When it comes to cleaning area rugs, the challenges are wide and varied - becoming especialy tough in the last 20 years with the advent of new synthetic and natural fibers, differing constructions and ever-changing dying processes. With the shifting face of rug construction it has become more difficult to become a true expert in rug cleaning, experts say. "The challenges in the cleaning business are far greater than the challenges our fathers faced 30 years ago," said Sy Mahfuz, owner of Persian Rug Galleries and co-principal, Mera Consulting Group. "Then, we had blue, ivory and red rugs. Now we worry about different fibers, textures and washes." In addition to rug composition, area of origin has become another hurdle in the maintenance end of the business. "Rugs were coming mainly from Iran - areas that we were familiar with for hundreds of years," continued Mahfuz. "So we knew how to clean the rugs from this area. We knew what had to be hand washed, what could be more aggressively cleaned, what could be put in the tub and completely soaked. You learn this from generations in this business."
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