Care & Cleaning Guide
Rugs
When properly cared for, hand-knotted rugs last for generations. For serious cleaning or stain removal, ATELIER AGAHZADEH recommends consulting with a company that specializes in hand knotted rugs.
Vacuuming
Weekly vacuuming with a stationary brush hose attachment removes surface dirt before it settles, and prevents moth damage. Vacuums with rotating bristle brushes are not recommended as they may exacerbate shedding and abrade the fibers.
Sprouting
Hand-knotted rugs periodically sprout loose threads, which can be cut away with a small pair of scissors. As a rug is composed of thousands of individual knots, trimming a sprouted yarn will not compromise the integrity or appearance of the rug.
Shedding
New silk, wool, cashmere, and alpaca rugs tend to shed loose fibers. Shedding will dissipate over time and should not be a concern. Regular vacuuming with a soft brush attachment is recommended to reduce the appearance of shedding.
Wear
To reduce fading and uneven wear, ATELIER AGAHZADEH recommends rotating your rug 180 degrees at least once a year, if possible.
Storage
Rugs should be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid water damage. If stored for an extended period of time, rugs should be rolled on a tube and covered with protective acid-free plastic such as Tyvek. Do not use paper to wrap a rug. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Placing heavy objects on top of a rug or storing a rug folded for long periods of time can crush the pile.
Rug Protection
Rug protection treatment is applied in-house at our distribution center; it is sprayed on, is odorless and protects the rug from everyday spills that can occur, adding 2-3 days to the shipping lead-time. The majority of stains will immediately bead up allowing you to quickly blot up with a towel. However, on the occasion that a stain does leave a marking on the rug, the protection treatment will allow for easier cleaning by a professional. Lifetime of rug protection depends on usage. In the event the rug is professionally cleaned, sealant will need to be re-done. Cost is $4/sq ft once $100 minimum is met.
There are many benefits to rug
protection:
– Water repellant
– Oil repellant
– UV protection SPF40
– Improved soil resistance and soil release
– No discoloration or impact to hand
– Odorless
Cleaning
Professional washing is recommended as needed to prevent dirt buildup. Often involving total immersion of the rug into a wet bath, any cleaning should be done by a handmade rug specialist with proper cleaning practices and drying facilities.
Hemp and Linen
Rugs made from hemp or linen are prone to water spots and should be cleaned with dry cleaning solvents only. If water spots occur, the rug should be given a professional wet bath cleaning (fully immersed in water and dried evenly) to remove the spot.
Spot Cleaning
In case of spills, blot up as much liquid as possible with a clean white cloth. Do NOT rub. See below for general cleaning suggestions and always consult a professional before attempting to clean your rug.
Stain Guide
Process for Cleaning Stains: Silk / Wool
STAIN (SILK / WOOL) | STEP 1 | STEP 2 |
Blood | 9 | 2 |
Butter | 3 | 2 |
Chocolate | 2 | 5 |
Chewing Gum | 8 | 2 |
Coffee / Tea | 1 | 2 |
Ink | 1 | 2 |
Make Up (Most) | 3 | 2 |
Nail Polish | 7 | 2 |
Oil & Grease | 3 | 2 |
Paint (Latex) | 1 | 2 |
Paint (Oil) | 6 | 2 |
Shoe Polish | 3 | 2 |
Urine (Wet) | 1 | 2 |
Urine (Dry) | 2 | 5 |
Vomit | 2 | - |
Wax | 8 | 2 |
Wine | 4 | 2 |
Cleaning Steps:
- Cold Water Rinse
- Mild Carpet Shampoo &/or Detergent Mix
- Dry Cleaning Solvent (HOST)
- Absorbent Powder (Salt/Talcum Powder)
- 1/3 White Vinegar, 2/3 Water Mix
- Mineral Turpentine
- Clear Nail Polish Remover
- Freeze Using Ice, Shatter and Remove
- 1/3 Ammonia, 2/3 Water Mix
Note: Due to the uniqueness of each cleaning situation, Atelier Agahzadeh assumes no liability for expertise with which cleaning or care is carried out. All responsibility rests with the user.
Process for Cleaning Stains: Hemp / Linen
STAIN (HEMP / LINEN) | STEP 1 | STEP 2 |
All Stains | 3 | - |
Cleaning Steps:
- Cold Water Rinse
- Mild Carpet Shampoo &/or Detergent Mix
- Dry Cleaning Solvent (HOST)
- Absorbent Powder (Salt/Talcum Powder)
- 1/3 White Vinegar, 2/3 Water Mix
- Mineral Turpentine
- Clear Nail Polish Remover
- Freeze Using Ice, Shatter and Remove
- 1/3 Ammonia, 2/3 Water Mix
Note: Due to the uniqueness of each cleaning situation, Atelier Agahzadeh assumes no liability for expertise with which cleaning or care is carried out. All responsibility rests with the user.