Artisan Rug Care cleans and repairs all types of area rugs and textiles at its Santa Cruz facility. In addition to cleaning its customers’ valued rugs with methods learned from preeminent textile conservators (no heat, machines or wringers), the company offers supplemental protective services like moth treatment and archival wrapping for storage.
Owner Aaron Kinda says Artisan Rug Care’s ability to transform long-neglected rugs has allowed the company to build a loyal clientele base. “It’s very rewarding to take a family heirloom that’s in a state of disrepair, carefully clean and restore it, and see the customer’s reaction. Some people get emotional—it’s something they’ve grown up with, so they really appreciate when we’re able to bring it back to life.”
Artisan Rug Care prioritizes communication throughout the rug cleaning process, which Mr. Kinda says is important for setting the right expectations. “Before we work on a client’s rug, we take the time to explain our procedures so they know what to expect. We want to make them feel confident in our expertise, and the best way to do that is to be transparent every step of the way.”
“Honesty is at the core of our business, so when a customer brings in a rug, we don’t just take it and send them on their way—we have a conversation about its condition and go over what can and can’t be done. Regardless of the size of the job, we take pride in delivering the best possible results.”
If you have an antique rug, make sure you understand the importance of restoration.
An antique rug is more than just a floor covering—it’s a piece of history, a work of art and maybe even a cherished family heirloom. These rugs tell stories through their intricate designs, rich colors and handmade qualities. But over time, wear and tear can take their toll. That’s where professional restoration comes in.
What is antique rug restoration?
Restoration goes beyond a thorough cleaning, although that’s often part of the process. A full restoration is about carefully repairing damage to bring a rug back to its former glory and preserve its authenticity. Depending on your rug’s needs, this can include reweaving to fill in holes and worn patches, repairing the fringe to replace frayed or missing pieces or prevent further unraveling, restoring color, and removing stains. Each step requires a deep understanding of traditional weaving and coloring techniques.
Why is antique rug restoration important?
If you let rug damage go unrepaired, it can lead to bigger problems. While a small tear or loose thread might not seem like a big deal, it can eventually unravel into serious and costly damage. Restoration stops wear in its tracks and protects your rug’s value, beauty, and longevity.
Do you need to hire a professional for rug restoration?
Restoring antique rugs isn’t a DIY project. They’re delicate, so they require expertise, special tools and the right cleaning solutions. One wrong move can cause irreversible damage, so it’s important to hire a professional restoration specialist who will handle your rug with the care and respect it deserves. “To do this work and do it well, you must have an appreciation for what you’re working on,” says Aaron Kinda, owner of Artisan Rug Care in Santa Cruz. “Every rug has its own concerns and structural integrity, and your cleaner should appreciate that.”
Maintaining customer satisfaction is a key aspect of any successful business, but it’s even more important for rug cleaning and restoration companies that have earned Diamond Certified. For Artisan Rug Care, keeping clients happy is all about taking a passionate approach to each job, regardless of its size. “Every rug has its own concerns and structural integrity, so it’s never a ‘one-size-fits-all’ operation,” says owner Aaron Kinda. “We’re passionate about rugs and we take the time to work on them safely and effectively, which our clients really appreciate.”
Artisan Rug Care has been cleaning and repairing area rugs and textiles at its Santa Cruz facility since 2008. The company uses methods learned from well-known textile conservators to clean its customers’ rugs (no machines, wringers or heat), and it also offers protective services like archival wrapping and moth treatment.
Unlike less experienced rug cleaners that take an “assembly line” approach to each job in an effort to maximize their workload volume, Artisan Rug Care takes the time to provide every rug with personalized, detail-oriented attention. “We carefully go over every inch of the rug before we consider the job finished, including inspecting it for spots, holes and loose threads,” says Mr. Kinda. “It takes a lot of time to complete this process, but that allows us to focus on every detail, which ultimately leads to better results.”
Ultimately, Mr. Kinda sees Artisan Rug Care’s full-service capabilities and ability to provide a higher level of care as its most important attributes. “We don’t just take a rug and send the customer on their way—we have a conversation and set their expectations for the outcome of the job,” he explains. “We’re willing to spend time with our clients and make sure they get the most value out of our services, which gives us an important competitive edge.”
