Finishing Process for Qum Rugs: Washing

On the outskirts of Qom, there's a large area known as a "washing place" for carpets. When I first saw hundreds of carpets spread out on a concrete floor, with craftsmen working on them using large brushes and iron spatulas, I was speechless. It was only then that I realized that a carpet, which I thought was complete after weaving, was still one step away from its final finish.

Persian carpets undergo a "washing" process after weaving before they are finally released to the market. In Japan, "washing" might bring to mind the cleaning of something dirty from use. However, for Persian carpets, washing is a finishing process essential for brand new carpets.

Why are carpets washed after weaving?

There are three main reasons.

Firstly, to remove excess materials accumulated during the weaving process. Over months, or even years for longer projects, fine wool fragments, dust, thread scraps, and excess dye from coloring gradually accumulate deep within the fibers. Carefully washing these away brings out the carpet's original colors clearly.

Secondly, to loosen the fibers and enhance their softness. Immediately after weaving, the carpet's fibers are tightly packed and stiff, unable to exhibit their inherent suppleness. Washing with water and soap loosens the fibers appropriately, creating the silky-smooth feel unique to silk and the resilient softness of wool.

Thirdly, to tighten the weave and increase durability. As the carpet absorbs water and then dries, the threads tighten and the knots become stable. This contributes to the Persian carpet's durability, allowing it to maintain its integrity even with extensive use.

Traditional Washing Procedure

While the specifics of the washing procedure vary by region and workshop, the method widely practiced around Qom is generally as follows:

First, carpets are spread out on a large concrete washing area and drenched with plenty of water. Then, natural soap (such as olive oil soap) is used, and the carpet's surface is scrubbed with a large brush. Craftsmen adjust the angle and pressure of the brush based on the pile direction and the condition of the material. The force and direction differ for silk and wool.

After washing, the next step is dewatering. Since it cannot be spun dry like a household washing machine, a large tool resembling an iron spatula (sometimes called a Qattan), traditionally used in Persian carpet washing, is repeatedly slid over the carpet to press out the water. This rhythmic movement, which removes water evenly without damaging the fibers, requires years of experience.

Sun Drying — Why Qom's Dry Climate is Suitable

Carpets from which water has been pressed out are spread outdoors to sun dry. The climate around Qom is particularly suited for this process. On summer days, humidity can drop to as low as 10%, and with strong sunlight and dry winds, carpets dry evenly in a few hours.

Drying with sunlight and dry winds has another effect: it stabilizes the dye's color development and sets the colors. Local craftsmen unanimously agree that drying slowly with natural forces rather than chemical dryers results in a finish that retains its color for a long time.

This drying process, in particular, is difficult to replicate in Japan. Japan's climate is humid, and natural drying takes too long. It can be said that the finishing touch is completed only in Qom.

The Unique Texture Brought by Qom's Water Quality

One reason Qom's "washing" is renowned even outside the region is its unique water quality. The groundwater around Qom is said to contain trace amounts of salt. This salt is believed to interact with silk and wool fibers, imparting a distinctive softness to the finished wash.

Regardless of how rigorously the effect of water quality has been verified, local craftsmen unanimously state that "washing in Qom makes a world of difference." In fact, carpets woven in Tabriz, Isfahan, or Na'in are sometimes specifically transported to Qom just for the washing process. This illustrates the unique finish that Qom's washing provides.

Of course, the salt content varies depending on the workshop and period, so it's not possible to definitively state "it's absolutely because of Qom's water." However, as a rule of thumb based on the accumulated experience of craftsmen who have worked there for many years, the combination of Qom's water and climate is indeed well-suited for finishing carpets.

The Option of Origin Cleaning

The video shows the washing process carried out in the Qom production area. It captures in real-time the various tasks: the large washing area, scrubbing with brushes, dewatering with spatulas, and sun-drying.

When considering cleaning for a well-used Persian carpet, one option is to "send it to the origin for washing." While some cleaning services in Japan can handle Persian carpets, the finish achieved with Qom's water and climate, combined with traditional techniques, has elements that can only be obtained there.

It costs more and takes longer than domestic cleaning. Including transport and customs clearance, it can take several months for the carpet to return. Nevertheless, for a piece intended to be used for decades, especially high-density silk carpets or antique works, origin cleaning is worth considering.

Golestan offers intermediary services for origin cleaning, leveraging our relationships with trusted local workshops. If you wish to "restore the luster it had when woven" or "prepare it before passing it down to your children," please consult us. We will provide you with the necessary information for your decision, including estimated costs, timeframes, and transport insurance.

The Washer's Judgment

The quality of the wash varies significantly depending on the craftsman's judgment. Water temperature, soap quantity, brush pressure, dewatering angle, and the decision on drying based on the day's weather—each choice affects the carpet's ultimate luster and softness.

Insufficient washing leaves the carpet stiff. Conversely, overly aggressive washing can damage delicate fibers and spoil the color. Craftsmen who have worked in the same workshop for many years are said to be able to judge the appropriate washing intensity just by looking at the weave.

Although it is a process not easily visible from the outside, it is the judgment of these washing craftsmen that ultimately determines the quality of a Persian carpet. Every time I visit a workshop in Qom, I meet people who speak of the washing craftsmen with the same respect as the weavers. Behind the luster of a finished piece lies the accumulated, invisible judgment of these craftsmen.