INTRODUCTION
It is critical that your professional identifies a few basic characteristics of any area rug cleaned. The types of fiber, color stability and overall condition of the rug and fringes.
STEP 1~Identify fiber
 Your technician will need to identify the fiber as synthetic or natural. Almost all synthetic rugs are machine-made and have a label clearly stating the type of fiber. Wool is a natural fiber from which most hand-made oriental rugs are made. When wool is used in machine-made rugs, a wool mark symbol is usually on the label. Your technician if in doubt may test a fiber sample with a burn test or with chlorine bleach.
STEP 2~ Identify bleeders
If the your technician determines you have natural fibers they will need to be tested for bleeding. This should be done in front of you the customer so you are aware if there is a problem with the rug and therefore your responsibility.
STEP 3 ~ Pre-existing conditions
Your technician will need to closely look over the rug to find prior stains, fiber distortion and damage to the rug in terms of tears, holes and any unevenness in the way the rug lays on the floor. The fringes will need to be looked over and tested for strength in several places. Any pre-existing conditions are your responsibility.
STEP 4 ~ Cleaning
The rug is now ready to be cleaned. The agreed price and any pre-existing conditions should be listed on your receipt.