Rug Guide
General Care
Abrash (Colour matching)
Rug wool is produced in batches, and with village type rugs, these batches can be rather small. Whilst the recipe used by the dyer most often remains constant (as possible), and followed almost flawlessly, there are sometimes differences in colour from one batch to the next. This is to a large extent due to the wool, which being basically an animal’s hair, will dye differently to the next, and also due to the natural dyes being used, which again will cause varying results. This is not actually a fault in the rug in anyway. Some people will find the abrash an intriguing and attractive aspect of the rug, whereas others will not.
In terms of village and tribal rugs, it certainly does add a certain charm to some, but in terms of extremely fine pieces, and workshop rugs, this would realistically reduce the value of the item and can detract from the beauty of the rug sometimes. Judgement must be used when buying a fine or workshop item with abrash as full price should never be paid in this instance.
This process is not an exact science, is subjective and usually down to the judgement of the dyer based on his/her experience.Shedding
All pile rugs will lose short fibre very quickly when new, which is created during production when the pile is cut to required height. These fibres fall onto the surface of the pile and appear as ‘fluff’.
The effect varies with material type, pile height and knot density and may be removed by vacuum cleaning several times. This excess fibre is only a small fraction of the total fibre contained in the rug. Note that a rug will shed consistently over the period of its lifetime in any case, due to the effects of wear. This is one of the most common questions we are asked about in relation to modern hand tufted and shaggy rugs. These two are most susceptible due to the method of construction and pile height. For more information read our Weaving page by clicking here.
Shaggy pile rugs will suffer this effect quite obviously as the pile is a tall height and the strands are quite loose. For the first few weeks at least, it is very easy to gather handfuls of wool by stroking the pile of the shaggy rug with even medium force. For this reason we feel that care and attention should be used when considering a Shaggy rug for a young child's bedroom as they may inadvertently pull out strands or large amounts of fibre.Pulled Loops
Pulled loops occur only in looped pile rug where one or more loops in the continuous pile is pulled though the primary backing of the rug. This is usually due to some local condition, possibly some sharp object which has caught in a loop in situ and has resulted in pull. Pulled loops are easily dealt with by trimming the offending end level with the rest of the pile. They should not be left as this could result on further loops being pulled and developing a ladder.
Sprouting
Occasionally an odd tuft or strand or two can work its way to the surface and stand proud of the rest of the pile. This is probably due to one end of the tuft being longer than the other i.e. J shaped tuft instead of V shaped. Remedial action merely requires that the offending tufts be scissor trimmed level with the rest of the pile. They should never be pulled.
Shading
Shading occurs because the pile of the rug has become crushed, flattened or brushed in a different direction to the natural lie of the pile whilst in situ. This causes light reflection at differing angles resulting in the creation of light and dark patches on the rug. This will occur on all pile fabrics but can be more noticeable on plainer rugs because the shadows created on pile pressure will not be disguised by a heavy pattern or design.
This can be remedied on wool rugs by using an clothes iron, a fine cloth and sprinkles of water. Do not use the iron on a steam or hot setting and it is preferred if the iron does not come in direct contact with the rug. Do not use this method for anything other than wool pile rugs.
(1) Sprinkle small amounts of water (preferably using a spray to give a fine mist distributed evenly and well) over the affected area.
(2) Heat the iron to the correct, mild setting for wool.
(3) Place the fine cloth over the affected area and use the iron to heat the cloth, move both the cloth and the iron in the correct direction that the pile should lie.
(4) Some people use the iron directly but it is not recommended as the cloth gives a safety barrier in case of any possible damage (i.e. underside of iron being dirty or having any burnt particles from other fibres, or even the iron being too hot to use among other possibilities).Static
Rugs do not actually produce static but like other fabrics and objects have the capacity to store it. Static is caused by the build up of static electricity on persons in a dry environment and is discharged when a person makes contact with an object, which can conduct electricity.The intensity of the static charge will vary depending upon the individual, air humidity and the contact material. Static is usually associated with synthetic materials (especially common in Acrylic hand tufted rugs) as they are not very good at retaining moisture but it is possible to occur with wool in very dry room conditions, although rare in any case.
Preventative measures include the introduction of moisture into the room or in situ treatment.Fading On Wool
Rugs made from wool can fade in use. The degree of fading can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions in which the rug is sited.
Fading can be caused by the exposure to ultra violet light which is found in daylight, but is accelerated when sunlight shines directly onto the rug. This has the effect of lightening or “Bleaching” the colour just as exposure to sunlight will lighten human hair. Wool is animal hair.
Protection should be given to rugs exposed to such conditions just as you would protect other furniture or fabrics.Pile Reversal
This occurs when the pile (nap) of the rug changes direction and as such reflects light at different angles showing the effects of shading which can become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’. This can happen to any carpet or rug construction be it Axminster, Wilton, Tufted, Hand Woven, Persian, Chinese, Indian or even Coir Matting. As with shading, it can be more apparent on plain rugs because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur at anytime during a rug's life. A tremendous amount of research has been carried out over many years by many institutes to determine the cause of this phenomenon and it is not considered a manufacturing fault. As with shading, using a clothes iron set to a mild temperature appropriate for wool, and gently heating the pile and brushing it into the correct direction can sometimes remedy this.
Do not use the iron on a steam or hot setting and it is preferred if the iron does not come in direct contact with the rug. Do not use this method for anything other than wool pile rugs. You can also use a hairdryer and a comb or brush
Using a clothes iron
(1) Sprinkle small amounts of water (preferably using a spray to give a fine mist distributed evenly and well) over the affected area.
(2) Heat the iron to the correct, mild setting for wool.
(3) Place the cloth over the affected area taking lines at a time and trying to get the cloth as far down into the pile as possible, and use the iron to heat the cloth, move both the cloth and the iron stroke the pile into the correct direction. You can bend the rug slightly to expose the roots of the pile more.
(4) Some people use the iron directly but it is not recommended as the cloth gives a safety barrier in case of any possible damage (i.e. underside of iron being dirty or having any burnt particles from other fibres, or even the iron being too hot to use among other possibilities).
Using a hairdryer and comb
(1) Sprinkle small amounts of water (again preferably using a spray with a fine mist) over the affected area.
(2) Using a comb or brush, expose the roots of the pile as much as possible by parting the pile (you can also bend the rug slightly at the affected area to help).
(3) Using the hairdryer on a mild, warm only setting, comb or brush the pile in the correct direction. Ensure you are not getting the pile too hot and do not have the hairdryer pointed at the rug for too long. Repeat, patiently, for the remainder of the affected area.
Note that starting right from the base and having a good deal of patience will give the best results!Indentations
When a rug is subjected to a heavy point load, such as under the legs of furniture, it is unreasonable to expect the rug not to indent. Usually, the longer the load is in place, the longer will be the time for the pile to recover. In the case of very heavy loads in place for a considerable time, the recovery time can be very considerable.
It must be remembered that it is not only the pile of the rug that becomes indented, the underlay will also indent and the backing of the rug may also distort into the indentation in the underlay. Some underlays will recover better than others depending on their composition, thickness, density etc.
By placing cups or spacers below furniture legs to spread the load, the effect is minimised by creating a larger area with a less deep indent.
Often normal maintenance (vacuum cleaning with a rotating machine) will speed up recovery but in the case of serious indentations the use of an iron and damp cloth or a steam iron together with a blunt darning needle to carefully tease up the pile can be beneficial. Care must be taken not over wet the rug, of course.Flattening
Flattening will occur as result of traffic, which eventually flattens the pile particularly in the main areas of use. All pile fabrics will flatten to greater or lesser degree dependant on the amount of traffic to which it is subjected and the construction (tuft density / pile fibre / height / weight) of the product concerned.
Soiling
Soiling is usually the result of some local condition to which the rug has been subjected to, or maintenance, or lack of maintenance programme. There is nothing we as manufacturers can do to prevent soiling in use. There are several types of soiling which are quite common:
Spillages – Liquids such as soft drinks, cordials or any drink which contains sugar, particularly hot drinks, is likely to leave a stain. In such instances, professional help should be sought.
Shampoo – if incorrectly applied, can leave sticky soap residues in the fibres, which can result in the soiling reappearing quite rapidly.
Dust – which is carried on draughts can soil rugs in various ways.
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Size Charts
This chart is designed to help you identify what size area rug or width hall runners are available in the market today that will be appropriate for your needs.
Remember to get the best results you will need to have an idea of what area you need to cover before making your final decision on which size will suit your purpose. This is a general indication only and sizes may vary up to 10 cm in length or width depending on the manufacturer and country of origin.Area Rugs
| Area | Metric | Imperial |
| Bedside/doorway/etc | 60 x 120cm | 23.5 x 47.3 in |
| Db Door/Bedside/fireplace | 80 x 150cm | 31.5 x 59 in |
| Coffee table/ 2 Seater Lounge | 120 x 170cm | 47 in x 67 in |
| Entrance/2 Seater Lounge | 140 x 200cm | 55 x 79 in |
| 2 ½ Seater Lounge/ 4 Seat Dining | 170 x 230cm | 67 x 90.5 in |
| 3 Seater Lounge/6 Seat Dining | 200 x 290cm | 79 x 114 in |
| 3 Seater Lounge/8 Seat Dining | 240 x 330cm | 94.5 x 130 in |
Hall Runners
| Type | Width |
| Hall Runner standard | 67cm/26in x cont/ |
| Hall Runner Secondary | 80cm/31.5in cont/ |
Hall Runners are available in either pre-cut or continuous lengths for the use in hallways and staircases.
Pre-cut runners, are mostly made by rug manufacturers in only a few different lengths, the most common being 3.3m length. You can visually tell a pre-made runner by the border design that continues around the ends of the runner as well as the sides.
Continuous Hall runner is just that – it is made on a roll of 20 to 25m length and can be cut to your length measurement. Again 67cm and 80cm width are both available. When purchasing continuous length at rug addiction the ends of the runner that have been cut are over-locked to deter fraying and to extend the life of the hall runner.
Continuous length is also the ideal product for staircases. We do advise, that the runner is professionally fitted with the pile running downwards towards the bottom of the staircase. This reduces ware against the pile. When you measure the length you will require for the staircase, allow extra so as if wear does appear you can adjust the runner to ease the pressure off these areas.
When choosing a patterned runner for a staircase be aware that a pattern with a medallion or an unbalanced pattern will be will not look the same once layed, due to the bull nose lip on front edge of the stairs hiding part of the pattern. An all over pattern or plain centred pattern with a border would be a preferable choice.
ARE & MAINTENANCE
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Treatment
Just like everything else today, rugs need special care to prolong their beauty and provide years of use. Regular cleaning and adequate treatments will help extend the life of your rug.
Back To TopINITIAL CARE:
Vacuum both the top and bottom sides of your rug. Use a rug pad specific to the type of surface on which you will be placing your rug. This will help protect your floor or wall-to-wall carpeting and will extend the life of your rug.
DAILY/WEEKLY:
Vacuum the top side. Handmade rugs will have some natural shedding of excess fibers. (or AS NEEDED) Carved rugs will have more excess fibers. DO NOT use a beater bar vacuum. Set the head of the vacuum at the highest setting so you will not be 'pulling' out any fibers. Blot spills and stains immediately.
ANNUALLY:
Vacuum both top and bottom sides of your rug. Rotate rugs to ensure even wear and prevent fading. Replace worn rug pads.
LONG-TERM:
Professionally clean a good quality rug every 3-5 years. Hot water extraction machines are NOT recommended.
Rug-Specific Care
HAND-KNOTTED:
Vacuum on a regular basis with the pile level set on high. Be careful not to let the vacuum 'eat' the fringes.
TUFTED:
Vacuum on a regular basis with the pile level set on high.
HOOKED:
Vacuum regularly with an upholstery attachment. DO NOT use a rotary vacuum with a beater bar. If long ends appear above the top edge of the rug, DO NOT pull them. This is not a defect and is called 'sprouting'. It is a common occurrence with hand-hooked rugs. Use scissors to carefully cut the sprouted ends to be even with the rest of the rug.
BAMBOO:
Blot spills immediately. Wipe with a damp cloth. Do not saturate with water as it may damage the backing.
JUTE & SISAL:
For indoor use only. Keep away from excessive moisture. Blot spills immediately using a clean towel until most of the moisture is absorbed. Do not steam clean or use any method of cleaning that involved water saturation. Professional cleaning only.
Stain/Damage Cleaning
FLOOD DAMAGE:
First blot excess water. Lay flat and then dry by air using a fan or low temperature hair dryer. Vacuum. Professionally clean good quality rugs.
SPILLS:
First blot excess liquid. Clean with a white cloth using a dry cleaning fluid or a simple solution of 1 Tsp. mild detergent such as Woolite, 1 Tsp. white vinegar and 1 Quart warm water. Extract excess liquid with a wet/dry vacuum.
STAINS:
Since different stains require different cleaning treatments, it is important to identify the cause and nature of the stain. Below is a list of common stains and how they are best removed. Always test your cleaning solution on a portion of the rug not seen.
Recommended Stain-Specific Cleaning Treatment
We recommend the use of a mild carpet cleaning detergent for the cleaning of all rugs. The cleaning process should involve applying the product with a soft bristle brush, rinsing lightly with water (not saturated), extracting with a vacuum, and the rug should then be dried by air or a low-temperature hair dryer.
| Acid-based | Mild detergent & white vinegar |
| Alcohol | Mild detergent & white vinegar or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Bleach | Mild detergent & white vinegar |
| Blood | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Starch paste |
| Butter | Dry cleaning fluid |
| Charcoal | Vacuum and then warm water and mild detergent |
| Chewing Gum | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Chocolate | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Coffee | Glycerine, or Dry cleaning fluid and then warm water and mild detergent |
| Cosmetics | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Crayon | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid, or scrape and vacuum |
| Furniture polish | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Glue | Alcohol |
| Grass | Methylated spirits, or Turpentine |
| Gravy | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Grease | Dry cleaning fluid, or scrape and vacuum |
| Ice cream | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Ink | Turpentine, or Dry cleaning fluid then warm water and detergent |
| Medicine (liquid) | Call a professional rug cleaner. |
| Metal polish | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Mildew | Call a professional rug cleaner. |
| Milk | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Mud | Mild detergent & white vinegar |
| Mustard | Mild detergent & white vinegar |
| Nail polish | Nail polish remover (non-acetone) |
| Oils or oily spills | Dry cleaning fluid |
| Paint | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Perfume | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Permanent marker/ink | Call a professional rug cleaner. |
| Salad dressing | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Sauces | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Shoe polish | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid, or scrape and vacuum |
| Soot | Vacuum, and then Dry cleaning fluid |
| Tea | Mild detergent & white vinegar |
| Urine (pet) | Call a professional rug cleaner. |
| Vomit | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |
| Wax | Cleaning fluid, or scrape and vacuum |
| Wine | Mild detergent & white vinegar, or Dry cleaning fluid |