Washing, in safely-treated, softened water, using
specially formulated shampoo, only takes place after the initial
dry cleaning with air has been completed. There is no
dependence on old-fashioned, potentially damaging, harsh cleaning
fluids, caustic chemicals, stuff brushes, mechanical abrasion or
scraping. There are no optical brighteners which can produce
short-term color brightness but which eventually turn yellow and
cause disc9oloration. This system, which promises the return
and restoration of all that any rug can be within the realm of
cleaning and preservation, makes use of air and water as its
primary cleaning tools.Air opens the nap and evaporates dirty
waters. Vacuum and compressed air dislodge the direct.
Water cleanses the rug from inside its foundation to the top of
its nap. Except for the addition of handmade repairs by an
expert, this method of cleaning provides the greatest potential
for the preservation of the value and usefulness of an oriental
rug since river washing.
In detail, the Auserehlian Cleaning System makes use of air
under high pressure, through a tool of Phil's own design, that
lightly floats over the surface of a rug. When first
applied, billows of dust and dirt are dispensed. Second and
third times over loosen and remove whatever particles remain.
Lying on specially made supporting mats, the rugs
are repeatedly air-cleansed, front, back and inside.
Insects, larvae, grit, silica, infinitesimal
grains of sand that have been collected and stored over the life
of a rug are thoroughly removed. It is now, after all
manageable dirt has been removed, right down to the frailest
fibres; that washing and then drying takes place.
Dyes are unharmed and controlled against bleed,
then restored to a brightness hardly remembered. Fibres are
clean, supple, and free to breathe. Fringes lie peacefully
extended in perfect order. The inside and back side of a rug
is as clean as the front. Both sides are ready to take their
place in the community of rugs for another century or so. (The
normal life expectancy of an oriental rug is acknowledged to be
well over 100 years; in any case, the Ausrehlian Cleaning System
extends it further, in better condition, value enhanced,
physically condition greatly improved.)
The far reaching effects of this system of
cleaning and preserving oriental rugs are only beginning to be
recognized. Rug dealers can find enhanced value in rugs that
are noticeably cleaner, brighter, and fresher smelling. rug
cleaning establishments throughout the world can offer and deliver
a better product and service to their customers; immaculately
cleaned rugs that far outweigh initial premium costs. Rugs
can last years longer, having been liberated from layers of dirt.
Collectors whose valuable acquisitions nevertheless retained a
coating of dust that could not safely be removed heretofore may
put their pieces into the hands of a cleaner who can assure them
that no harm will befall their valued possessions. Museum
curators whose rolled up treasures have seen little light of day
may befall their valued possessions. Museum curators whose
rolled up treasures have seen little light of day may unroll their
art works, procure long-awaited care and treatment, and then
display them.
Phillip Auserehl operates Castle Cleaning and Rug
Company in Berthoud, Colorado. A second company,
Ausrehlian and
Company, functions as an educational arm all the way from
training in the rug cleaning system to the procurement of
equipment. Classes are taught by Ron Toney and Phillip
Auserehl, partners in Auserehlian and Company. Their classes
are limited in size. The course teaches not only the
cleaning system itself, but also how to establish a first-class
rug cleaning shop of one's own, not as a franchise but as an
individually owned and operated business.
Myrna Bloom and Richard Marcus
The Decorative Rug, February 1995)
