Antique and handwoven rugs are more than just floor coverings — they’re works of art, often with over a century of history woven into their fibres. Whether inherited, collected, or sourced for design projects, antique rugs require expert care to ensure their longevity.
At Sharafi & Co, we specialise in antique rug cleaning and repair in the UK, offering time-tested restoration services that honour traditional craftsmanship.
🧽 Why Antique Rugs Need Specialist Cleaning
Unlike modern machine-made rugs, antique rugs:
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Are dyed with natural pigments that can bleed or fade if handled incorrectly
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Often have handspun wool or silk foundations, making them more delicate
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Accumulate dirt deep in the fibres, which regular vacuuming won’t remove
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Can develop moth infestations or mildew in storage
✅ Our Cleaning Approach:
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Dust removal using air and vibration techniques (not just surface vacuuming)
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Cold water hand washing, respecting the natural dyes and fibres
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Drying flat in a climate-controlled environment to prevent warping
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Stain spot treatment only where necessary, using gentle, rug-safe solutions
✔ We offer antique rug cleaning in London and across the UK with collection and delivery available.
🧵 Common Antique Rug Repairs & Restoration Services
Over time, even the finest rugs can suffer damage. Rather than retire them, skilled repair brings them back to life.
🔹 Fraying or Missing Fringes
We reweave or replace fringes using matching wool or silk, preventing further unraveling.
🔹 Edge Binding & Selvage Repair
Worn or curling edges are stabilised and rebound with traditional methods to preserve structure.
🔹 Holes & Worn Areas
From moth damage to heavy footfall, we restore pile loss and holes through reweaving — a painstaking process that matches colour, knot type, and density.
🔹 Colour Run Correction
If a rug has bled due to water damage or incorrect cleaning, we use safe methods to neutralise stains and restore visual balance.
🔹 Backing & Support
In delicate rugs, we may add a fine muslin or cloth backing to prevent further weakening of the structure.
All repairs are done by hand, using wool dyed to match the original colour palette.
💬 How to Know If Your Rug Needs Repair or Cleaning
Look for these signs:
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Faded or muted colours
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Curling or damaged corners
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Threadbare patches or visible foundation
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Loose fringe or unraveling edges
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Dust clouds when gently shaken
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Musty or stale odours
Even if your rug appears clean, an annual professional dusting can dramatically increase its lifespan and colour vibrancy.
🛡 Caring for Antique Rugs at Home
To preserve your rug between professional services:
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Rotate every 6–12 months to prevent uneven fading
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Use rug underlay to minimise friction and slipping
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Avoid direct sunlight or move rugs seasonally
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Vacuum with care — use suction only, never beater bars
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Store rolled, not folded, in breathable material (no plastic)
🛍 Trust Sharafi & Co for Expert Rug Cleaning & Repair
For over three decades, we’ve provided handmade and antique rug cleaning in London and throughout the UK, trusted by collectors, homeowners, and designers alike.
Whether your rug is a family heirloom or a prized design piece, we’ll ensure it continues to tell its story for generations to come.
📞 +44 (0)20 8735 0701
✉️ info@sharafiandco.com📍 Collection & delivery available across the UK
