After the weaving and trimming operations have been completed, the carpet is washed. The purpose of washing is to clean and enhance the natural lustre of wool and these are achieved through removing surface dirt and excess dye and looseing and straightening the pile by the chemical and physical action applied during the washing process. Carpets can be washed in two ways: (a) simple soap and water washing and (b) chemical washing. Washing with the chemicals gives a better washing effect than an ordinary washing.

Until the late 1980s, refined carpet washing was done only in Europe. As Tibetan carpet production increased, however, European facilities became overburdened, resulting in considerable delays in timely delivery. Moreover, the refined but costly washing process in Europe gradually became highly questionable with respect to the real value of the carpets. Consequently, carpet washing was introducing to Nepal.