Floor Care: Area Rugs

The first thing we recommend is that you purchase a pad to put underneath your rug. This will keep your rug from sliding around, which can cause premature wear, and will help retain its original appearance longer.

Second, rotate your rug periodically. Over the years, set traffic or sunlight patterns can cause fading or uneven wear on a rug that isn't occasionally rotated.

When you first place your rug, should you notice a few stray yarns, don't be alarmed! Sprouting is a situation in which yarns that may have been embedded in the pile during the shearing process may work their way to the surface during initial use of the rug. This is perfectly normal and does not affect the durability of the rug. Simply clip these yarns with scissors to the height of the rug pile.

Vacuuming is the best way to remove everyday dirt and dust. (Special care should be taken in the fringe area as vacuuming with a beater bar can catch and pull the fringe, causing separation.) In the first year after bringing home your new rug, we recommend vacuuming at least two or three times a week to remove the excess fuzz that accumulates on the rug surface. This fuzzing is perfectly normal and in no way shortens the life of the rug. It is merely the result of loose fibers created during the weaving process.

After the first year, how often you should vacuum depends on how much traffic there is over the rug. In highly traveled areas, you may need to vacuum as often as once a day to keep soil from accumulating.

Professional Cleaning

We suggest sending your rug to a reputable professional who is accustomed to cleaning rugs of this quality when your rug appears dirty or has set-in stains. In-home cleaning is not recommended, though we do suggest taking immediate action in the case of spills to lessen stains.

Immediate Action on Spills

Natural wool fiber sheds liquid spills, so quick action offers the chance of preventing a stain. The following action will help you prevent stains from setting in.

• Never rub a spill. You will only force the spill deeper into the fibers and possibly ruin the nap of your carpet.
• Except for latex paint spills, remove any solids using a spoon or blunt knife. Work from the edge of the stain inward, scraping in the direction of the pile whenever possible. Latex paint, which solidifies on rubbing, should be rinsed with large amounts of water, then gently blotted with white paper towels or napkins.
• Press absorbent white paper (paper towels, tissue, napkins, etc.) gently on the stain and repeat until as much moisture as possible is absorbed.
• Try to remove any residual stain with a little lukewarm (not hot) water containing a small amount of carpet shampoo or mild dishwashing liquid and pure white vinegar.
• If water fails, the next step is solvent. (Always check the solvent manufacturer's label for possible toxicity or flammability hazards.) Before attempting to clean, always test the effect of the solvent by applying a few drops to an unseen area of the rug, then blotting with a clean white tissue or paper towel. Any solvent must be used sparingly, and according to manufacturer's suggestions.
• Apply the solvent directly on the stain and work gently with a spoon handle. Blot out quickly and gently with absorbent white paper until as much moisture as possible is absorbed. Repeat the process until the stain is removed, never overwetting the stain. This can cause rings on your rug, and some solvents can damage the latex-coated backings used on some rugs.
• If it is not possible to use a solvent, greasy stains may be removed by placing an absorbent white paper on the stain and ironing the paper for a few seconds. This will soften the grease, which is then absorbed by the paper.
• Never walk on a moist area of your rug, as this can distort the pile. A blowdryer can be used to accelerate drying of moist spots.