With proper care, a fine handmade rug will last many generations. Rugs are
sturdier than many people believe; however, they need periodic attention
to preserve their value. Normal cleaning can be performed at home on a
regular basis, and Carol Piper Rugs recommends our professional hand-washing
every three to five years for all fine rugs.
Home Care for your Rug Installation
It is imperative that you place a high-quality foam pad under your rugs.
A good pad will not only prevent skidding, but will protect the rug from
undue wear. Flatweave or short pile rugs need thinner pads; thick pile
rugs need thicker pads. At Carol Piper Rugs, we offer the highest quality
pads, suited for a variety of rugs.
Weekly cleaning
We highly recommend a thorough vacuuming every week. Dirt works its way
into rug fibers and over time acts like a razor blade, gradually destroying
the knots deep in your rug.
When vacuuming, remember the following:
- Adjust the machine’s brushes to the pile height of the rug.
- Avoid the rug edges and fringes.
- Vacuum against the pile direction, then finish by vacuuming in the same
direction as the pile.
- Shift the position of furniture slightly to relieve prolonged crushing
of fibers.
Periodic Maintenance
Rugs should be turned every 6 months to a year, to avoid wear and fading
in high-traffic or sunny areas. Inspect your rugs carefully for signs
of dry rot, mildew, or infestation by moths. Look for areas of extra wear.
In the event of either problem, bring your rug immediately for professional
repair to halt the damage.
Emergencies
In the event of a spill, act fast. Scrape or blot up the spill, and use
club soda or highly diluted Woolite in cold water to soak it. Use as much
fluid as necessary to remove the spill, blotting continuously and working
to dry it as much as possible. Work from the center to the edges, and
work quickly to avoid rings. Do not scrub vigorously, and do not use solvents
such as vinegar or ammonia, as they can set a stain permanently.
In the event of a major mishap, your rug will need professional attention.
Professional Carpet and Rug Cleaning
Emergency stains or no, we recommend a professional cleaning every 3-5
years, especially for rugs in high traffic areas, with large families,
or where pets or dampness are a concern.
Before the washing process begins, rugs are checked for color-fastness
and structural damage. Our experts then hand-wash each piece with a chemical-free
soap that is specially derived from prickly pear cactus juice. This natural
cleanser preserves the lanolin in the rug fibers, which safeguards the
luster and color of the wool. Rugs are carefully allowed to dry at room
temperature.
For particular problems, such as pet urine or red wine, we prepare special
cleaning solutions in-house to treat stains and odor.
During the cleaning process, each rug is handled with the utmost care,
whether it is a rare antique or a new decorative carpet. Our careful cleaning
process will restore your rug’s appearance and enhance its value.
Repair
All our repairs are done by hand. The goal of our weavers is to restore
carpets to sound condition while preserving the intrinsic character of
a fine work of art. The most common repairs to rugs are on the ends and
edges, where unraveling can occur over time. Holes or severely worn areas
can also be repaired by hand. Colors, wool and knots are carefully matched
to the existing structure of the carpet.
At Carol Piper Rugs, we ensure the proper care for your rug so that it
will give you and your family decades of pleasure. Call or email us for
your cleaning and restoration needs!
