IICRC RCT study plan

Build a personal reference chart that classifies woven rug types by knot type (hand-knotted pile, hand-woven flatweave, tufted, machine-woven) and names the identifying features visible on the back of each.

Identify and describe at least eight natural and synthetic pile fibers (wool, silk, cotton, jute, sisal, viscose/artificial silk, polypropylene, polyester, nylon) by sheen, hand, crush recovery, and burn or solubility behavior as taught in fiber-identification references.

Explain how warp, weft, pile, fringe, and selvage are constructed, and predict which construction features limit wet cleaning for each of the four rug types above.

Practice distinguishing hand-knotted from hand-tufted construction using written back-side criteria (knot grid versus canvas and latex backing, fringe attachment method) without relying on images.

Match each construction type from week 1 to the appropriate cleaning method (full immersion wash, surface extraction, dry compound, low-moisture encapsulation) and justify the match in writing.

List the standard equipment for a rug wash plant (wash pit or floor, centrifuge or wringer, drying room with air movers and dehumidification, grooming tools) and state the function of each item.

Sequence the steps of a full immersion wash from dry soil removal through rinse and extraction, and identify the point at which each step can damage a fragile rug.

Demonstrate dry soil removal technique decisions (beater, vacuum with appropriate tool, compressed air) for wool pile versus flatweave versus tufted rugs.

Classify soils into the standard groups (particulate, oily/greasy, protein, starch, dye-based, mineral) and state which surfactant or additive class addresses each.

Explain pH scale behavior for wool, silk, and cellulosic fibers and justify why alkaline agents are restricted on wool and silk.

Describe the mechanism of oxidizing and reducing agents, and state which fiber or dye situations make each risky.

Build a spotting decision tree for at least 10 common stains (coffee, red wine, ink, rust, urine, blood, oil, mustard, vomit, tea) that names the chemistry used and the fiber-specific cautions.

Write a pre-inspection checklist that records fiber, construction, origin, size, existing damage, prior repairs, fading, pile distortion, and pre-existing stains.

Draft a client intake conversation script that sets expectations on color bleed risk, shrinkage, fringe damage, and pre-existing conditions, and obtains documented consent.

Identify the personal protective equipment and ventilation requirements for solvent-based spotting agents, oxidizers, and dust-generating dry soil removal.

Outline the documentation set for a job file: signed authorization, condition report, photographs, product safety data sheets, and post-cleaning sign-off.

Compare agitation tools (hand grooming, mechanical brush, orbital, compression pad) and state the fiber and construction conditions under which each is unsafe.

Explain water temperature, dwell time, and rinse-completeness as variables, and predict the effect of each on wool, silk, and cellulosic rugs.

Describe controlled wet testing and crocking tests, and specify where on a rug to perform them.

Plan a controlled drying setup with airflow and dehumidification, and state target moisture and time limits for wool pile versus thick tufted rugs.

Identify dye classes and dyeing methods (natural dyes, acid dyes, chrome dyes, direct dyes) and predict which are most bleed-prone under wet cleaning.

Explain the causes of color bleeding and crocking, and list the pre-test and process controls (pH control, water temperature, dwell time, drying speed) that reduce risk.

Describe the treatment path for an active bleed, including which reducing or oxidizing agents are used and the fiber-specific limits.

List the specialty rug categories (silk, antique, prayer, nomadic/tribal, hooked, needlepoint, oriental reproduction, sisal/jute) and state the cleaning restriction that applies to each.

Specify drying conditions (air movement, temperature, humidity, airflow direction, pile orientation) and identify the signs of over-drying, under-drying, and browning.

Describe finishing steps (grooming, pile setting, fringe combing, blocking to size) and the inspection criteria for each.

Perform a post-cleaning inspection checklist covering color change, shrinkage, pile distortion, fringe condition, odor, and residual moisture.

Explain how to document and communicate a post-cleaning finding, including when the condition is pre-existing versus cleaning-induced.

Review all domain notes and rewrite the weakest three topics into one-page summaries from memory, then verify against source references.

Answer at least 100 practice questions across all domains, log every miss by domain, and re-study the two domains with the highest miss rate.

Rehearse the client conversation, pre-inspection, and post-inspection scripts aloud until delivered without notes.

Confirm logistics for exam day: identification requirements, allotted time, question format, and any permitted reference materials.