Care & Maintenance

Too much accumulation of dirt and constant foot traffic on the rug can cause premature breakage of the wool fibers, drastically reducing its useful life.

We recommend regular vacuuming of the carpet, and the more traffic it receives, the more frequently it should be vacuumed.

This must be smooth, without friction and without brush. Try not to use your vacuum’s highest power and always follow the direction of the fabric. Do it carefully and remember to vacuum both sides of the rug.

The rug should never be washed with water in a washing machine or by hand. This could cause loss of color and deformation of the carpet. Cleaning should be dry only. If deep cleaning is necessary, we advise you to go to professional dry cleaners who specialize in this type of carpet and dry cleaning.

In case of liquid stains, it is important to act quickly and prevent the stain from drying out on the rug. First, remove any solid material that may live on the rug. Then, use a cloth (or even paper towels) to absorb the liquid. You have to press gently and never scrub the carpet, which may prevent loosen some fibers. Repeat this step as many times as necessary. If the stain remains, apply a small amount of warm water and blot using the method described above.

If the stain still remains, you can clean it using a sponge with warm water, mild soap and white vinegar, gently pressing with small vertical strokes. Repeat the operation as many times as necessary.

If the stain cannot be removed with these at-home methods, go to a professional. Don’t use a stain remover.

In case of dirt or mud stains, always let dry, and then carefully vacuum or remove by hand.

Sheep’s wool, unlike other natural fibers, contains lanolin, a substance that acts as a natural stain repellent and prevents liquids from being absorbed.

The appearance of loose threads is common in hand-woven rugs. To solve this, we have to carefully push the thread inwards using a crochet hook or a blunt pointed instrument. If the thread is long, the process must be repeated until it is secured again within the fabric.

After a certain time of use, it is likely that pilling – fluff in the form of pellets – will occur. This is easily removed using a razor. To do this, and very carefully, cut well flush with the carpet, avoiding damaging or breaking the structure of the fabric. Remember, you must do this very lightly.

It is important to rotate your rug a couple of times a year. Rotating your rug helps promote even wear from things like sunlight, weighted furniture, and uneven foot traffic.

There are several benefits of using an anti-slip under your rug. By adding thickness, it protects your rug from the weight of the furniture, and you’ll obtain a softer and more comfortable rug. It also will affixe your rug to the floor, thus preventing it from moving and providing greater security. It also helps keep it in a good state of cleanliness, allowing dust to pass through the fabric and settle on the floor. It is preferable to have a single piece of non-slip. In case of using more than one piece, they should not be superimposed but placed one next to the other without leaving spaces between them. Never place anti-slip on an uncured surface.

Pests can be a problem with natural fiber rugs. They appear in dark, humid, and inaccessible spaces.To prevent their appearance, keep the rug in clean, dry, and well-ventilated spaces.Vacuuming your carpet regularly also helps prevent the presence of moths

If you have a problem with moths or other pests, we recommend seeing a professional carpet cleaner.

When dealing with rugs dyed with natural dyes, we must avoid exposure to sunlight (or strong lamps such as dichroic) directly and for prolonged periods of time. This can lead to premature loss of color. Our rugs are for indoor use; never use it outdoors where it can suffer from sun damage or humidity.

If you are going to leave your rug in storage for a long time, it is important to clean it first, and place it somewhere dry with good ventilation.

There is a greater risk of damage from moths when we store the carpet, especially when stored in dark, damp, spaces with poor ventilation.

Never store the rug in plastic bags. Wool can “perspire” during storage, releasing and accumulating moisture in the fibers. Plastic doesn’t allow the carpet to breathe which can cause odor and/or mold problems.

It is essential that everyone involved in cleaning the home is aware of the proper care that the carpet requires.

We recommend that rugs receive professional cleaning at least once every 1 to 2 years. This will depend on the amount of foot traffic the rug receives and the space where it is located. Always go to a professional with experience in washing and cleaning hand-woven wool rugs.

ANDINA is not responsible for possible damage caused by the cleaning and care instructions on this page. We always recommend consulting with a cleaning professional if you are unsure about the proper course of action and for carpet emergencies.