A $3000 Mess..........

[Owner FOSC]

I posted a few days ago about a urine saturated handmade wool rug (please see "This Rug Really Stinks"). Thanks, Scott Warrington, for your help. I did use the TCU, rinsed, then cleaned as I usually would. It came out good, but....


Their 3 dogs really picked it. Looks pretty bad. There are strands sticking up over the whole thing. You can see in the photos how they show since I cleaned it and they aren't matted down anymore. IMG00126-20100823-1443.jpgIMG00127-20100823-1443.jpg

Should these be removed with duckbill shears, or will that harm the rug even more? I do know that they do not pull out, or run like a Berber.

Appreciate any input. The rug will go back to the customer this week.

[Scott W]

I can't tell from the photo a lot of detail about how the rug was made. But unless it is some investment quality piece (Which doesn't sound like it is since the dogs own it) I would use a napping shears to cut the tufts that are standing up. Make them level with the rest of the pile.

[Dbonezny]

is there any way to tuck the tufts back into the carpet and hot glue it so it doesn't come back out? Using a thin pick and some patience....

[Owner FOSC]

I don't think it's feasible to try and repair the tufts. The problem is just too extensive. Since it will probably still see abuse from animals I'm sure she'll just leave it as is, or add a little $ to the cost and have me trim it.

[LisaWagner]

Just cut them off like Scott says. You see this sometimes with rugs that are staple fibers (like wool) - and they were not sheared properly in the beginning.

Easiest on your back to get it up on a table and just do section by section. You will NOT devalue the rug with this... it's already devalued from the pet urine - so it ain't a $3,000 rug anymore (just FYI.)

Lisa