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Care & Maintenance
Natural fibers woven by hand last for decades with simple care. A few habits keep each piece looking the way it did the day it arrived.
The Essentials
Caring for Your Rug
01
Vacuum Often
Low suction, no rotating brush, following the direction of the weave.
02
Blot, Never Rub
Act quickly on spills and press gently from the outside in.
03
Rotate Twice a Year
Evens out wear from sunlight, furniture and foot traffic.
04
Dry Clean Only
A professional cleaning every one or two years. Never water.
In Detail
Rug Care, Step by Step
Vacuuming
Dirt and foot traffic wear wool fibers down over time, so vacuum regularly, and more often in busy areas. Use a low setting without the rotating brush, follow the direction of the weave, and vacuum the back from time to time.
Spills and Stains
Lift any solids, then blot with a clean white cloth, pressing from the outside of the stain inward. Never rub. If a mark remains, blot with a little lukewarm water, then with lukewarm water, a drop of mild soap and white vinegar. Avoid stain removers. Let mud dry completely, then vacuum. Wool is naturally rich in lanolin, which helps it resist liquids. Pet urine is the most damaging spill: clean it right away, as it can permanently affect the wool and its color.
Professional Cleaning
Never wash a rug with water at home or in a machine: it can deform the weave and affect the color. Have it cleaned every one or two years by a specialist in handwoven wool rugs.
Loose Threads and Pilling
A loose thread is normal in a handwoven rug. Ease it back into the weave with a crochet hook or a blunt tool; never pull it. Light pilling can appear with use and can be removed carefully with a fabric shaver.
Rug Pads
A pad keeps the rug in place, protects it from the weight of furniture and makes it softer underfoot. Use a single piece; if you need more than one, place them side by side without overlapping. Cut the pad about 2–5 cm (1–2 in) smaller than the rug, and do not lay it on a floor that has just been sealed or varnished until it has fully cured.
Sunlight and Heat
Avoid strong direct sun, intense lamps and heat sources such as fireplaces or heaters for long periods: they can fade the colors and dry out the fiber. Our rugs are made for indoor use.
Moths and Storage
Keep rugs in clean, dry, ventilated rooms; regular vacuuming also keeps moths away. To store a rug, clean it first and wrap it in breathable cotton, never plastic, which traps moisture.
Plant Matter
Our wool is natural, so a small twig or bit of plant fiber may occasionally appear in the weave. Pull it out gently by hand or with tweezers; never cut it with scissors.
Stain-Repellent Products
We do not recommend them. Wool's natural lanolin already resists stains, and these products can trap liquids and make stains harder to remove.
A Note on Handwork
Natural fibers and handwork bring small irregularities, a loose thread now and then, and a surface that softens with use. They are part of the piece, not a defect.
These are general recommendations. When in doubt, consult a cleaning professional experienced with handwoven natural fibers. ANDINA is not responsible for damage caused by cleaning or treatment.
