Past Events25% off the second person, 50% off the third person
Date: July 23, 2022 Location:Oriental Rug Cleaning of Indianapolis, Indianapolis IN IICRC Continuing Education: 7 credit hours Pricing: Member Price: $250; Non-member Price: $250
All skill levels are welcome! Spend the day learning how rugs can be washed. This class is entirely hands-on! We’ll explore techniques from the most basic procedures to some advanced spotting and color run removal. ARCS one-day wash classes cover all aspects of cleaning rugs. Various sizes, fiber contents, concerns, and cleaning processes are demonstrated at Oriental Rug Cleaning of Indianapolis.
Oriental Rug Cleaning is a medium-sized washing operation that began professionally cleaning rugs in 2013. Get up and close and personal with using a tumble duster, centrifuge, hanging tower & hands-on washing on the wash floor. See what cleaning rugs in a medium-sized rug cleaning business really looks like!
The goal for both veteran and new rug washers is to increase your knowledge and expertise in the art of cleaning rugs. No prior knowledge of rug cleaning is necessary, all are welcome to attend!
This will be a hands-on cleaning course and you should come prepared to wash rugs. Wear appropriate attire to get wet and bring your own wash boots!
For safety and accordance with the CDC health guidelines, we will be following all local mandates at the time of the event.
Jordan King; “Jordan is the operations manager at Oriental Rug Cleaning of Indianapolis and Sani-Bright Carpet Cleaning. Since joining the business in 2009, Jordan’s passion for service has helped fuel their rapid growth. He is a certified Master Rug Cleaner and holds the CRS designation. Jordan has always had an entrepreneurial spirit; through high school and college, he owned & operated a successful recording studio as well as a lawn care business. He has found the networking, education, and friendships formed through ARCS events & classes to be highly valuable. It continues to give him and his team the edge they need to bring a 5-Star experience to their clients.”
ARCS's Introduction to Rug Care course is designed to increase student’s knowledge at a fraction of the cost of other formal education programs. Geared towards employees and those new to the industry, the Introduction to Rug Care course gives students the information they need to make informed cleaning decisions and speak confidently with customers about the cleaning process.
Not simply an online textbook, this is a virtual class in every sense of the word. A live teacher guides a small group of students through the curriculum, answering student’s questions as they arise. Divided into four sessions lasting 80 minutes each, the cleaning process, rug fibers, basic cleaning chemistry and basic rug ID are all presented in ways that everyone can understand. A review test is sent following each session which students may use to evaluate their understanding of the material presented.
Reviews the basic steps in a “best practice” rug cleaning, why we do them and some of the most common prevailing methods in application today. While pros and cons of each method are discussed, editorial content is kept out.
Pre-cleaning Inspection – Why some consider it the most important step in rug cleaning and some of the most common conditions encountered in area rugs.
Dry soil removal – Why it’s important and ways to do it.
Washing – From dry cleaning methods to full saturation washing. Each method is discussed covering the why and how as well as the pros and cons.
Drying – Surveying the most common methods in use today
Finishing processes – Grooming, browning correction, color correction, etc.
Session Two – Fibers and Chemistry
Covers the basics of the most common fibers and chemicals encountered in area rug care. Topics are discussed generically, avoiding favoritism and bias.
Fibers
Wool – Why it is the most common rug fiber. How we go from sheep to rug yarn.
Cotton – Production and application
Silk – It’s advantages, disadvantages and production
Bast Fibers – production and uses
Plastics – Nylon, Olefin, etc.
Rayon – production and it’s many other names
Chemistry
Soil – most common types, how they accumulate and implications for cleaning
Solvents – Polar and Non-polar, volatile and nonvolatile and applications for cleaning
Detergents – what they are and how they work
The PH scale – What it is, why it’s important and the general PH of specific substances
Sinner circle
Session Three – Rug ID – Tufted & Specialty Rugs
A general discussion of tufted rugs and their specific cleaning needs and concerns is followed by a survey of the most common types of tufted rugs encountered, how to identify them and their specific cleaning needs and concerns. We finish covering the most common specialty rugs a cleaner will encounter.
Tufted rugs – What they are and how they differ from other area rugs
Tufted rugs made in China
Tufted rugs made in India
Custom-tufted rugs
Machine-tufted rugs
Specialty rugs – Skins, Shags, craft rugs, etc.
Session Four – Rug ID – Non-tufted rugs
Picks up where we left off. We start with Machine-made rugs and cover how to tell them from handmade rugs. While handmade rug ID is not discussed, students are introduced to the basics of where they are made, different construction techniques and the terminology used, building a foundation for future classes.
Wilton construction – both traditional and face-to-face variants
Axminster – both tradition and the Karastan® variants
Handmade – piled and non-piled construction, terminology and how to tell them from machine-made rugs
About the instructor- Armen Dohanian: is a fourth generation rug cleaner. His family owns a 100 + year old rug cleaning and restoration business in Boston, Massachusetts. Involved in rug cleaning from an early age, Armen is currently vice-president of operations at the Oriental Rug Cleaning Company in Dallas, TX, a 103 year old, “full-service” rug cleaning and restoration company. Mr. Dohanian is an ARCS Certified Rug Specialist (CRS), a certified Master Rug Cleaner and a Woolsafe North America "Fiber Care Specialist" as well as a member of the International Society of Appraisers.
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Effective Communication for Rug Cleaners Course (On Demand)
Regular price
$0.00
Location: Digital On Demand Past Dates: 2019/08, 2019/02, 2018/06
This class will cover all of the important steps that can make or break your customer experience:
Learn about your company and what you offer
Elevator Pitch
Common Pre-Inspection Conditions
Terminology: How to Convey Technical Explanations in Layman’s Terms
Help new customers navigate the rug cleaning process
How to Make Repeat Customers Continue to Feel Valued
THE IMPORTANCE OF DOCUMENTATION
Managing Customer Expectations
Dealing with Complaints
Proper Phone Etiquette
Proper In-Person Etiquette
Inter-Office Communication
Jennifer Colaco: joined Oriental Rug Cleaning in Dallas, Texas as office manager in 2010, becoming the fourth generation of her family to be involved in the flooring business. Prior to this, she worked in textile project management. Jennifer is Vice-President on the Association of Rug Care Specialist Board (ARCS), a Certified Rug Specialist, and Master Rug Cleaner.
A graduate of Texas A&M University, Jennifer and has spent the majority of her professional career interfacing with customers. Her focus on delivering excellent customer practices for her team led her to create and teach “Effective Communications for Rug Cleaners”, currently offered through ARCS.
None for this course.
2023/09 - The Experience Convention (Las Vegas, NV)
Regular price
$0.00
Date: September 6, 7, and 8, 2023 Location: Las Vegas, NV
ARCS, The Association of Rug Care Specialists, is offering all Experience participants a chance to visit with some of the most experienced and skilled rug washers in the country. Stop by our booth for the rug quiz and chances to win some amazing prizes!
Come visit us at our booth #214!
Click here to register for The Experience online now
2023 TRADE SHOW HOURS:
- DAY 1: Wednesday, September 6th - 2:00 - 6:00 pm - DAY 2: Thursday, September 7th - 2:30 - 6:30 pm - DAY 3: Friday, September 8th - 12:00 - 3:00 pm
Information to come.
Information to come.
The Harrah's Las Vegas 3475 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (800) 214-9110 Room Rate: $104 Night/USD - Sunday - Thursday $144 Night/USD - Friday and Saturday A Resort Fee of $30 per room per night, plus the current Clark County room tax of 13.38% (subject to change) will be charged in addition to the room rates set forth above.
Click here to make your room reservations online now
Caesars Palace Las Vegas 3570 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (888) 458-8471 Room Rate: $150 Night/USD - Sunday - Thursday $144 Night/USD - Friday and Saturday A Resort Fee of $45 per room per night, plus the current Clark County room tax of 13.38% (subject to change) will be charged in addition to the room rates set forth above.
Click here to make your room reservations online now
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2023/07 Discover Rug Cleaning (Wake Forest, NC)
Regular price
$250.00
Date: July 22, 2023 Location: Pettyjohn's Cleaning & Restoration of Raleigh NC IICRC Continuing Education: 7 credit hours Pricing: Member Price: $250; Non-member Price: $250
Are you fascinated by the art of rug cleaning? Do you dream of owning your own rug washing business? Look no further! We are thrilled to invite you to our upcoming "Discover Rug Cleaning" event, where you can dive deep into the world of rug washing and decide if this industry is the perfect fit for you. Mark your calendars for an exciting day on July 22nd, 2023, at Pettyjohn's Rug Cleaning & Restoration in Wake Forest, NC.
Specialized Rug Washing Equipment Showcase: At this exclusive event, we are proud to present state-of-the-art rug washing equipment that will revolutionize the way you clean and restore rugs. Witness the power of cutting-edge technologies that effortlessly remove dirt, stains, and odors, leaving your rugs looking vibrant and fresh.
Our showcased equipment includes:
Advanced Rug Cleaning Tools: Experience the efficiency and effectiveness of our high-performance rug cleaning machines. Designed with precision and incorporating the latest advancements, these machines offer superior cleaning capabilities, ensuring remarkable results for even the most delicate rugs.
Specialized Cleaning Solutions: Discover our range of specially formulated cleaning solutions, tailored to address various rug types and their unique cleaning requirements. Witness the transformative power of these solutions as they revitalize rugs and bring out their natural beauty.
Drying and Finishing Techniques: Learn about our cutting-edge drying and finishing techniques that guarantee fast and thorough drying, while preserving the integrity of the rug fibers. Our experts will demonstrate the importance of proper rug drying methods to prevent mold, mildew, and other potential damages.
Knowledgeable, Compassionate Rug Washing Technicians: The most important piece of equipment in your shop is a thinking technician. As exciting as big equipment can be, having fully engaged staff in your shop will make all the difference in the world for your clients' experience!
Your Chance to Get Involved: This event is not just an opportunity to witness the marvels of rug washing technology; it's a chance to explore a promising career path. We believe in nurturing talent and supporting aspiring rug cleaning entrepreneurs. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to expand your business or an individual considering a career change, this event will provide invaluable insights and help you make an informed decision.
During the event, you can:
🔹 Engage with Industry Experts: Our team of experienced rug cleaning professionals will be on-site, eager to share their knowledge and answer your questions. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to gain insights from industry experts who have successfully navigated the rug washing business.
🔹 Hands-on Demonstrations: Roll up your sleeves and get your hands wet! Participate in our interactive rug cleaning demonstrations and experience the satisfaction of transforming a dirty, tired rug into a vibrant masterpiece. Witness firsthand the remarkable results that can be achieved with the right techniques and equipment.
🔹 Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for rug cleaning. Exchange ideas, discuss industry trends, and potentially form valuable partnerships that can propel your rug washing endeavors forward.
🔹 Reserve Your Spot: Spaces for this exclusive event are limited, so make sure to secure your spot early!. We encourage you to bring your enthusiasm, curiosity, and an open mind as we explore the possibilities of the rug washing industry together.
Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to "get your feet wet" and discover if the rug washing industry is the right path for you. Join us on July 22, 2023, at Pettyjohn's Rug Cleaning located at 1905-101 South Main Street, Wake Forest NC 27587 for an enlightening and inspiring day filled with rug cleaning insights and cutting-edge technology!
We look forward to welcoming you to the "Discover Rug Cleaning" event and helping you embark on a rewarding journey in the world of rug washing.
Date: May 9-11, 2023 Location:Certified Clean Care in Athens, GA IICRC Continuing Education: 12 credit hours
The class consists of three intensive eight-hour days taught primarily on the work floor of an operational wash plant. Topics covered will be cleaning chemistry, spotting, rug identification, learning to ‘read’ and identify rug construction, rug intake assessment, rug washing, drying theory, and finishing after wash. Hands-on portions of the class will demonstrate the practical application of all that theory on an active wash floor in real-time. The hands-on training will focus on wet cleaning; students will wash a lot of rugs and have the opportunity to try a range of techniques and observe the results. More than just an opportunity to work and learn on a high production wash floor, students will gain a broader understanding of the cleaning process and how it applies to their own businesses. The fee for the class includes lunch for the three days, handouts, and all teaching materials. A short test will be given at the end of the class session. You will need to bring wash boots.
For safety and accordance with the CDC health guidelines, a mask will be required and social distancing will be practiced for all live events.
The Tools of Rug Identification– Grouped in a linear and methodical progression, students learn how to read a rug’s construction to identify its origins. Material progresses from easily discernible traits to more nuanced variations using the most commonly encountered area rugs as teaching material. Students come away knowing the covered material as well as how to advance their skills outside of class.
Survey of hand-tufted, machine-made, and specialty rugs
Hand-knotted Rugs – a brief history, nomenclature and introduction to structure, the tools of rug ID
Persian rugs
Copies of Persian rugs
Designer rugs
Flat-weaves
Overview of Cleaning Process
Review of the steps in a “best practice” rug cleaning as outlined in ARCS’ Industry Guide & Recommended Practice for Rug Cleaning
Rug Intake
Pre-inspection and documentation, inventory control & prewash stabilization
About Rugs & Fibers
A review of the most commonly encountered rug fibers and construction techniques and what their implications are for the cleaning process.
About Soils & Cleaning
Review of the types of soils found in rugs What are they? How do they accumulate?
Rug Washing
Getting our hands dirty cleaning the host plants inventory. Topics will include:
How to generate a cleaning plan
How all the host’s “toys” work and how to scale the operation up and down to meet the demands of each student
What to do if a rug starts to go south
Drying Theory
Discussion of drying theory and its effects on the cleaning process.
Results
Evaluating results and discussing the next steps. Discussion, how clean is clean enough? weighing risks vs rewards.
Finishing Processes
A survey of the non-wash processes that go into a rug cleaning
Grooming
Fringe Correction
Post-wash treatments
Cosmetic Touchups
Checkout procedures
Recording and reporting results
Spotting techniques
A discussion of the techniques for removing common spots such as rust, paint, wax, etc.
Discoloration Remediation
How the products work and how they differ from spotters.
Risks and how to manage them
Discussion and demonstrations of common applications and techniques
Urine Stain removal
Floor Stripping of Dye
Dry stripping of Dye
Review Test - Don’t worry, it isn’t graded
Armen Dohanian:is a fourth-generation rug cleaner. His family owns a 100 + year old rug cleaning and restoration business in Boston, Massachusetts. Involved in rug cleaning from an early age, Armen is currently vice¬-president of operations at the Oriental Rug Cleaning Company in Dallas, TX, a 103-year-old, “full¬-service” rug cleaning and restoration company. Mr. Dohanian is an ARCS Certified Rug Specialist (CRS), a certified Master Rug Cleaner, and a Woolsafe North America "Fiber Care Specialist" as well as a member of the International Society of Appraisers.
Certified Clean Care
Members can make own hotel reservations.
ARCS’s “Practical Dye Removal for the Rug Washer” course is a good primer on a complex subject. Ben did a great job explaining the principals and practical application of the most commonly encountered bleaches used in our industry. Those applications were then demonstrated at work in multiple real-world scenarios, not just “ideal” situations. Balancing risk versus reward, Mr. Knause walked students through an experienced professional’s thought process and approach to each problem. Participants were then given ample opportunity to practice with each product under the watch of an experienced cleaner, allowing them to get a better handle on the use of each type of product. This class will shorten the learning curve of anyone getting into color correction and is a must-attend course for any experienced cleaner who wants to know more about the subject. Armen Dohanian - Oriental Rug Cleaning Co.
Looking for a Rug Care Specialist?
To be a member of ARCS, companies and individuals must be dedicated to the association's highest standards. Our members are experienced professionals committed to the highest levels of customer service, technical knowledge and business management in the rug cleaning industry.
Please browse our member directory to find the rug care specialist located closest to you.