Caring for rugs

Day-to-day Maintenance

We recommend that rugs are always used with an anti-slip underlay. This will prevent the rug from
sliding or slipping on hardwood or stone floors.
Rugs should be regularly brushed or hoovered with a suction-only appliance to prevent the build-up
of damaging dust and grit.
Rugs should also be turned occasionally to prevent wear and tear. Hoovering the back of the rug
every now and again will keep it dust-free.
Avoid, if possible, placing very heavy furniture on rugs. If unavoidable, place casters under small or
sharp pointed feet.

Damp environments are very damaging to our rugs as they are made from natural materials such as
wool, cotton and/or silk, which are susceptible to mould. Intense heat, i.e. from an open fire, dries out
the natural oils in the wool making it weak and brittle.
Excessive direct sunlight can cause fading. Whilst some fading is often desirable and natural, too
much ruins the look of the rug and reduces its lifespan. We recommend using blinds or curtains to
prevent fading.
Pay attention to the placement of your rug, rotating it from time to time to gain a subtle and even
fade in colours.

Pet urine, if left un-cleaned, can cause severe damage in the form of rotting and discolouration.

Damage from moths and other household rug-eating pests is more likely to be avoided if the rug is
cleaned regularly (by brushing or hoovering) and is exposed to light and not hidden away in damp or
dark conditions.
A rug with a moth infestation is not difficult to clean if caught early but re-weaving a large area of
the rug if the damage is severe is an expensive process. If moth grubs are discovered, we recommend
hoovering both sides and then using a rug-friendly moth spray to finish. If you are still concerned,
we recommend that professional help is sought to ensure that any evidence of moths is completely
removed.

Remove all spills immediately. Blot liquid spills with a clean, dry, white cloth; work towards the centre
of the spill. Do not rub or use abrasive cleaners as this may damage the rug. Should the piece become
stained or suffer other damage, we recommend using a professional cleaning service.

In general, hand-knotted wool rugs may occasionally require a full wash. However, if the fringes
are a little dirty, they can be cleaned without the entire rug being washed. However, to renew the
appearance of your rug, we recommend using a professional cleaning service.

The best way to store rugs is to roll them (widthways rather than lengthways) up tightly, starting the
roll from the side that is opposite the direction of the pile. To prevent the rug from unrolling, use rope,
string or ribbon to tie it up. Three or more pieces of rope may be required; ensure that they are evenly
spaced through the width of the rug. The rugs should then be wrapped in polythene with some moth
balls and stored in a dry place.