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, heat, direct and strong sunlight
- 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.
Pets
- Pet urine, if left un-cleaned, can cause severe damage in the form of rotting and discolouration.
Moths and other pests
- 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
Dealing with spills
- 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.
Washing
- 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.
Storage
- 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.