The workshop, on film

We would rather show than tell. Here are the movements of washing and restoration, filmed in the family's workshop.

Rug going through the workshop's brush washing machine

Washing, step by step

A hand-knotted rug is not cleaned like a fitted carpet. Here is what we do, filmed in the workshop.

  1. 01

    Brushing and dusting

    Before the water, the dust. The whole surface of the rug is brushed to draw out the sand and grit embedded in the pile.

  2. 02

    Washing with water and shampooing

    The rug is washed flat, with plenty of water and a soap suited to wool or silk. The foam works the fibres without harming them.

  3. 03

    Rinsing with a jet

    A thorough rinse removes the soap and the last of the dirt. Nothing is left in the fibre.

  4. 04

    Extracting the water

    The rug goes through rollers and then into a centrifuge: the water is extracted without twisting or distorting the weave.

  5. 05

    Checking and finishing the fringes

    Every rug is checked once dry. The fringes are combed and, where needed, repaired by hand.

The craft in motion

Rotating-brush washing machine in operation
View of the washing workshop during brushing
Rinsing a rug with a jet of water
Brushing a rug
Extracting water from a rug with rollers
Shampooing a rug, foam on the pile

The machines that don't replace the hand

A washing machine with rotating brushes, wringing rollers, a centrifuge: these tools do the heavy work — churning the water, extracting the water — and nothing else. Fine brushing, colour checks, fringe repair and all restoration work are done by hand.

Centrifuge for extracting water at the washing workshop
Centrifuge for extracting water at the washing workshop

The hands

Reweaving a fringe, overcasting a selvedge, reknotting a pile: these are slow movements, learned within the family, and they haven't changed. On every rug, the decision whether to repair, and how, is taken with the piece in hand.

Repairing a rug's fringes by hand

Request a quote

A photo and the dimensions are enough for a first estimate. We reply by email or by phone.

  • 1
    You send us a photo

    A photo of the rug and its approximate dimensions, through the form or by email. No need to come in.

  • 2
    We reply with a clear quote

    We look at the material, the condition and any stains, then write back with what we propose and what it will cost. No surprises later.

  • 3
    The rug goes to the workshop and comes back ready to lay

    We agree the transport and the timing with you. Your rug comes back clean, dry, fringes combed.

Got a photo? Send it by email and we'll reply on that basis. contactbabyloneateliertapis@gmail.com