History of Persian Rug Weaving

At JMS Enterprises, we have been the Montgomery County, PA, area’s rug cleaning experts since 1973. We can clean any area rug, but Persian rugs are one of our specialties. These exquisite rugs are some of the most prized in the world, and it takes special care to get them clean while preserving their vibrant colors and protecting their delicate fibers.

A big part of cleaning area rugs properly involves knowing how they are constructed. Here’s more about Persian rugs and how they are woven:

Rugs in Ancient Times

The first woven rugs date back thousands of years and were usually made from plant materials like bamboo and other plant stems. While these rugs were functional, they were somewhat lacking in comfort. Over time, rug weavers began to incorporate animal fibers like wool, and that’s when rug weaving truly became an art form.

Rug weavers in the Middle East contributed significantly to the advancement of rug technology when they began using dyed, twisted wool and weaving looms to construct their rugs. The Azerbaijan province of Persia became a central hub for rug making. Here, dying facilities were established, and artisans began experimenting with complex patterns. Over time, the complexity of patterns increased, and these rugs were prized by wealthy citizens and even royalty.

Persian Rug Construction

While the techniques used by ancient rug weavers remain somewhat of a mystery, modern Persian rugs are generally made using a loom, where wool fibers are stretched vertically to form the rug’s backing. Weavers then knot-dyed wool fibers onto each adjacent set of backing fibers to structure the rug. The knotted threads are left long to create the rug’s pile, which gives it that luxurious feeling. As each thread is knotted, weavers alternate colors to create the beautiful designs that make Persian rugs so sought after.

Cleaning Persian Rugs

Although the wool fibers used in Persian rugs are intended to withstand years of foot traffic, they can also be quite delicate. Cleaning them with abrasive methods can cause the fibers to fray or break, and harsh chemicals can easily fade the dyes used to color them. If you have a Persian rug that is stained or needs cleaning, you must leave the job to the professionals. Never use a carpet cleaning machine on a Persian rug, and it’s best to avoid using commercial carpet cleaning solutions.

At JMS Enterprises, we use only the most gentle steam cleaning techniques in our Rug Salon. Our Wool-Safe Certified technicians have cleaned countless area rugs, from simple bound carpet remnants to vintage Persian rugs worth tens of thousands of dollars. If you need a Persian rug cleaned in Montgomery County, PA, Bucks County, or anywhere nearby, we will be happy to help! 

Our team will come to your home or business and remove your rugs to be cleaned at our state-of-the-art facility. Once we have gently removed stains and dirt, we will dry the rug completely, make any necessary repairs, and return it to you looking just as good as it did the day it was made. Call us at (215) 706-0188 to schedule your Persian or Oriental rug cleaning in Doylestown, PA and nearby communities.