Rug Care and Maintenance

• Vacuum cleaning with a soft-bristled brush (don't use a motorized carpet 'beater brush' designed for machine-made looped pile carpets) at least once a week is recommended to prevent surface dirt from working its way into the foundation. Rugs should not need to be washed if vacuumed regularly. Avoid pulling the fringed ends when vacuuming.
• A rubber underlayment with a natural fiber top layer will keep your rug (and yourself) from slipping on the floor, and will prevent premature wear on the underside of the rug from abrasion. This type of underlayment is widely available at commercial (machine-made wall-to-wall) carpet shops.
• Most Tibetan and Afghan rugs can be hand-washed in cold water with Woolite® to remove accumulations of ordinary dirt, and put in the sun to dry. A cup or two of white distilled vinegar in the washwater helps prevent dye runs in many cases, and brings out the sheen of the wool. Dye runs are always a risk, however, and we recommend that rug owners test for potential dye runs by gently rubbing a small area with a white cotton cloth dampened with a solution of one teaspoon of Woolite® diluted in one gallon of water, especially on red and orange areas. If the colors rub off, consider having the rug dry-cleaned by a professional rug dry cleaner. Never use detergent or shampoo on handmade rugs. Stains require expert advice and attention.
• For other kinds of rugs, seek professional advice before washing.
• Cotton warp and weft threads are very stable in changing humidity, but subject to damage by mildew. We recommend keeping the humidity below 60% to prevent mold and mildew.

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