Designer Rugs – General Care & Cleaning

Your rug is a work of art and deserves the same care and attention you would devote to a fine piece of furniture. However, the hand-knotted rug is constructed in such a manner that with surprisingly little care, it should maintain its beauty and utility for generations.

Vacuum Regularly:

Regular vacuuming will help remove destructive grit that is tracked on the surface and sifts through the wool fibres to the foundation of the rug. Occasionally, you should vacuum the back of the rug to draw out the very short, light-absorbing bits of yarn that can otherwise dull the lustre of the carpet. A good rule-of-thumb is to use low power for low pile and high power for high pile; however, it’s wise to avoid the highest setting. Also, never vacuum a rug’s fringe.

Rotate Rug Frequently:

This allows for equal wear and exposure to sunlight. In high-traffic areas, we recommend doing this once a year.

Clean As Required:

Generally not more than once every two to five years, and preferably by a professional carpet cleaner. This will remove the grit and dirt that becomes deeply embedded as well as the surface soiling that dulls the appearance of the carpet. Cleaning should be done only by a professional cleaning service that specializes in hand-woven rugs, and not by a broadloom cleaner unfamiliar with this product.

Handle Stains Immediately:

Whenever possible, clean a spill before it has a chance to set. First, scrape up any solid dirt or blot up excess liquid with a paper or cloth towel. Depending on the type of spill, a simple variety of household solutions may be used.

About Wool Shedding:

The wool used in Stickley Designer Rugs comes from Tibetan (or Himalayan) Highland Sheep; the elevation and harsh climate of the Himalayas results in the longest stapled wool in the world, five to eight inches! Unlike cheaper, less durable wools, a characteristic of this exceptional wool is a prolonged period of shedding, which will stop in time depending on the wear and use of the rug. Frequent vacuuming is the best way to keep shedding under control until it stops. While inconvenient, shedding is in fact a sure sign of the quality and longevity of your wool rug.

Removing Rug Label:

If you wish to remove the rug’s label, apply lighter fluid to a clean white cloth and wipe back and forth in the direction of the fringes or ends of the rug. Never wipe in a circular motion. The lighter fluid is a safe solvent that will remove the adhesive residue. Fabric cleaner and fast-drying lacquer thinner are also good, safe solvents. You will find some loose wool fibres rubbing off with the cleaning motion, but this is the result of rubbing or wiping, not a reaction to the solvent. The odour of the solvent will dissipate quickly, and there is no need to clean the area a second time with soap and water.

Note: When using solvents, never smoke or light matches while applying the cleaner. These are safe products to use but highly flammable while applying.