Caring for Your Handmade Carpet

A handmade carpet is designed to last for generations. Proper care and a few simple precautions will help preserve its beauty, colours, texture, and structure for many years. Most damage to carpets occurs not through normal use, but through neglect, excessive moisture, direct sunlight, improper cleaning, or delayed treatment of spills.

Vacuuming

Regular vacuuming is the simplest and most effective way to maintain your carpet.

  • Vacuum at least once a week, or more frequently in high-traffic areas.

  • Use a standard vacuum cleaner without rotating brushes, beater bars, or aggressive bristles.

  • Vacuum gently using slow, deliberate strokes.

  • Follow the natural direction of the pile whenever possible.

  • Avoid repeatedly vacuuming fringes and edges.

  • If the fringes are likely to be caught by the vacuum, fold them underneath the carpet before vacuuming or clean them separately with a soft brush.

New wool rugs may shed loose fibres during the first months of use. This is normal and does not affect the quality or longevity of the carpet.

Rotating

Rotate your carpet 180 degrees every six to twelve months.

This helps:

  • distribute wear evenly,

  • minimise traffic patterns,

  • reduce uneven fading from sunlight,

  • prolong the carpet's appearance and life.

Protection from Sunlight

Like any coloured textile, prolonged exposure to direct sunlight may gradually alter colours over time.

To minimise fading:

  • use curtains, blinds, or UV-filtering window films,

  • rotate the carpet periodically,

  • avoid leaving one area exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods.

Moisture: A Carpet's Greatest Enemy

Excessive moisture can cause permanent damage to a handmade carpet.

Potential problems include:

  • colour run,

  • mildew,

  • unpleasant odours,

  • weakening of fibres,

  • foundation rot,

  • insect infestation.

Always:

  • keep carpets dry,

  • dry floors completely before placing carpets back down,

  • clean spills immediately,

  • avoid prolonged exposure to damp conditions.

Particular care should be taken in humid climates.

Potted Plants

Never place potted plants directly on a carpet.

Water may seep through the pot or saucer without being noticed and cause serious damage to the carpet's foundation and fibres.

Airing and Ventilation

Good ventilation helps maintain a healthy environment for both carpet and home.

Occasionally:

  • open windows and doors,

  • allow fresh air to circulate,

  • prevent the build-up of moisture.

A slight woolly or storage odour may occasionally be present when a carpet is first unrolled. This normally disappears after a few days of use and ventilation.

Spills and Spot Cleaning

Act immediately when spills occur.

The longer a spill remains, the greater the chance of permanent staining.

Liquid Spills

  1. Blot immediately using clean white paper towels or absorbent cloths.

  2. Remove as much liquid as possible.

  3. If necessary, apply a small amount of clean room-temperature water to dilute the spill.

  4. Continue blotting until no further transfer occurs.

Solid or Semi-Solid Spills

  1. Carefully lift the material using a spoon or blunt scraper.

  2. Work in the direction of the pile.

  3. Avoid pulling at the fibres.

General Rules

  • Always blot or dab.

  • Never rub or scrub.

  • Never use excessive force.

  • Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre.

  • Test any cleaning solution on an inconspicuous area first.

Mild Cleaning Solution

For stubborn stains, use a very small amount of:

  • diluted mild hair shampoo, or

  • wool-safe soap.

Apply gently with your fingers or a soft brush, then remove residue by blotting with clean water and absorbent cloths.

Avoid:

  • bleach,

  • chlorine-based cleaners,

  • strong detergents,

  • ammonia,

  • petroleum-based solvents,

  • harsh stain removers.

For silk carpets, antique carpets, colour-sensitive rugs, or valuable collector pieces, seek professional advice before attempting stain removal.

Drying

If a carpet becomes wet:

  • remove as much moisture as possible,

  • place it flat in a well-ventilated area,

  • use a fan if necessary,

  • ensure both carpet and foundation are thoroughly dry.

Never:

  • leave a wet carpet folded,

  • place it in direct heat,

  • hang a saturated carpet for drying.

Handmade carpets should always be dried flat to prevent distortion.

Furniture and Heavy Objects

Heavy furniture may create temporary depressions in the pile.

To minimise this:

  • rotate the carpet periodically,

  • move furniture occasionally if practical,

  • use protective pads under furniture legs.

Avoid using office chairs with wheels directly on handmade carpets, as repeated rolling pressure can cause excessive wear.

Fringes and Edges

Fringes are structural components of the carpet rather than decorative additions.

To protect them:

  • vacuum lightly or brush gently,

  • keep them away from floor-cleaning chemicals,

  • repair loose fringes promptly.

If fringes become caught in a vacuum cleaner, switch off the machine and release them by hand. Never pull.

Sprouting

Occasionally a yarn tuft may rise above the carpet surface.

This is normal in handmade rugs.

Simply trim the protruding yarn level with the surrounding pile using sharp scissors.

Never pull the yarn out.

Ripples and Waves

Slight ripples may occasionally appear after shipping or storage.

These usually settle naturally after a few weeks of use.

If necessary, the carpet may be rolled briefly in the reverse direction to help relax the fibres.

Restoring Brightness

To refresh the appearance of a wool carpet:

  • mix one part white vinegar with several parts water,

  • lightly dampen a clean white cloth,

  • gently stroke the carpet in the direction of the pile.

This may help restore brightness and remove surface residues.

Avoid this treatment on silk carpets.

Insect Prevention

Moths and carpet beetles are generally attracted to dirt, dust, food particles, and neglected carpets.

Regular vacuuming and occasional airing are usually sufficient prevention.

If storing a carpet for an extended period, use appropriate moth protection.

Storage

Before storage:

  • have the carpet professionally cleaned if possible,

  • ensure it is completely dry.

For storage:

  • roll the carpet with the pile facing inward,

  • wrap it in a breathable protective covering,

  • use moth protection,

  • store it vertically,

  • keep it in a dry, well-ventilated place,

  • avoid direct sunlight,

  • do not place heavy objects on top.

Non-Slip Underlay

A quality non-slip underlay is strongly recommended.

Benefits include:

  • improved safety,

  • reduced movement,

  • protection of the carpet foundation,

  • prevention of ripples,

  • increased comfort,

  • longer carpet life.

This is particularly important on marble, tile, timber, and polished floors.

Professional Washing

Professional washing is recommended every one to three years depending on use, environment, pets, and traffic.

Homes with heavy use may benefit from more frequent cleaning.

Professional washing is not merely cosmetic. It removes deeply embedded dirt, restores the fibres, and allows early detection of any structural issues.

Always use specialists experienced in handmade carpets.

A Final Note

Handmade carpets are living textiles made from natural materials. Slight irregularities, colour variations, occasional shedding, and signs of age are often characteristics of authenticity rather than defects.

With proper care and maintenance, a fine handmade carpet can remain beautiful and functional for generations, becoming part of the history of the home in which it lives.