Refreshing an Ivory Gabbeh: Washing a Wool Rug Used for Around 12 Years
ORIENTAL MOON / CLEANING JOURNAL
Restoring a soft, fluffy finish to an ivory Gabbeh. This wool rug had been used in a living room for around 12 years. We carefully worked through washing both sides, rinsing and final grooming.
The Rug We Received
- Type and material
- Wool Gabbeh
- Size
- Approximately 200 × 190 cm
- Placement
- Living room
- Years of Use
- Around 12 years, as reported by the customer
Small animal-like motifs decorate this ivory Gabbeh. Years of everyday use had left flattened areas and a generally dull appearance. Our aim was to refresh the pile while preserving the character of its natural colour.
Around 12 Years in the Living Room
The rug measures approximately 200 × 190 cm. Its light ground makes variations in pile direction and soiling easier to see. We inspected the overall condition and finer details before washing.
This rug already has natural beige and grey shading. Not every colour difference visible in the photographs is dirt.
Washing Both Sides and Rinsing Away Foam and Dirt
1. Hand brushing while monitoring the pile
We applied water and cleaning solution across the surface, then worked with a hand brush. Machine-assisted steps and hand work were combined according to the rug's condition.
2. Cleaning the reverse as well
The work extended beyond the face pile to the back of the rug. The video also records the rotary machine cleaning the reverse, where the weave is visible.
3. Extraction and rinsing
We moved dirt-laden foam and water out of the rug and continued rinsing. Washing includes carrying the loosened dirt away, not simply spreading foam across the surface.
A Soft, Fluffy Finish
After washing, we checked the pile while finishing the rug. This piece regained a soft, fluffy appearance while retaining its gentle ivory character.
The natural shading is part of this rug's character. The aim was to preserve its familiar appearance, not turn it into a uniformly pure-white rug.
Photographs cannot fully convey touch, so close-ups are included to show the pile. Before and after photographs were taken in different locations and lighting.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Will a light-coloured Gabbeh become pure white?
A. Natural ivory tones and shading belong to the rug itself. We distinguish original colour from dullness caused by dirt. Cleaning does not mean changing the original wool colours or dyes to uniform white.
Q. Can you assess a wool Gabbeh used for more than ten years?
A. Yes. This example had been used for around 12 years. We assess the pile, edges and reverse rather than deciding by age alone. Please send photographs of any damaged areas too.
Q. Will flattened Gabbeh pile always become fluffy again?
A. Results depend on wear, damage and the condition of the fibres. Washing and finishing refreshed this rug's pile, but cleaning cannot replace fibres that have worn away.
Written and Cleaned By
Daniel, Rug Cleaning Specialist
IICRC-certified CCT technician with over 10 years of practical experience
Daniel holds the Carpet Cleaning Technician (CCT) certification and carries out rug washing and finishing. His work combines traditional Iranian Persian-rug care with material-appropriate pH control and drying methods.
This article is based on photographs and work records from a job he personally handled.
Enjoy Your Rug Again
Send photographs of the whole rug and any areas of concern, along with its approximate size and material if known. We will advise on cleaning suited to its condition.
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