The most important step in rug cleaning occurs before the cleaning process begins. This process is the pre-cleaning inspection of the rug.

What is the current state of the rug market? It is strong as ever. In fact, U.S. machine-made rugs can stake claim to about 16 percent of all domestic soft floor coverings.

Karastan first began manufacturing rugs in 1928. The original company was part of the department store giant Marshall Field of Chicago. It was called "The Wonder Rug" at the 1938 World's Fair. Today, Karastan is located in Eden, NC, and falls under the umbrella of Mohawk Industries, Inc.

During the last few years, rug cleaners have received mixed signals on pH levels for their cleaning solutions. Is there something new under the sun?

Carousel Mills is a manufacturer of high-end, all-natural fiber rugs, carpet and tapestries. You may not be familiar with the brand, but you should recognize the style.

In the September 2003 installment of "The Rug Cleaning Specialist," we discussed mattress cleaning as an overlooked service. Now, let's look at marketing guidelines for allergy relief services.

Many vendors are offering mattress-cleaning business opportunities. Why is this service getting so much attention? Mattress cleaning and allergen removal really started in Europe about 15 years ago. It is a multi-million dollar business, with approximately 4,500 companies now offering the service.

The last three installments of “The Rug Cleaning Specialist” have looked at key Persian rugs. This review would not be complete without including rugs from the Sarouk area.

This is another in a series of looks at key Persian rugs. Kermans are one of the most commonly encountered hand-knotted rugs. In 1270 Marco Polo praised the carpets of Kerman as a marvel to see, and his description is still apt today.

In the December 2002 issue of ICS magazine we examined the Hamadan rug. This time we will look at a rug that comes from southwestern Persia – the Gabbeh.