Our love for Aubusson tapestries

Aubusson is the name of several communes in France, famous for their tapestry production.

Throughout the 17^th and 18^th centuries, this region was responsible for the manufacture of wool tapestry woven rugs that rivalled the works of Les Gobelins and the Beauvais tapestries.

Aubusson tapestries originated, it is believed, from the upper valley of Creuse and were first created from the use of looms. Traditionally, Aubusson works represented cartoons and engravings, showing people, buildings, birds and vignettes of plant life.  

In the 1930’s, enjoying a new lease on popular life, artists such as Jean Cocteau, Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso were invited to Aubusson to create works through the medium of wool.

Like many specialized industries, markets change and as such, tapestry production has, in recent years, gravitated towards China, but thankfully, not all of it.

Not so very long ago, Pierre and Laurence managed a trip to see Les Gobelins tapestries and were even treated to a viewing of their process.

As Pierre says, it is incredibly important for the peopleyou trust with your precious carpets to understand and appreciate their manufacture and value. 

When you take the time to look at precious works of art, as tapestries so clearly are, you begin to treasure the time and energy that went into weaving these marvels.

So when you feel that strongly, you want a company that feels the same way. We will take the best of care of your priceless works and return them to you, sparkling and almost as-good-as-new.

Art of Clean is a specialist cleaning firm in: 

Wood Floor Sanding,

Stone floor Cleaning,

Carpet Cleaning,

Rug Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning 

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information on our services contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or email us at info@artofclean.co.uk

Moth-Argh vs Rug-zilla

Imagine, if you will, King Moth-Argh and his family have just invaded your house. Now, on the surface of it, it looks like a bunch of dull butterflies are fluttering about and opening the living-room windows will do the trick. 

Sadly, that isn't the case.

It’s what you don’t see that causes all the problems. We're talking about larvae. Not only are they and their cocoons tiny, they all but blend in with the colour of your rug too. A cursory or sometimes even a detailed inspection will not be enough to discover the cause of a potential carpet disaster.

They hide, often on the backs of rugs. The funny thing is, they are fussy eaters. They favour some colours over others, much like you kids and potatoes over broccoli. The tell-tale signs usually show as a dulling on certain parts of your rugs and piles of sand-like particles.  

Prevention is key. Vacuum your rugs often, front and back and don’t forget the decorative ones; those hanging on the walls you brought back from holiday are just as at risk as the ones you trample over day-in and day-out. Remember to look in your cupboards, under the stairs and generally in dark corners, that's where they love to hide. 

They can be in your clothes too. Moths love natural fibres, so if there is an infestation, get them to the dry cleaners, fast! We recommend Farthings Dry cleaners in Newmarket.

Of course, we don’t all plan for the worse and sometimes we’ll need help. Vacuum the carpet/rug thoroughly with a good machine; SEBO vacuums are top notch. Then empty/dispose of the bag. Moths and their larvae will simply tap a nap and if you're unfortunate, they're liable to escape and return to the scene of the crime.

There are sprays you can buy of course. Just be sure they are ‘made-for’ products, specially designed to eradicate the Moth-Argh problem. Also, be sure they don’t damage the wool or allow for colour run.

There is always the professional route too. Why not let Art of Clean tackle your rugs and save yourself the frustration.

What will we do?

Well, first we’ll collect your rugs and take them back to Clean HQ. That’s where all the magic happens.

Next, we’ll roll your rug and stick it our freezer. That’s tight, we’re going to freeze the little blighters.

After 7-14 days we will take the rug out and give it a rather healthy cleaning and treat it with a non-toxic compound; designed to dissuade even the staunchest of Moths from revisiting your rug/carpet.

This all sounds great, but let’s be honest, if there is a moth infestation, the only thing for it is a full house clean. It's worth mentioning that while your house might have moths, your neighbours may do too. Moths have to come from somewhere.

Call the Professionals.

Art of Clean is a specialist cleaning firm in: 

Wood Floor Sanding,

Stone floor Cleaning,

Carpet Cleaning,

Rug Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning 

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information on our services contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or email us at info@artofclean.co.uk

How do I clean a Laura Ashley rug?

www.lauraashley.com

The late, great, Laura Ashley started her incredible business with a modicum of experience and a can do attitude. Along with her husband, Bernard, the pair and later, their children, created an institution.

Today, Laura Ashley furniture, home furnishings, fashion and carpets draw the eye the world over and the chances are, you or your neighbour own a piece, large or small, of the Ashley collection.

The allure of Laura Ashley products is undeniable, but the upkeep on some pieces, your rug in particular can me rather tiresome.

What’s the problem you ask? It’s just a rug. Stick it in the washing machine.

And that’s where we come in.

As specialists in rug and carpet care, Art of Clean knows that while yes, it is just a rug, it’s your rug and at some point, it was Laura’s rug too. That’s not really the point though, the point is a Laura Ashley rug is delicate.

Look at it. Look at the tag. See where it says 41% wool and around 50% cotton? There’s your problem.

Pop it in the washing machine and when it’s done drying, that large living-room rug will fit the small bedroom nicely and you’ll be off to John Lewis to buy yourself another.

Wool shrinks, as does cotton and no matter the care involved in the cleaning process, there’s always a risk.

Just look on any internet forum, you’ll see what we mean.

Shrinkage, browning and drying time; three bug bears of the Laura Ashley, rug lover’s community.

Give it over to us; we’ll care for your rug, fully submerge it in cool water, centrifugally extract the water, dry it, fast and give it the best chance it has at being as pretty as the day you bought it.

Art of Clean is a specialist cleaning firm in: 

Wood Floor Sanding,

Stone floor Cleaning,

Carpet Cleaning,

Rug Cleaning,

Upholstery Cleaning 

Leather Furniture Cleaning, 

Working for domestic or commercial clients throughout Cambridgeshire, Essex, Suffolk and Hertfordshire.

For more information on our services contact our friendly team on 01223 863632 or email us at info@artofclean.co.uk