Date: October 8 to October 10, 2025
Location: Woodard Cleaning & Restoration St. Louis, MO
Price: Member $1,500 | Non-Member: $2,200
Instructors: Andrija Malbasa
IICRC Continuing Education: 12 credit hours
Andrija Malbasa will lead this intensive 3-day, hands-on rug washing and dye correction class including a full day spent on advanced rug spotting & finishing techniques used in top rug plants across the country.
This class introduces chemicals and techniques used to remove dye migration and stains commonly used in wash plants around the world, exploring with firsthand experiences, their benefits and learning to understand their limitations. Participants receive ample time to experience hands-on wash floor rug washing, dye stripping, fringe color correction, and urine stain removal with reducing agents and oxidizers. The third day we will spend time teaching to evaluate a rug’s ‘after wash’ condition and assess what final finishing procedures it takes to deliver top quality with your rug cleaning service! As a bonus, attendees leave with a Formulation Guide to the reducing and oxidizing products used during the event and a list of various suppliers to purchase from.
Andrija Malbasa
Andrija was born and raised in Croatia. With the civil war in the 1990s his family fled to Serbia and later in 2000 immigrated to the United States. He worked as a sales floor manager at Target prior to joining Robert Mann Rugs in 2004. While he began as a driver, he helped with a variety of tasks around the facility. Showing an ability to quickly pick up different skill sets he was later asked to stay at the shop where he has learned and refined multiple skills, washing, finishing, and blocking rugs, finely rising to the level of Operations and Quality Control Manager. He has enjoyed working with Robert on a variety of projects over the years for private collectors and museums, expanding his knowledge of oriental rugs and Navajos.
2026/04 - ARCS Annual Convention 2026 (Portland, OR)
Regular price $1,200.00Date: April 15 to April 18, 2026
Location: Portland, Oregon
Price: Non-member $1,200 for a full pass, $650 for a one-day pass. To purchase, call Ann Marie Thompson directly at (503) 949-9700. Optional Saturday Tour-TBA.
IICRC Continuing Education: 14 credit hours
Agenda: download the detailed agenda for the convention
Program: download the program for the convention
If you have any questions, please contact info@rugcarespecialists.org.
The Nines
525 SW Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97204
503-222-9996
Randy & Val Hyde- Owner
Renaissance Rug Cleaning, Inc
www.renaissancerugportland.com
Randy & Val Hyde have over 35 years experience working with rugs. Renaissance Rug Cleaning specialises in the cleaning, repair, and restoration of Oriental rug , and area rugs. We run a dedicated 7,000 sq ft rug wash plant in SE Portland, designed for full-immersion hand-washing and hand rug repairs. Every rug is evaluated, dusted, washed, rinsed, and dried using methods tailored to fiber type and construction. Our goal is to preserve the integrity of each piece while delivering a thorough cleaning that meets collector, dealer, and designer expectations.
Kevin Atiyeh- Owner
Atiyeh Bros.
atiyehbros.com
After World War II, Atiyeh Bros. recognized the growing need for a dedicated rug and carpet cleaning operation. In 1949, they purchased undeveloped property on SE Division Street in Portland and built a facility specifically designed for rug cleaning—an innovative move for its time. Prior to that, cleaning had been a long, labor-intensive process done entirely by hand in the basement of their downtown store on SW 10th Avenue. Rugs were beater-vacuumed, scrubbed with soap paste, rinsed, squeegeed, and hung to air dry for days before being finished. The new SE Division facility transformed this process. In 1954, Atiyeh Bros. introduced the Pacific Northwest’s first Moores automatic rug washer, and by 1958, a two-story addition doubled the plant’s size. Constant improvements and forward-thinking investments kept the operation at the forefront of the industry. Edward Atiyeh oversaw the plant, while his brothers Richard and Victor guided carpeting and oriental rug sales. Together, they elevated both the cleaning service and the company’s reputation. That tradition of innovation continues today. The SE Division facility remains in operation, now equipped with modern advancements such as a state-of-the-art centrifuge for faster, more thorough water extraction, a wash tub system for deep cleaning, and a natural gas Hotsy pressure washer that combines efficiency with eco-friendly performance. In addition to cleaning, the facility provides expert rug repair, ensuring that every piece—whether a treasured heirloom or an everyday rug—is returned refreshed, vibrant, and ready to last for generations.
Find four free travel guides here: https://forms.traveloregon.com/domestic-visitors-guide
Parks for Hiking
2026/05 - Intermediate In-Plant Rug Cleaning (Dallas, TX)
Regular price $1,800.00Date: May 13, 14 & 15th, 2026
Location: Oriental Rug Cleaning Co., Dallas, TX
IICRC Continuing Education: 12 credit hours
Price: Member Price: $975; Non-member Price: $1800
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.
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.
2025/04 - ARCS Annual Convention 2025 (Washington, D.C.)
Regular price $750.00Date: April 2 to April 5, 2025
Location: Washington, DC
Price: Member $750 first person; $700 each additional person - To book a one-day pass for Thursday ($500) or Friday ($250), call Ann Marie Thompson directly at (503) 949-9700. Optional Saturday Tour-TBA.
IICRC Continuing Education: 14 credit hours
If you have any questions, please contact info@rugcarespecialists.org.
Aaron Glazier - President
Certified Clean Care
www.certifiedcleancare.com
Aaron has been with Certified Clean Care since 2013 and is currently the Rug Shop Manager. In that timeframe he has completed his degree with a Bachelor’s in Business Management. Got married to his bride in 2015 and recently just had his first child on Valentine’s day of this year. He completed the Master Rug Cleaner course in 2018 and has been a member of ARCS for several years now. He enjoys smoking BBQ in his off time and travels every chance he gets.
Keynote Speaker
Arnold Sanow, MBA, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional)
https://arnoldsanow.com/
speaker@arnoldsanow.com
Arnold Sanow, MBA, CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), works with Leaders and Teams to help them get along better with customers, co-workers, and employees, ensuring a more positive, productive, and profitable workplace and customer care culture.
He has delivered over 2,500 keynote speeches, professional development training programs, and facilitations to more than 500 companies, associations, and governmental agencies worldwide. He is also a former adjunct professor at Georgetown University.
He is the author of 7 books, including "Get Along with Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime," "Present with Power, Punch and Pizzazz," and the recent #1 Amazon best-seller, "Leadership in Trying Times." He is a frequent guest in the media, including CBS Evening News, ABC World Morning News, FOX Business, Wall St. Journal, USA Today, Washington Post, Time Magazine, etc.
Successful Meetings Magazine has named Arnold one of the five best "bang for the buck"speakers in the USA, and his peers rated him as one of the top 30 Global Gurus in CommunicationJared Reeves, Guest Speaker
Certified Clean Care
www.certifiedcleancare.com
Jared Reeves is the owner of Certified Clean Care, a premier carpet cleaning and restoration company. He acquired the business from his mentor in 2015 and has since led its remarkable growth, expanding revenue by over 500%. Under his leadership, the company has evolved into a multi-brand operation, now managing five brands across two states and four locations.
Jared has been actively involved in acquisitions of all sizes, strategically expanding his company’s footprint. One of his most recent acquisitions includes Carr’s Rug Cleaning in Knoxville, TN. His expertise in scaling businesses and navigating acquisitions has made him a respected leader in the industry.
Most recently, Jared was honored as a finalist in the Bulldog 100, an elite recognition awarded by the University of Georgia Alumni Association to the 100 fastest-growing businesses owned or operated by UGA alumni. The program highlights entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional growth, innovation, and leadership in their industries. Being named a finalist places Jared among an elite group of business leaders making a significant impact on the economy and their respective fields.
His journey from mentee to industry leader showcases his commitment to growth, strategic expansion, and business excellence.
Dan Antonelli
President and Chief Creative Officer
Best Selling Author, “Branded Not Blanded:
KickCharge® Your Home Service Brand”
dan@kickcharge.com
Dan Antonelli is the President and Chief Creative Officer of KickCharge Creative, an award-winning 40 person New Jersey-based branding agency that specializes in helping home service businesses redefine themselves and stand out with disruptive brands. Dan is a nationally recognized speaker and expert on home service branding, with several books on branding to his credit, including Building a Big Small Business Brand and his new Amazon best-selling book, Branded Not Branded: KickCharge Your Home Service Brand. During more than 30 years running his own agency, Dan’s marketing expertise has been featured on MSNBC and in industry magazines including Entrepreneur, HVACR Business, Plumbing & Mechanical, and Contracting Business, among many others. His signature wrap style that integrates disruptive branding has served as a model for superior home service fleet branding throughout the world. With more than 3,000 home service brands under his belt, including well-known brands like Goettl, A1 Garage, Eco Plumbing, and Grasshopper Heating & Cooling, Dan and his team have overseen the branding of more home service businesses than any other brand agency in the world.
Dan Ayoub - Owner
Ayoub Carpet Service
Dan Ayoub is President and Owner of Ayoub Carpet Service® (ACS®), a family-owned business serving Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the DC area since 1952. With over 38 years of industry leadership, Dan has built upon a legacy of quality craftsmanship, customer service, and innovation in carpet, rug, and flooring care.
Under Dan’s leadership, Ayoub Carpet Service has expanded its operations, modernized its cleaning and restoration techniques, and maintained its reputation as one of the region’s premier experts in rug care, carpet cleaning, and flooring solutions. ACS combines modern cleaning technology with traditional handwashing techniques, ensuring efficiency while safeguarding each rug’s integrity. Dan’s dedication to excellence has earned ACS numerous industry recognitions, including features in Washingtonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Northern Virginia Magazine, Best Pick Reports, and Consumer’s Checkbook, as well as certifications from CRI, IICRC, ORRA, and ARCS.
Beyond his business expertise, Dan has deep roots in the NoVa community, where he grew up and developed a strong connection to the region. From an early age, he immersed himself in the family business, learning the trade firsthand and honing the skills passed down through generations. The Ayoub name has been synonymous with fine rug care. As a dedicated successor of the original Ayoub family business, Dan takes great pride in preserving and elevating this legacy of excellence.
The Darcy
1515 Rhode Island Ave NW
Washington, DC 20005
https://www.thedarcyhotel.com/
Room Rate $289
Reservations-The Darcy
To make your room reservation and receive the discount, please call Ann Marie at (503) 949-9700.
2025/05 - Intermediate In-Plant Rug Cleaning (Dallas, TX)
Regular price $1,800.00Date: May 5-7, 2025
Location: Oriental Rug Cleaning Co., Dallas, TX
IICRC Continuing Education: 12 credit hours
Price: Member Price: $975; Non-member Price: $1800
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.
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 & pre-wash 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.