The "Washing" Process of Persian Carpets | Craftsmanship that Creates Beauty and Durability

In the manufacturing process of Persian carpets, the "washing" process, which takes place after weaving is completed, is extremely important. This process is essential to bring out the beauty of the carpet to the fullest and improve its quality. Washing a Persian carpet is more than just cleaning; it has a significant impact on the carpet's flexibility, durability, and color stability. Here we will explain the detailed process.

Purpose of washing

The washing process is carried out to remove dust, dirt, excess dyes, and shavings from the pile scraping process. It also serves the purpose of making the carpet more flexible and soft. If this process is not carried out properly, the carpet may end up being stiff and uncomfortable to use.

Washing process

First, the carpet is thoroughly wetted with water. Then, the surface of the carpet is gently scrubbed with a soapy brush. This helps the dye to adhere better and removes any dust or dirt that may have accumulated during weaving. Fine dust and impurities that have soaked into the pile are carefully washed away with a brush.

Carpets cannot be kneaded or wrung, and care must be taken to avoid damaging the fibers, so the Persians use an iron hoe to push the water from the surface of the carpet. This method applies even pressure to the entire carpet, removing excess water without damaging the fibers.

Drying in the sun

After washing, the carpets are hung out to dry in the sun. Especially in a dry climate like Qum city, where the humidity can drop below 10%, the carpets dry quickly. This natural drying process makes the carpets softer and more comfortable to use. Another feature is that the carpets are exposed to sunlight during drying, which stabilizes the colors and makes them more vivid.

The properties of Kumu water

One of the reasons why Persian carpets become supple after the washing process is the quality of the water in the city of Qum. The water in Qum contains a moderate amount of salt, which is said to bring out the softness of the carpet. For this reason, carpets woven in Tabriz and other areas are generally washed in Qum. This makes the carpet supple and comfortable to the touch.

The effect of washing

The washing process has many benefits for the carpet. Not only does it remove impurities and excess dyes from the weaving process, it also improves dye retention and makes the carpet's colors more vibrant. Washing also makes the carpet softer and more comfortable to wear. This step increases the value of the finished Persian carpet and ensures that it will last for generations.

Washing techniques and craftsmanship

Persian carpets are washed by experienced craftsmen. The quality of the carpet is directly affected by the strength and timing of the washing, as well as the skill in using the iron hoe-shaped tool, so the experience and skill of the craftsman are extremely important. If the carpet is not washed properly, it will end up being hard, and conversely, if it is washed too much, the fibers may be damaged. Therefore, craftsmen adjust the washing strength appropriately while observing the condition of the carpet, bringing out the carpet's natural beauty and softness.

summary

The "washing" process after weaving a Persian carpet is an important step that greatly affects the finished carpet. By removing dust and dirt, fixing the dyes, and softening the carpet, the beauty and durability of the Persian carpet are further enhanced. In particular, the softness of the carpets, which is the result of the quality of Qom's water, is one of the reasons that sets the carpets apart from other regions. After this washing process, Persian carpets retain their value as finished products and continue to be loved for a long time.