As seen in the Copperview Written by Kyran Enzi of the Copperopolis Area Business Association Chris and Heidi Landrum moved to the Gold Country in 1995 and began a carpet, rug and furniture cleaning business they named A-Pro Carpet & Fabric Care. They offer friendly, professional service for residential and commercial carpet cleaning, area rug cleaning, furniture cleaning and air duct cleaning. Over the years, with the addition of a spacious facility, the business further evolved into A-Pro Rug Spa for wool and specialty rug cleaning. The husband-wife team describe what they do. "We've labeled ourselves as authentic 'hand washers', which is a blend of new age equipment with old school techniques," they explain. "We love all aspects of our business, but are passionate about the cleaning of specialty and wool area rugs," Chris said. Rugs are often considered artwork and can express personality and style. Some are family heirlooms with family history, and rugs often hold sentimental value to their owner. A-Pro uses their new facility to do extra large rugs, and no rug is too small. Chris finds, that unlike carpeting, rugs always have a story. People love their rugs, whether they have been purchased at Macy's or been handed down from Grandma. "It doesn't have to be a rug of value to be restored," Chris says. "You just never know what is special to someone." Heidi has a passion for the rugs. Besides acting as full-time receptionist, bookkeeper, and scheduler, Heidi enjoys the intricate stitching required when making repairs. "It's her niche," Chris says. "She' s a puzzle person, and doing the detailed repair work fits her." Whether it's need for overcastting, repairing or replacing a fringe or binding, the family team has worked on numerous rug types and styles. If it' s a rug approaching something of value from the pre '40s or '30s, or simply one that brings enjoyment because of color and texture, each job is treated independently. It is the process that is required to clean wool and specialty area rugs that makes it different than cleaning standard wall to wall carpet. Chris is an IICRC Master Carpet and Textile cleaner, receiving certification through the Institute of Inspection Cleaning & Restoration. A-Pro is proud to use non-toxic, hypoallergenic and biodegradable cleaning agents. "We used 'green' cleaners even before it was popular," Chris said. The company offers pick up and delivery, or customers are welcome to drop off items at the plant located at 16044 #B Via Este in Sonora. Call 588-1111 for more information, or visit www.aprorugspa.com. In the cleaning plant is a beautiful rug from India which appears to be about 30 years old. Its design displays a hunting theme, with kangaroos, tigers, peacocks and antelope. It has multiple colorful borders. Chris expects to take from 7 to 10 days to complete the cleaning process. "You don't clean rugs like you do carpets. In a world where everything is rushed, cleaning patience is required. The same tempo is used to keep consistency." - Chris Landrum Owner-Operator, A-Pro Rug Spa