Care & Maintenance
Thank you for supporting ANDINA, our artisans, and our mission. To help you properly maintan your rug, here are some useful tips and instructions for care and maintenance so that you can enjoy it for many years to come.
If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]
Rugs
Each ANDINA rug is handcrafted using natural materials and traditional techniques. Proper care will help preserve its beauty and integrity over time.
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.
Cushions
Each ANDINA cushion is handmade with natural materials and deserves thoughtful care to ensure its longevity.
If a liquid spills on the cushion, it’s best to act quickly to prevent the stain from setting. First, gently remove any solid residue. Then, blot the area using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Press from the outside of the stain inward to draw out the liquid—never rub, as this can damage the fibers. Repeat until the area is dry.
If the stain is still visible, you can apply a small amount of lukewarm water and blot again using the same method. A small amount of wool-specific detergent may be used, but rinse thoroughly to avoid residue or color fading.
For dried stains, try blotting with a clean white cloth dampened with a mix of lukewarm water, mild detergent, and white vinegar. Press gently with vertical dabs, avoiding any rubbing. If the stain persists, we recommend seeking help from a professional cleaner experienced with natural fibers.
The covers of ANDINA cushions can be removed and washed by hand in cool water with a gentle detergent. To remove the insert, untie the woolen knot tucked into the back opening. During washing, avoid wringing—gently massage instead. You can then run a slow spin cycle in the washing machine and lay flat to dry in the sun.
Avoid storing your cushions in plastic bags, as they may trap moisture and cause discoloration. Store them in a clean, dry, and well-ventilated place, and check them occasionally—especially if not in regular use. Moths can be a risk in dark, humid areas, so we recommend regular inspection.
Loose threads may appear with use—this is normal in handmade textiles. Push the thread back into the weave with a blunt tool, or carefully trim it. Avoid cutting structural threads. If needed, tie a knot close to the base and trim the excess.
Loose threads may appear with use—this is normal in handmade textiles. Push the thread back into the weave with a blunt tool, or carefully trim it. Avoid cutting structural threads. If needed, tie a knot close to the base and trim the excess.
Throws
Each ANDINA throw is woven by hand with natural fibers—either sheep’s wool or llama—and deserves gentle care to maintain its softness and character.
Throws made with natural fibers—like sheep’s wool or llama—may develop small balls of fuzz over time, known as pilling. This is caused by friction and is a normal part of the aging process of quality wool textiles, not a defect.
To reduce pilling, you can gently remove the fuzz using a fabric shaver or a de-pilling comb. You may also use a wool brush to refresh the surface every so often. Anti-pilling sprays are available too, but we recommend sticking to natural methods whenever possible.
If a spill occurs, act quickly to prevent the stain from setting into the fibers. Carefully remove any solid material and blot the liquid using a clean white cloth or paper towel. Gently press from the outside of the stain inward—never rub. Repeat as needed.
If the stain remains, apply a small amount of lukewarm water and blot again. You may use a small amount of wool-specific detergent, but rinse thoroughly to avoid residue or color fading.
For dried stains, a mix of lukewarm water, mild detergent, and white vinegar can be used. Dampen a clean white cloth with the solution and dab the area carefully without spreading the stain. If in doubt, or if the stain persists once dry, consult a professional cleaner.
Never machine wash or soak the entire throw in water. This may cause deformation or affect the natural dyes.
Throws made of llama or wool should be stored properly to avoid damage from moisture or pests. Keep your throw in a clean, dry space with good ventilation and indirect light. Avoid dark, humid places and inspect regularly when not in use.
Do not store your throw in plastic bags, as this may lead to discoloration over time. Instead, use a breathable cotton bag or simply fold and place it on an open shelf or drawer that allows air flow.
In case of moth activity, contact a textile care specialist. Preventive measures are always better than treatments.
It is common for handwoven throws to have loose threads from time to time. If this happens, use a blunt-tipped tool to gently push the thread back into the weave. If the thread can’t be tucked back, carefully trim it—avoiding structural yarns.
When in doubt, tie a secure knot close to the surface and trim off the excess.
We don’t recommend applying stain-repellent products. These can trap liquids and make stains harder to remove—even for professionals. Sheep’s wool and llama fiber both contain natural oils that offer a degree of resistance to staining.
These guidelines are suggestions based on best practices for caring for handmade, natural fiber throws. If you’re ever unsure about how to clean or treat your throw, it’s always safest to seek help from a textile care professional.