Ashkan Sobhe, IT Chair and Online Marketing

Ashkan Sobhe is my older son and his company IT Chair does online marketing and Search Engine Optimization. He has written a book on the Internet Marketing. I went to see him in his Wilshire office after the hours a couple of nights ago. His employees had gone home so Ashkan and I chatted for half an hour. His company does our online marketing and we are very happy with what he and his staff do to promote our rug sales, rug cleaning, rug repair, stain removal, and appraisal services.

Ashkan was the head of IT in several non-profit organizations that is why he has chosen IT Chair as the name of his company. He is a very dedicated serious and knowledgeable young entrepreneur. I am proud of him.

Yes you got it right, A big Turtle Tank!

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

Association of Rug care Specialists ARCS

We are a member of ARCS, Association of Rug care Specialists. This association was formed by influential members of the rug care community with the goal of advancing the art and science of rug care, educating rug care professionals, raising consumer awareness about quality rug care, and cultivating relationships with leaders in rug care-related industries.

The ARCS officers and board develop educational curriculum that addresses key issues such as rug identification, cleaning techniques and business management courses. The technical courses are taught by some of the most experienced rug cleaners in the industry. ARCS members are experienced professionals committed to the highest levels of customer service, technical knowledge and business management in the rug cleaning industry.

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

Rug Cleaning and White Knots

Rug cleaning may cause some white knots to show up in a cleaned and washed hand made carpet. The foundation of a rug can be made of cotton, wool or silk. This foundation is a collection of vertical strands called warps.Sometimes strands are not long enough to go multiple times from one end of the rug to the other end and weavers have to tie knots to make a longer strand. These knots called the "white knots" if not trimmed may show up after the pile is worn out and may make the rug look ugly. Sometimes when a rug is dirty, these white knots do not show up but when we clean the rug, the white knots show up. There are two ways by which we can get rid of these white knots. One is to dye and re-touch them. This is an easy fix but if the rug is in use, the touch up may fade away so the white knots would show up again. Second, white knots are usually cotton and ordinary color markers cannot dye cotton or the color of the marker may not match the color of the pile of the rug.

Another fix is to cut and clip the white knots from the base and this is what we prefer and usually do. Of course this should be done by an experienced rug repair person otherwise by removing and clipping the white knots, you may create some holes in the rug which would make it look very ugly. I recently took care of the white knots on an Indian rug we cleaned. There were many white knots showing in the pile of this rug after we did the cleaning. I used a special type of rug weaving and repair sharp scissors to clip the base of the white knots. If I could not remove the base completely, then I would push the base of the trimmed white knots to the back of the rug by using a special type of hook.

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

Rug Cleaning the Professional Way

The best method of rug cleaning is wet washing and hosing down the rug and this should be after the rug is dusted and soil is removed from the pile of the rug. Of course this is not something that a customer can do at home. It has to be done by an experienced professional in a rug cleaning plant and facility. Extracting water after the rug is rinsed is also an important part of professional rug cleaning. Drying rug under the sun and using a heating chamber is also necessary to make sure the rug is completely dry when it is delivered to customer otherwise the rug would smell. The whole process of professional rug cleaning should take between five to seven days.

Detailing and removing the stains and bleeding from fringes

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

A Relatively Busy Saturday at Work

Yesterday was Saturday and we were at work from 12:00 to 5:30 pm. Our Saturday working hours is 12:00-4:00 pm but a client who is a designer called late and wanted to bring in a Turkish Oushak rug for cleaning and repair after 4:00 pm or on Monday. We decided to stay open until she got there. Few clients brought in their rugs for cleaning and repair and a couple of other customers picked up their rugs which were cleaned and repaired. We also sold one 5' x 8' tufted rug and a 4' x 6' hand knotted Persian Gabbeh rug.

Some of our customers who live in neighboring cities drive to Los Angeles on Saturdays and can visit us and this is one big reason why we open on Saturdays.

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

Rug Imports and the U.S. Market

WASHINGTON, DC -- The value of U.S. imports of wool and man made fiber carpets and rugs rose 19% in 2010 compared to 2009, according to recently released figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce International Trade Administration office of Textiles and Apparel.

Total shipments of both wool and man made fiber rugs and carpets amounted to $1.39 billion in 2010, compared to $1.169 billion in 2009. The increase of 19% indicates a significant come-back for the category after several years of recession.

Total imports to the U.S. of wool carpets and rugs amounted to $616.8 million in 2010, compared to $562.7 million in 2009, an increase of 9.6%

2010 imports of rugs and carpets made of man-made fibers were especially robust. This category amounted to $776 million in world-wide imports compared to $607 million in 2009, an increase of nearly 28%

India was the largest source of wool carpets and rugs, amounting to $250.1 million in 2010, compared to $216.5 million in 2009, an increase of 15.5%.

China was the leading exporter to the U.S. of man-made fiber rugs and carpets. In 2010, this amounted to $239.8 million, compared to 182.6 million in 2009, an increase of 31%.

The top ten countries exporting carpets and rugs to the U.S. are:

WOOL RUG AND CARPET EXPORTS TO U.S.
TOP 10 EXPORTING COUNTRIES
(millions of dollars)

Country 2010 2009 % Change
------------------------------------------------------------
India $250.179 $216.522 +15.5%
------------------------------------------------------------
China $87.739 $82.339 +6.5%
------------------------------------------------------------
Iran $71.403 $43.417 +6.4%
------------------------------------------------------------
Pakistan $51.211 $56.452 -9%
------------------------------------------------------------
Turkey $22.487 $22.689 -1%
------------------------------------------------------------
Nepal $18.627 $21.222 -12%
------------------------------------------------------------
Thailand $15.070 $15.885 -5%
------------------------------------------------------------
United Kingdom $11.016 $14.071 -22%
------------------------------------------------------------
Portugal $8.500 $8.957 -0.5%
------------------------------------------------------------
Belgium $8.243 $7.390 -0.2%
------------------------------------------------------------


MAN-MADE FIBER RUG AND CARPET
EXPORTS TO U.S.
TOP 10 EXPORTING COUNTRIES
(millions of dollars)

Country 2010 2009 % Change
-------------------------------------------
China $239.814 $182.674 +31%
-------------------------------------------
Egypt $111.833 $92.099 +21%
-------------------------------------------
Canada $98.397 $96.104 +2%
-------------------------------------------
Turkey $92.185 $49.342 +87%
-------------------------------------------
Belgium $70.970 $51.300 +38%
-------------------------------------------
Korean Republic $28.306 $14.279 +98%
-------------------------------------------
Netherlands $27.306 $32.511 +16%
-------------------------------------------
India $19.343 $16.751 +16%
-------------------------------------------
Indonesia $14.270 $9.934 +44%
-------------------------------------------
Mexico $9.142 $4.702 +94%
-------------------------------------------

The above import figures include all types, sizes and constructions of carpets and rugs, including bath and accent rugs. Imports of cotton rugs and carpets are not included in any carpet and rug categories.

Cotton rugs and carpet are included in the category for imports of "other" cotton products, (non-towels and bedding and non-apparel). In 2010, worldwide US imports of cotton products in this "other" category amounted to $3.067 billion, compared to $2.606 billion in 2009, an increase of nearly 46%. Source: Rug News and the U.S. Dept. of Commerce



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

Tapestry Cleaning, Tapestry Stain Removal Los Angeles

Rug and tapestry cleaning, repair and stain removal is another service that we provide for our clients. We received this tapestry from a client from Alabama. It was water damaged by a severe leak from the roof over the wall it was hung on . We cleaned it first and then did stain removal in several steps and phases. It worked out great. Tapestry stain removal is much harder than rug stain removal. Rugs have pile and we can apply different type of stain removal stuff to the pile. Tapestries have no pile and they are very delicate and this makes the stain removal more difficult than carpet of even kilim stain removal.

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

Rug Moth Proofing Los Angeles

Rugs are usually made of wool pile. Wool is protein and this is a good and tasty food for moth. The larvae and eggs of moths are in the pile of rugs and if the rug is in a dark and humid place with no disturbances, the eggs and larvae become active and infest the rug. They ruin the rug rapidly without you noticing them. It is like having termites in a wooden building.

We offer many rug related services such as professional deep cleaning, repair, stain removal and appraisal. We also offer moth proofing. We use a safe type of solution which is a kind of iron sulfate and gives a bitter taste to the wool which repels moths.

We receive many rugs for cleaning and some of them have been in storage for a long time. These rugs are damaged by moth. We deep clean these rugs and moth proof them to make sure moths do not come back.

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

A Busy Saturday at Our Rug Store and Very Happy Customers

We were very busy this past Saturday. We received few rugs from two different customers for cleaning and repair. We also sold one hand knotted Persian Tabriz rug. The couple who bought the rug were very happy with the rug they bought. The husband, a real gentleman called me in about an hour after they left and mentioned how happy they were. The wife wrote a very good review on Yelp. I am copying their review here:

Today my husband & I made a visit to Dr. Kay's rug store on La Cienega. It turned out to be a very happy & rewarding experience. We spent over an hour in the store, Dr. Kay & his son Kash pulled out rug after rug with nary a complaint (its a lot of work pulling out those rugs & displaying them on the floor)

We looked at a huge variety of rugs, and in particular our eye was drawn to the array of beautiful Persian rugs Dr. Kay carries. Absolutely beautiful, handmade, handwoven, unique designs, I could go on and on, such is the extreme pleasure I get as I sit here writing & looking at the second hand Persian rug we purchased today, woven some 50 years ago, I can only imagine the secrets it holds.

It is exquisite & brightens up our apartment no end.

Highly recommended rug store in our book, everything is fairly priced, don't be afraid to bargain & the personal service is as good as it gets.

We are two very happy customers and this is actually our second purchase from Dr. Kay's. We bought a rug some 4 years ago from him & it's still going strong. Not a Persian that time but it is standing the test of time & still looks great & feels good underfoot.

As the dude says "the rug really ties the room together!"

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

Goodbye 2011 Hello 2012

2011 was a very tough and challenging year but overall it was a good year for me, my family and my business. I like challenges and putting myself at test. We expanded our activities. Everyday was full of actions and stories. I did several good court appearances among which Judge Judy's Show and court was the highlight. I did many insurance rug appraisals. We sold many rugs and did hundreds of rug cleanings and repairs.

Kash my 19-year old second son officially joined our team and he is now our sales manager. Paul our assistant sales manager came on board. We worked on several big projects and gained many good experiences. I learned a lot from my customers and experts in the field. I rate 2011 a good year. I always tell to myself Diamonds are created under extreme pressure.

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

Motivational Sales Video: My Best Video of 2011

I watched this video over and over. This is very motivational and those who are in sales can benefit from it. Alec Baldwin has done a nice job playing it. You can also show it to your sales team to become motivated. There are some lessons to be taken. I do not like part of the language he uses, but whether you like it or not it is a very powerful sales motivational video.

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

Patchwork Rugs, Collage Carpets

Patchwork rugs, patchwork carpets also referred to as Collage Carpets/Collage Rugs are new products and some of them look really nice and decorative. In the past few weeks, we have received few of them, kilims and pile rugs for cleaning. They came out real nice after wet washing and hose-down cleaning.

In some samples there were several pieces of rug and kilims stitched or sewn together by hand. In other cases the sewing and stitches were done by machine. They all had canvas or fabric backing just like tufted rugs. Personally, I do not think patchwork rugs and carpets become very hot like the shag rugs of 60's and 70's, but there are designers and customers who like this type of artistic carpets. Some of the designers have referred to these rugs as collage carpets.

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

Rugs and Carpets Liquid Protection - Protect Your Rugs and Carpets from Liquid Spills

Our company Rug Ideas and Los Angeles Rug Cleaning have tested its latest and most advanced product and is now ready to share it with its customers. Trust your rugs with us and take advantage of our newest service, Rugs and Carpets Liquid Protector. With this new service you can enjoy your rug with peace of mind knowing that your rug is protected against any liquid spills. This liquid protector will give you just enough time to run into the kitchen and grab a towel to remove the liquid from the surface of your rugs. Prevention is better than cure. With our most affordable prices, enjoy your rugs and carpets worry free. Call us now at 310-770-9085

You can also take advantage of our other services such as Rug Cleaning, Oriental Rug Repair, Pet Urine Stain Removal, Cat Scratch Removal, Appraisal, etc.

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

Does Your Rug Bleed? How Bad Does It?

DYES: The good, the bad, and the ugly.  Lisa Wagner is an expert in Oriental and area rug cleaning, care and maintenance field. She has an excellent rug buying tips on her blog. Anybody who wants to buy rugs should visit her blog and read her posts. In one part of her tips, she talks about dyes and color run/bleeding. She has a well worth watching video on how to simply do a dye test to see if a rug has good, bad or ugly dye. Click here to read her article or click on the video here on top to watch the video.

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

How Could You?

Rug cleaning and maintenance protects our investment. Neglecting it is like throwing money away from the window of your car. Besides, it has a direct affect on our health. We breath what we walk on. There is so much dust, dirt, soil and allergens deposited in the pile of our rugs. When we walk on these rugs, these particles are released floating in the air and we inhale and breath them.

This was one of the dirtiest rugs we received for cleaning in 2011. It was a very fine hand knotted Persian Tabriz carpet with a very high knot count with knot per square inch of over 400 with silk foundation. How could you walk, eat, or sit on this rug? This rug is worth thousands of Dollars. Shouldn't the owner invest 5% of the value of the rug in its cleaning?

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

Rug Ideas and Gifts

During the past few days, we have been partly busy with e-mail and mail greetings and holiday season messages and cards. We have also done gift wrappings and delivery by couple of our personnel. Receiving and giving gifts is always a joy and making people happy is an art.

We mailed hundreds of cards to the clients who have bought Oriental, Persian or area rugs from our company or have given us the jobs of rug cleaning, repair or appraisal in the past few years. Without their support, we could not have expanded our activities. In a separate post, I will write how 2011 has been for us. Overall, it has been tough but good.

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

The Most Expensive Rug Ever: A Kerman Persian Carpet

The most expensive carpet ever was this hand knotted super antique rug from Kerman, Iran. This piece of art, a Kerman vase carpet from mid-17th century in the size of 5' x 11' 1" was sold by Christy's in London on April 15th, 2010 for a record of only $9.6 Million!

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

Polonaise Persian Carpets of Iran

Polonaise Carpets are made with silk and metal threads of gold and silver coating in Isfahan, Iran in the early Safavid era.They were often presented as precious gifts of the royal court of Persia to the European rulers and religious dignitaries. Since some of these carpets have the Polish coat of arms and were ordered by the Polish king of the time, they are referred to as the "Polonaise Carpets". This carpet was given as a gift by Shah Abbas of Iran to the dodge of Venice in 1603. This treasure is being kept in Calouste Gulbankian in Lisbon, Portugal. I had the pleasure of seeing it when it was on display in Los Angeles County Museum of Art  LACMA on loan from the Gulbankian Museum along with the Ardabil carpet few months ago.

This magnificent silk carpet also from the Polonaise collection is in Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The size of this great and big carpet is 13' 10" x 5' 6". In 1878 when a similar carpet was displayed in a Paris exhibition, it was thought to be woven in Poland and that was because of the Polish coats of arms. It was later realized that this group of carpets made with silk pile and metalic brocading of silver and gold were made in Isfahan, Iran during and after the reign of Shah Abbas I, in late 16th and early 17th century.

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