Everyday

• Vacuum regularly, as needed.
• Vacuum small rugs rather than shaking them.
• Use caster cups under the legs of chairs to protect the rug. They could be found at a hardware store.
• Look under rugs regularly for signs of moth damage - tunnels or tufts of wool. If you find signs of moths, have all of your rugs professionally cleaned, as well as your wool clothing.

Spot Cleaning

• Clean a spill immediately before it has a chance to set. Carefully blot up excess liquid with a paper towel, and then pour a small amount of club soda onto the soiled area. With a soft cloth, blot (do not rub) the stain from the outer edges inward to avoid spreading the stain.

For specific spills, a variety of household solutions may be used:

• Fresh food - sprinkle cornmeal on the spot. It will act like a blotter. Then vacuum.
• Tea stains - remove with soda water.
• Red wine - remove with white wine.
• Grease - Try a mild cleaning fluid, having first tried it on a small, hidden area on the rug.
• Gum - harden with an ice cube, and then gently scrape it off.

Finally, blot up excess liquid and elevate the dampened spot to allow air circulation until dry. If you are unsuccessful, contact a professional rug cleaner. For large spots, tough or dark stains (blood, wine, soft drinks, fruit punch, animal stains) have the rug professionally cleaned as soon as possible.

Long Term

Depending on the amount of traffic the rugs experience, they should be cleaned every two to three years. We encourage the use of a professional cleaning service that specializes in oriental rugs, not a broadloom cleaner unfamiliar with the hand-woven product. Professional cleaning will remove dirt, as well as the surface soiling that gradually dulls the appearance of a carpet. Do not use commercial dry cleaners, as your handmade rug will require re-blocking following the cleaning process. Only professional Oriental rug cleaners are qualified to provide this service.

To extend the life of your oriental carpet, turn it 180 degrees every year or two. This helps to even out your rug exposure to traffic and sunlight.

Rug Pads / Soil and Stain Treatment

We recommend soil and stain resistant treatment on area rugs and underlay padding be used. We suggest that rugs be professionally cleaned every year depending upon the traffic.

To enhance the life of your rug, we recommend the use of a rug pad. For all types of rugs, the appropriate rug pad will help to:

• Eliminate buckling, curling and slippage
• Slow down the aging process by keeping distance between the rug and any floor dust and dirt.
• Make vacuuming more effective.