Care and Maintenance

A hand-knotted carpet is made to last for generations, and simple care keeps it that way.

Shedding

For the first few weeks a new wool carpet sheds loose fibre, more if the pile is thick. This is normal and slows down on its own. Vacuum gently and it settles.

Vacuuming

Vacuum often, using suction only. Many vacuums have a spinning brush roller at the head. Turn it off or lift it away, as it is too rough for a hand-knotted carpet. Do not run the vacuum over the fringes, the loose threads at each end, or over the edges.

Rotation

Turn the carpet end to end once or twice a year. Rooms wear on one side and catch light on another, so turning it lets the whole carpet age evenly.

Sunlight

Strong, direct sunlight slowly fades colour. Turn the carpet and draw the blinds during the brightest hours if you want the colour to hold longer.

Underlay

An underlay is a thin pad laid on the floor beneath the carpet. Use a good one. It stops the carpet slipping, makes each step softer, and saves the underside from wear.

Sprouts

Sometimes a single thread works its way up and stands higher than the rest of the surface. This is called a sprout. Cut it level with the pile using scissors. Never pull it, as pulling can loosen more of the weave.

Spills

Act fast. Lift away as much as you can straight away, then:

1. Dab with a clean, dry cloth. Press down, do not rub.
2. Work from the outside of the spill towards the middle, so it does not spread.
3. If water alone is not enough, use a little mild, colour-safe cleaner. Test it first on a hidden corner.

Do not scrub, do not soak the carpet, and do not use bleach or strong cleaners. For oily, coloured or stubborn stains, call a professional.

Deep cleaning

Every few years, have the carpet cleaned by hand by a carpet cleaning specialist. A hand-knotted carpet can be washed and repaired properly, so a good cleaner can bring it back fully. Do not machine wash it, steam clean it, or give it to an ordinary dry-cleaner.

Moths and storage

Moths are the main threat to wool and like dark, still corners. Vacuum under furniture and in quiet spots, and air the carpet out from time to time. To store it: clean it first, roll it rather than folding it, wrap it in a cloth that breathes such as cotton, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Do not use plastic, as it traps moisture.

With the right care, a hand-tufted carpet stays looking good for many years. The pile is held onto a backing cloth, and that changes a few things about how you clean and care for it.

Shedding

A new hand-tufted carpet sheds more loose fibre than other carpets, and for a little longer, because of the way the pile is set. This is normal and eases over the first weeks and months. Vacuum gently and do not worry about it.

New carpet smell

When new, some hand-tufted carpets have a faint smell from the backing. It is harmless and clears in a few days if you air the room.

Vacuuming

Vacuum often, using suction only, and keep it gentle. Turn off or lift away the spinning brush roller, as it pulls at the pile. Do not vacuum the underside of the carpet.

Water

This is the main thing to know. The pile is held to the backing with a fixative, and too much water weakens that bond. Once weakened, the carpet may shed heavily, the pile may come away in patches, and the backing may separate or stiffen. This cannot be repaired, and it is not covered by the warranty. Never soak the carpet, never steam clean it, and never wash it with a hose or bucket. Keep all cleaning as dry as possible.

Rotation

Turn the carpet end to end once or twice a year so it wears and fades evenly.

Sunlight

Strong, direct sunlight slowly fades colour. Turn the carpet and draw the blinds during the brightest hours if you want the colour to hold longer.

Underlay

An underlay is a thin pad laid on the floor beneath the carpet. Use a good one. It stops the carpet slipping, softens each step, and protects the backing from wear.

Sprouts

Sometimes a single thread works its way up and stands higher than the rest of the surface. This is called a sprout. Cut it level with the pile using scissors. Never pull it, as pulling can draw out a length of yarn.

Spills

Act fast, and use as little moisture as possible.

1. Lift away as much as you can straight away.
2. Dab with a clean, dry cloth. Press down, do not rub.
3. Work from the outside of the spill towards the middle.
4. If you need more than a dry cloth, use a barely damp one with a little mild, colour-safe cleaner. Test it first on a hidden corner.

Do not scrub, do not soak the carpet, and do not use bleach or strong cleaners. For oily, coloured or stubborn stains, call a professional.

Deep cleaning

Every few years, have the carpet cleaned by a specialist who works with hand-tufted carpets, using a low-moisture method. Do not machine wash it, steam clean it, or give it to an ordinary dry-cleaner, as heavy water damages the backing.

Moths and storage

Moths are the main threat to wool and like dark, still corners. Vacuum under furniture and in quiet spots, and air the carpet out from time to time. To store it: clean it first, roll it rather than folding it, wrap it in a cloth that breathes such as cotton, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Do not use plastic, as it traps moisture.

A handloom carpet is woven on a loom with continuous lengths of yarn, which gives it a smooth, even surface. Because the yarn runs unbroken through the weave, the main thing to protect it from is snagging.

Snags and pulls

If something catches a loop and pulls a length of yarn above the surface, do not pull it out and do not cut through the loop. Ease the yarn gently back into place with your fingers. If it will not settle, leave it and speak to us. Keep sharp furniture legs, pet claws and vacuum brushes away from the surface.

Shedding

A new carpet sheds some loose fibre in the first weeks. This is normal and settles with gentle vacuuming.

Vacuuming

Vacuum often, using suction only. Turn off or lift away the spinning brush roller. On a handloom carpet this matters more than on any other type, as the brush catches the loops and pulls them. Use a flat nozzle and run it along the direction of the weave, not against it.

Viscose and bamboo silk carpets

If your carpet is viscose or bamboo silk, it is far more delicate than wool. These fibres mark easily and are permanently damaged by water. Even a small amount of water leaves a stiff, discoloured patch that cannot be reversed. Blot spills with a dry cloth only. Never use water or any liquid cleaner. Never place these carpets in bathrooms, kitchens, dining areas or anywhere near a wet floor.

Rotation

Turn the carpet end to end once or twice a year so it wears and fades evenly.

Shading

The surface may look lighter or darker from different angles, and pressure marks may appear where furniture has stood. This is the pile lying in different directions, not a fault. It settles with vacuuming and use.

Sunlight

Strong, direct sunlight slowly fades colour. Turn the carpet and draw the blinds during the brightest hours if you want the colour to hold longer.

Underlay

An underlay is a thin pad laid on the floor beneath the carpet. Use a good one. It stops the carpet slipping, softens each step, and saves the underside from wear.

Spills

Act fast and keep it dry.

1. Lift away as much as you can straight away.
2. Dab with a clean, dry cloth. Press down, do not rub, as rubbing damages the surface.
3. On wool carpets only, if a dry cloth is not enough, use a barely damp cloth with a little mild, colour-safe cleaner. Test it first on a hidden corner.

Do not scrub, do not soak the carpet, and do not use bleach or strong cleaners. For anything more than a small spill, call a professional.

Deep cleaning

Every few years, have the carpet cleaned by a specialist, using a dry or low-moisture method. Do not machine wash it, steam clean it, or give it to an ordinary dry-cleaner.

Moths and storage

Moths are the main threat to wool and like dark, still corners. Vacuum under furniture and in quiet spots, and air the carpet out from time to time. To store it: clean it first, roll it rather than folding it, wrap it in a cloth that breathes such as cotton, and keep it in a cool, dry place. Do not use plastic, as it traps moisture.