RUG CARE

Our handmade rugs are infused with a rich history of ancient craftsmanship, which means they have a long-life expectancy. To preserve their beauty and prolong their life, it’s important to please follow these suggestions for rug care.
For all large scale commercial projects we will send a Rug Care guide specifically for your project.

THE BASICS

Vacuum Regularly

New rugs shed a bit at the beginning, which is created from excess fibres when it's made. For low pile rugs, vacuum your rug once a week, especially at the beginning, to remove the fluff and prevent any dust settling into the base fibres.

Use a vacuum cleaner with a suction setting (avoid using a beater bar or rotating brush head, as this can pull at the fibers)

Try not to use anything too high powered, as it can loosen the fibres. If you can, beat the back of the rug to loosen the dust and debris and then vacuum on a low setting.

Regular vacuuming also helps deter moths, which love wool rugs especially.

For longer pile rugs, be gentle - excessive vacuuming can create more damage, so we recommend beating or shaking it instead to dislodge dirt then go over it lightly with a vacuum cleaner.

Rotate Periodically

Rotate your rug 180° every 6-12 months to ensure even wear. This will help prevent one side from becoming more worn or faded than the other.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can cause the colors of your rug to fade. To preserve the vibrant colors, consider placing your rug away from windows or using curtains to block intense sunlight.

Loose Threads

If a thread becomes loose in your rug, carefully cut it with sharp scissors - do not pull it as it will loosen the fibres. Do this as soon as you spot it to ensure the fibres don’t become more loose.

Installation

Use a sturdy underlay underneath to minimise stress on the fibers and reduce the friction between the rug and the floor. Pelican House can provide a suitable underlay for your type of rug.

Add protective cups under furniture legs to help stop permanent indentations.

Regularly change the position of furniture that sits on your rug to help protect the carpet fibres from being crushed.

Inspection

Check your rug every couple of months to make sure you can catch any issues that may damage the rug early on.

CLEANING

Spot Cleaning

If you spill something on your rug, act fast! For minor stains (e.g., food or drink spills), quickly blot, don’t rub, with a clean cloth, working from the outside of the stain inwards. Use a neutral solution like soda water or Woolite diluted in lukewarm water.

Rinse thoroughly with water to remove any soap residue and blot the area dry with a towel. Let the rug air dry completely. Be careful not to use excessive amounts of water as this can cause ‘browning’, where the wool becomes oversaturated and leaves a brown stain.

Don’t use chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the fibers and the dye.

Avoid washing up liquid - if you do, make sure it’s completely washed out with water before leaving to dry to avoid damage to the dyes.

For red wine, avoid anything acidic - apply a tiny drop of wool wash onto the area using a clean, absorbent material and gently rub into the surface. Always work from the outer edges inwards to stop the stain from spreading.

Salt is a helpful tool for oil- based spills. Apply table salt to the affected area and dab it with your finger to ensure it is completely absorbed.

Deep Cleaning

If none of the above works, then we recommend hiring a professional rug cleaning service. We highly recommend Classic Rug Care.

We recommend professionally cleaning your rugs every 2-4 years to keep your rug thriving for as long as possible - judge how often depending on how much traffic it’s getting.

Drying

After cleaning, always air dry your rug. Lay it flat in a well-ventilated area, avoiding direct heat sources like radiators or direct sunlight, which can cause the fibers to shrink or fade.

Dealing with Moths or Pests

It is advised to keep your rug clean and free of food debris and excess dust. If you notice any pests, vacuum thoroughly.

Moisture

Avoid getting the rug too wet, as this can damage the backing and potentially cause mildew or mold.

CONTACT US

If you require more comprehensive cleaning and care recommendations or have any questions about looking after your rugs please get in touch: studio@pelican-house.com