Caring for Your Handmade Carpet

Regular 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 and deliberate strokes.
• Follow the natural direction of the pile whenever possible.
• Avoid repeatedly vacuuming the fringes and edges.
• If the fringes are likely to be caught by the vacuum, fold them beneath the carpet or clean them separately with a soft brush.

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

Non-Slip Underlay

A good-quality non-slip underlay is strongly recommended, particularly on marble, tile, timber and polished floors.

Its benefits include:

• improved safety,
• reduced movement,
• protection of the carpet’s foundation,
• prevention of ripples,
• increased comfort,
• longer carpet life.

Make sure the underlay is suitable for both the carpet and the type of flooring beneath it.

Rotating Your Carpet

Rotate your carpet 180 degrees every six to twelve months.

This helps to:

• distribute wear evenly,
• minimise traffic patterns,
• reduce uneven fading caused by sunlight,
• prolong the carpet’s appearance and life.

Protection from Sunlight

Like any coloured textile, a handmade carpet’s colours may gradually change when exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

To minimise fading:

• use curtains, blinds or UV-filtering window film,
• 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 the fibres,
• foundation rot,
• insect infestation.

Always keep carpets dry, dry floors completely before replacing them, attend to spills immediately and 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 a pot or saucer without being noticed, causing serious damage to the carpet’s fibres and foundation. Keep plants well away from the carpet or place them on a waterproof stand over a hard floor.

Airing and Ventilation

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

Occasionally:

• open windows and doors,
• allow fresh air to circulate,
• prevent the build-up of moisture.

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

Drying a Wet Carpet

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 that the pile, foundation and floor beneath are thoroughly dry.

Never leave a wet carpet folded or rolled, place it near direct heat, or hang a saturated carpet to dry. Handmade carpets should be dried flat whenever possible to prevent distortion.

Furniture and Heavy Objects

Heavy furniture may create depressions in the pile.

To minimise this:

• rotate the carpet periodically,
• move furniture occasionally, where practical,
• use protective pads beneath furniture legs.

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

Fringes and Edges

Fringes are structural parts of a handmade carpet, rather than merely decorative additions.

To protect them:

• vacuum them lightly or brush them gently,
• keep them away from floor-cleaning chemicals,
• have loose or damaged fringes repaired promptly.

If a fringe becomes caught in a vacuum cleaner, switch off the machine and release it by hand. Never pull it free.

Sprouting

Occasionally, a yarn tuft may rise above the carpet’s surface. This is normal in handmade carpets.

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. Avoid sharply folding or creasing it.

Refreshing a Wool Carpet

To refresh the surface of a wool carpet, lightly dampen a clean white cloth with a very weak solution of white vinegar and water. Test the solution on an inconspicuous area first, then gently stroke the surface in the direction of the pile.

Do not soak the carpet, and do not use this treatment on silk, antique or colour-sensitive carpets. When in doubt, seek professional advice.

Insect Prevention

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

Regular vacuuming, including beneath furniture, together with occasional airing, is usually sufficient to prevent infestation.

If a carpet is to be stored for an extended period, use suitable moth protection and inspect it periodically.

Professional Washing

Professional washing should be carried out when necessary, depending on use, environment, pets and the level of traffic. Heavily used carpets may require cleaning every one to three years, while others may need it less frequently.

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

Always use a specialist experienced in washing handmade carpets. Ordinary carpet-cleaning machines and steam cleaners may cause irreversible damage.

Storage

Before storing a carpet:

• have it professionally cleaned, if possible,
• make sure it is completely dry,
• inspect it for signs of insects or damage.

For proper storage:

• roll the carpet carefully, without folding it,
• roll it with the pile facing inward,
• wrap it in a clean, breathable protective covering,
• use appropriate moth protection,
• store it horizontally in a dry, well-ventilated place,
• keep it away from direct sunlight,
• do not place heavy objects on top of it,
• inspect and air it periodically during long-term storage.

Avoid wrapping a carpet directly in airtight plastic, as trapped moisture may lead to mildew.