Zapotec Rug Cleaning

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

Hey guys,
I picked up some Navajo and Zapotec rugs at a thrift store awhile back and most were pretty dirty. I'm going to give cleaning the Zapotec rugs a shot and decided to video it since there isn't a ton of info about Navajo/Zapotec rugs on this board. I'm pretty green at rug cleaning and have never taken a rug cleaning class so any suggestions are appreciated. This little rug wasn't very dirty but I have a 4x6 Zapotec as well that has a weird residue on it that I'd like to get off. I'm using the little rug in the video as practice.
Process was to dust with compressed air (no video), vacuum, checked for bleeding (got a little bit), Encap Green prespray, and cold acid rinse. Rug turned out good and there wasn't any bleeding luckily. For the bigger rug I plan on getting a lower PH upholstery prespray and sponging it on. It is predominantly purple and red and I'm worried about bleeding.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

This one is up next.

 

[Nomad74]

Hey guys,
I picked up some Navajo and Zapotec rugs at a thrift store awhile back and most were pretty dirty. I'm going to give cleaning the Zapotec rugs a shot and decided to video it since there isn't a ton of info about Navajo/Zapotec rugs on this board. I'm pretty green at rug cleaning and have never taken a rug cleaning class so any suggestions are appreciated. This little rug wasn't very dirty but I have a 4x6 Zapotec as well that has a weird residue on it that I'd like to get off. I'm using the little rug in the video as practice.
Process was to dust with compressed air (no video), vacuum, checked for bleeding (got a little bit), Encap Green prespray, and cold acid rinse. Rug turned out good and there wasn't any bleeding luckily. For the bigger rug I plan on getting a lower PH upholstery prespray and sponging it on. It is predominantly purple and red and I'm worried about bleeding.

If that is truly a Navajo rug that could be worth some big bucks.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

Both the rug in the video and the red rug in the pic are Zapotec. From what I’ve found out they’re not worth too much. I do have 4 or 5 Navajos that I got at the same place. I’ll post some pics later.

 

[Nomad74]

I guess they all can't be like this one.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

I had big hopes and dreams when I first found them but those were squashed. The ones I have are only worth a couple hundred or so each.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

Here’s a few more of my Navajo collection. Got them for $3 each a few years ago. I’m afraid to clean these ones myself.

 

[rhyde]

Had me going for a second I thought you were really going to clean them.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

Had me going for a second I thought you were really going to clean them.

One day.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

Had me going for a second I thought you were really going to clean them.

How do you clean these Randy? Rug bath? Pressure washer?

 

[rmann]

Randy cleans them the same way we do. Photos illustrating a few steps in the process.

 

[Tom Forsythe]

I would double check the value of what you have pictured. The natural colored pieces appear to have more value than you have been told. I have always undervalued what I have seen in the past once you compare what you have seen priced in the marketplace.

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

Randy cleans them the same way we do. Photos illustrating a few steps in the process.

Thanks Robert! Appreciate the pics!

 

[Zion Carpet Cleaning]

I would double check the value of what you have pictured. The natural colored pieces appear to have more value than you have been told. I have always undervalued what I have seen in the past once you compare what you have seen priced in the marketplace.

Thanks Tom. I'll get a second opinion if I ever decide to sell them. Unfortunately most of them have some kind of damage on them. Nothing too bad though.

 

[rhyde]

Randy cleans them the same way we do. Photos illustrating a few steps in the process.

The difference is Robert cleans virtually all the really expensive 6-7 figure Navajo's blankets

 

[sweendogg]

It was a unique experience holding a first phase chief's blanket like pictured in the video above and getting to see some of the unique 6 and 7 figure valued textiles that Robert has has the privilege of cleaning. It was a bit overwhelming knowing you are holding something more valuable than the building and house you own combined.