Rug care & maintenance
With proper care, a new rug can look its best for years to come. This doesn't just apply to how rugs are cleaned, but also how they are stored and what other products are used with them to extend their lifespan.
All rugs are handmade by skilled artisans and are checked to meet quality standards before shipment. The following simple facts will help you to understand your rug and prolong its life.
Color
No two rugs are the same. Marginal color variations occur across different rugs due to the hand dying process, varying sun exposure and different lots of dyes used in handmade rugs. These imperfections usually add to the beauty of the product!
Creasing
New rugs may have some creases due to folding done at time of packing for the shipping. These usually go away after the rug has been laid flat for some time. Reverse rolling the rug overnight will help.
Smell & odor
Smell & odor from the rug making and natural fibers can accumulate due to shipping & storage in sealed bags. These will naturally go away after the rug is removed from the packaging and allowed to air.
Fading/Wear and tear
Rugs will show mark of wear and tear over time. Fading will happen especially if exposed to direct sunlight. Rotate the rugs every 6-8 months to ensure a uniform look.
Shedding
New rugs often shed loose fibers as a natural part of the wearing in process. Shedding will subside over time, depending on traffic and wear. It typically takes 20-25 vacuums, at a minimum, to curtail shedding. Some will shed for the lifetime of the rug.
Stray fibers
Loose fibers, or sprouts, are a normal part of the break-in process of handmade rugs. To remove sprouts, use a small pair of scissors to snip them off even with the pile. Do not pull the fiber out, as this can cause damage the rug.
MAINTENANCE OF YOUR RUG
How to clean your rug
Regular vacuuming is important to keep rugs in top condition. It helps to remove any surface dirt before it can be ground into the fibers and prevents discoloration and staining with time.
Vacuuming & Cleaning Tips
- Canister vacuums without beater bars are recommended for cleaning rugs
- Many of today’s upright vacuums are super high powered. The high suction can pull out the threads from the back of a rug and cause “sprouts.” Use the handheld attachment to vacuum your area rug, whenever possible.
- Brooms and other manual sweeping methods are also suitable for cleaning rugs
- Avoid beater bars as they can damage the rugs
- If the rug has finished edges like pom-poms, refrain from continuously running the vacuum over the edges, as this will loosen fibers around the edges and cause them to deteriorate
Spills & drips
- Clean spills immediately. Once a stain is set, it becomes much more difficult to clean. Gentle Fabric Stain Remover can help eliminate many stubborn stains.
- Never rub a spill, as this forces the spill deeper into the rug. Instead, blot the stain with a clean white cloth.
- For wool rugs, use lukewarm water to remove any residual stain, as wool is more prone to bleeding and staining than synthetic fibers.
- Always use clean water to remove any residual cleaner, and dry towels to absorb any remaining moisture
Storage of rugs
Careful storage of rugs will ensure they have long lifespan and prevent damages. Kindly clean the and dry the rug before storing. Store the rug in dry dark space after rolling it.
If possible wrap the rug in plastic or fabric before storing. Store in areas clean from insects. Avoid storing heavy objects on rugs as this can cause hard creases or tears.