Our Fire and Smoke Cleaning Process for Rugs | SoCal Rug Masters
When disaster strikes, your handwoven Persian or Oriental rug may be one of the most vulnerable—and valuable—items in your home. Fire, smoke, ash, and water can cause irreversible damage if not treated properly. At SoCal Rug Masters, we specialize in restoring rugs affected by fire and smoke using a step-by-step process tailored to natural fibers and heirloom craftsmanship.
Here’s a breakdown of our comprehensive fire and smoke damage rug restoration process:
Step 1: On-Site Assessment or Pickup Scheduling
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We offer free consultations and emergency pickups throughout Los Angeles and Pacific Palisades.
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During initial contact, our team documents:
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Type of fire exposure (direct flame, smoke, water)
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Rug materials (wool, silk, cotton)
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Condition of the rug (burn marks, soot, odors, dye bleed)
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Step 2: Pre-Cleaning Inspection & Fiber Testing
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We perform a detailed UV light and microscopic inspection to identify:
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Soot saturation
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Moisture levels (risk of mold)
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Colorfastness and dye stability
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This step ensures a customized cleaning strategy that protects your rug’s fibers and dyes.
Step 3: Dry Particle & Soot Removal
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Using compressed air, vibration tools, and gentle agitation, we remove:
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Soot, ash, and debris embedded in the pile
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This is a critical step before water is introduced, as moisture can turn soot into permanent stains.
Step 4: Smoke Odor Neutralization
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Rugs are placed in an industrial ozone chamber where reactive oxygen molecules:
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Break down volatile smoke compounds
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Eliminate long-lasting odors without perfumes or masking agents
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For severe damage, we also apply activated carbon filtration treatments.
Step 5: Custom Hand Washing
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Each rug is washed by hand using:
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Cold, pH-balanced water
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Detergents safe for wool, silk, and natural dyes
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The wash removes:
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Embedded smoke residues
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Water stains
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Acidic ash deposits
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Step 6: Controlled Rinse and Moisture Extraction
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We use a centrifugal extractor to gently remove water without wringing or pulling fibers.
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Rinse cycles continue until the water runs completely clear—ensuring no chemical or soot residue remains.
Step 7: Climate-Controlled Drying
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Rugs are dried flat in a humidity- and temperature-controlled room to prevent:
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Mold or mildew
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Fiber shrinkage
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Warping or curl
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Step 8: Fringe Repair, Burn Restoration & Reweaving (If Needed)
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If your rug has suffered burned edges, melted fringe, or structural damage, we offer:
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Hand-refringing
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Weft/warp reweaving
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Color-matching for missing patterns using natural dyed yarns
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Restoration is done by expert artisans using traditional techniques.
Step 9: Final Grooming, Inspection & Appraisal Support
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After drying and restoration, rugs are:
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Groomed to reset the pile
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Inspected under light and magnification
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Photographed for insurance documentation
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We provide certified reports for insurance adjusters and claims filing.
Step 10: Delivery & Post-Restoration Care Guidance
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We return your rug with:
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Protective wrapping
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Optional fire-retardant padding
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Care instructions for long-term preservation
Why Choose SoCal Rug Masters for Fire & Smoke Restoration?
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25+ years of Persian and Oriental rug expertise
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Advanced facilities with ozone chambers and cold-wash stations
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Fully documented restoration for insurance claims
Pickup & delivery available in Pacific Palisades, Brentwood, Beverly Hills, and LA County