

According to Dr. Sobhe, “When it comes to oriental carpet cleaning, we should have two major concerns: 1- Our health and 2- The life of our rug, which can be extended by professional rug cleaning. We breathe what we walk on; dirt, dust, sand, and etc are stored in the pile of the carpet/rug and when we walk on them they are released and thrown in the air and we breathe them in our lungs. Therefore, cleaner rugs help us have a more sanitary room and healthier environment.”

Damage from water, staining, and pet accidents are common occurrences and the site advises that it is important to take immediate action to maintain the quality and hygiene of a rug in any of these situations. Because many people do not know how to properly care for the rugs in their home and failing to keep the textiles in tip-top shape can affect more than their looks – it can also adversely affect the health of anyone living in the home. Different rugs need different care and Dr. Sobhe’s company makes it their mission to help extend the life of rugs or restore them to their original brilliance after time, wear, or accidents.

Because Oriental, Persian carpets and area rugs require cleaning methods that may vary from those used for wall to wall carpeting, a specialist is a requirement. Consumers need to be aware of the difference between a carpet cleaning generalist and a rug cleaning specialist so that they obtain the services of a skilled professional who can perform the appropriate cleaning, repair, or restoration. The Los Angeles Rug Cleaning Company site details the difference between carpeting, which is installed wall-to-wall, and rugs, which are constructed differently and can be moved or transported. Too often consumers mistakenly search for “carpet cleaners” when what they really need and want is a “rug cleaner” who knows how to care for specialty rugs.

Dr. Sobhe is dedicated to raising awareness on the importance of carpet cleanliness for health reasons and offering carpet care information as a service to his customers through is informative website, www.losangelesrugcleaning.com.

About Los Angeles Rug Cleaning

Los Angeles Rug Cleaning Company was founded by Dr. Khosrow Sobhe, Certified Rug Specialist (CRS) who is the CEO of its parent company, SOBCO International Ltd. His extensive background in producing and importing Persian rugs, along with a variety of degrees in Science, Business Administration, and Education, makes him ideally suited to head this company dedicated to improving cleanliness and health standards in the home. Dubbed “the voice of the Persian Carpet Industry”, Dr. Sobhe, as a second generation rug expert fully understands not only the specifics of carpets, but the health concerns which can arise as the result of not properly caring for them.

Los Angeles Rug Cleaning Company performs cleaning and repair services on a variety of rugs, including Oriental, Persian, kilim, and area rugs, tapestries and carpets, new and antique. This full-service company can also spot dye rugs and complete water damage restorations and appraisals. The showroom and workshop is open seven days a week to accept orders; they will also pick up rugs locally from customers’ homes at their convenience at no additional charge. Drop off welcome. You can also ship your rugs for cleaning or repair to their showroom.

The company is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers, ASID Los Angeles Chapter, Industry Partner and the Oriental Rug Retailers of America. The company is also a member of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Los Angeles.

Contact Info:

Dr. Khosrow Sobhe (Dr. Kay)
Certified Rug Specialist (CRS)
Los Angeles Rug Cleaning
1655 South La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90210
Tel. 310-770-9085
info@LosAngelesRugCleaning.com
www.LosAngelesRugCleaning.com

Rug repair, Indian Rug Restoration and Stain Removal

Oriental rugs are good in so many regards and one regard is their restorability. A customer brought in an Indian rug two weeks ago. His dog had peed on this rug for many years and the rug was never cleaned. It was spoiled and rotten. The fibers were broken. We took care of it. First we removed the damaged area, and then we restored the foundation by warping and wefting the open space area which was about 10 x 10 inches. We rewove the part by doing a knot by knot job. We matched the color and the design. We cared and paid so much attention to follow the construction of the rug, so the knots will come close the the original knots.

You may see the photos of the rug from before and after the repair job. We still have to take care of the pet urine stains which will take a couple of days. We will have to test the stains and use some light chemicals to remove the stains without damaging the fibers of the rug. The owner of the rug has not seen the rug. I will call him later this week after we remove the stains which did not come out in the cleaning process.



Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085

Indian Rug Cleaning For a Customer From West Lake Los Angeles

Last Sunday, a couple brought an Indian 8 x 10 rug for cleaning. They had come from West lake, a city close to Los Angeles. There were some little stains on the borders and I did not promise those stains be removed by regular cleaning. After the rug was returned from cleaning, the stains were still there. I paid $25 to our repairman to remove those stubborn stains. The spots were taken care of. The husband and wife came in today to pick up their rug after they called and made sure they could get the rug. I showed the rug and pointed the place of the removed spots and said if you're happy with the job, pay me $25 more which is my cost and I do not want to charge you more. They did not want to pay. They took their rug and left. They had paid the original cleaning cost upfront. I blamed myself and made a decision. I should be tougher at the beginning and if the customer is not ready to pay the price, I should call and tell them that there would be an extra charge for stain removal. Some of the customers do not appreciate what you do and there is no sense giving them what they do not appreciate.

We sold few pieces of area rugs and runners, but overall, the past few days have been very slow in regard with sales. It was Sunday today and I stayed at work until 5:45 pm.

Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085

Oriental Rug Market Los Angeles and Tax Season, Shaw Area Rugs

During the past few days, our rug business has been relatively slow and quiet. It might be because of the tax season. On the other hand, oil price has hit the $110/barrel and this has set the record and the price of gas at almost $4/gallon reduces the purchasing power of the people. These and other economic reasons and variables make people want to spend less. All this will affect the rug market weather it is area rug or hand knotted rug. People have less money and want spend less.

Of course the rug market has not been totally dead. We have sold a few pieces and were busy with cleaning and repair. But it has not been great. During the past couple of days, I have been busy working on my business tax and I have to submit all the numbers and documents to my CPA by tomorrow around noon.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with a representative of Shaw Floors and Shaw Living. She had visited me in our rug gallery and had shown me few samples. I wanted to see more samples so we met at 9:00 am in a showroom on the 5th floor in Los Angeles Mart, LA Mart. The showroom was big, but full of accessories and everything was visible but area rugs. I went inside and asked for the sales rep. and she showed up in a minute and guided me to the back of the showroom where they had only few pieces on few racks. Frankly I had expected a huge showroom full of racks and rugs. The variety did not look great to me. The prices also seemed expensive. In addition to the already high prices, there will be shipping costs added to the prices which will make it difficult to complete. I have to thing about this and I may want to go ahead and order a small shipment but I have to see.

It is 6:30 pm and I have to go home. I leave the writing for another time probably tomorrow.

Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085

Tapestry Tapestries Los Angeles

Tapestry Tapestries in Los Angeles

We recently acquired different collection of tapestries made in the U.S. and Europe in different designs and sizes. They are diverse and include traditional and contemporary designs. While our prices are competitive, our tapestries are of high quality and are hand picked and selected from different collections. We do not import or buy our tapestries in bulk. We select each tapestry one by one.

Visit our tapestry collection online or in store and decorate your home with art and culture. It has been few centuries since architects, designers, artists, home owners, and other types of people discovered tapestries and have used them to decorate their homes and walls. Tapestry, as a world-class wall décor, adds dramatic accent to the large open foyers, expansive fireplaces, and high ceiling rooms found in many homes today. With hardwood, tile and other hard surfaces being the trend in today's homes, tapestry provides excellent sound absorption and noise reduction.

Each of our tapestries at RugIdea.com is finished with elegant and fine backing and generous rod pocket for easy hanging. www.RugIdea.com (Los Angeles) also provides you with the rods, finials and other accessories for your convenience.

Our tapestries are made based on old techniques, but not for old castles and mansions. They are made for today's homes!

Khosrow Sobhe
www.RugIdea.com
310-770-9085