Care guide

At Ashtari Carpets, we pride ourselves on sourcing the finest materials to craft rugs that are not only durable but also beautiful and maintainable for years to come. When we select more delicate materials, we ensure transparency by explaining both their advantages, such as affordability, and their limitations, like specific care requirements. Below is an in-depth guide to caring for handknotted rugs made from various materials:

Wool

Wool is one of the most durable and versatile materials for rugs. It is naturally stain-resistant, resilient, and warm, making it a popular choice for high-traffic areas.

Care Tips:

  1. Regular Vacuuming: Use a suction-only vacuum to remove surface dirt. Avoid using the beater bar to prevent pulling fibers.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Use a mixture of mild detergent and water for stubborn stains, but test in a small, inconspicuous area first.

  3. Deep Cleaning: Professional cleaning every 3-5 years will keep the rug vibrant and fresh.

  4. Rotation: Rotate the rug every 6-12 months to ensure even wear.

Silk

Silk rugs are luxurious, soft, and exhibit a beautiful sheen, often making them statement pieces in a room. However, they are more delicate than wool.

Care Tips:

  1. Gentle Cleaning: Avoid vacuuming with a high-powered vacuum. Use a handheld vacuum with a brushless attachment.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth. Avoid rubbing, as it can damage the fibers.

  3. Professional Cleaning: Always use professional cleaners specializing in silk rugs. Silk requires careful handling and should never be steam-cleaned.

  4. Low-Traffic Areas: Place silk rugs in low-medium traffic or decorative areas to preserve their beauty.

Allo (Himalayan Nettle)

Allo is a sustainable, eco-friendly and very sturdy material that offers a unique texture. It is naturally strong yet lightweight.

Care Tips:

  1. Vacuuming: Use a suction-only vacuum to maintain the texture.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot gently with a mild detergent solution and avoid saturating the fibers.

  3. Professional Cleaning: Opt for professional cleaning every 2-5 years to maintain its texture and integrity.

  4. Avoid excessive sunlight: Allo rugs should not be exposed to excessive sunlight as it can color fade quicker if used in its purest form. 

Blended Allo/Wool

Blended allo and wool rugs combine the durability of wool with the unique texture of allo, creating a balanced option for various spaces.

Care Tips:

  1. Vacuuming: Regular suction-only vacuuming will suffice on low setting.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Treat spills promptly with a clean cloth and a mild cleaning solution.

  3. Deep Cleaning: Use professional cleaning services that understand blended materials.

  4. Balance Use: Suitable for medium-high traffic areas where their blend can shine without excessive wear.

Bamboo Silk

Bamboo silk is a cost-effective alternative to silk with a similar sheen but is slightly more delicate. As a cellulose-based material, bamboo silk tends to break down when exposed to water, requiring extra care. However Bamboo seems to be a better option then Viscose in rugs. 

Care Tips:

  1. Gentle Vacuuming: Use a low-power vacuum without a rotating brush.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot spills immediately with a dry cloth. Avoid water-based cleaning as bamboo silk can discolor and degrade.

  3. Professional Cleaning Only: Dry cleaning is mandatory to preserve the fiber's sheen and prevent damage.

  4. Avoid Heavy Furniture: Do not place heavy furniture directly on bamboo silk rugs to avoid crushing the fibers.

Jute

Jute rugs are eco-friendly and have a natural, earthy appeal. They are best suited for casual spaces.

Care Tips:

  1. Vacuum Regularly: Use a suction-only vacuum to remove dirt and debris.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Use a clean, dry cloth to blot spills. Avoid excessive water, as jute is highly absorbent.

  3. Dry Cleaning: Professional dry cleaning is recommended for deep cleaning.

  4. Avoid Humidity: Jute is sensitive to moisture and should not be placed in damp environments.

Mohair

Mohair is a luxurious fiber known for its softness and sheen. It is best used in low-traffic areas.

Care Tips:

  1. Vacuuming: Use a handheld vacuum or a suction-only setting to gently remove dirt.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot spills with a dry cloth and a mild detergent solution if needed.

  3. Professional Cleaning: Mohair requires expert cleaning to maintain its softness and luster.

  4. Balance Use: Suitable for low- traffic areas where their blend can shine without excessive wear.

Flatweaves

Flatweave rugs are lightweight and versatile. They are in some cases reversible, making them ideal for busy households.

Care Tips:

  1. Frequent Vacuuming: Flatweaves can accumulate dust quickly, so vacuum regularly using a suction-only setting.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot spills immediately and clean with mild detergent if necessary.

  3. Avoid heavy traffic: although we have developed a thicker and very durable collection in a thicker yarn suitabel for hospitality projects, typical flatweaves should be used in low-traffic zones. 

  4. Rotate Frequently: Rotate the rug regularly to prevent uneven wear and fading.

Pashmina Yarn

Pashmina yarn is a luxurious and soft material derived from fine cashmere. It is renowned for its warmth, lightness, and intricate detailing, making it a sophisticated choice for high-end rugs. However, due to its delicate nature, pashmina is best suited for low-traffic or decorative areas.

Care Tips:

  1. Gentle Vacuuming: Use a low-power suction vacuum to maintain the softness of the fibers.

  2. Spot Cleaning: Blot spills immediately with a clean, dry cloth. Use a mild detergent solution only if necessary, and test in a hidden area first.

  3. Professional Cleaning: Engage professional rug cleaning services that specialize in delicate materials like pashmina.

  4. Avoid Heavy Wear: Use in areas with minimal foot traffic to preserve the texture and longevity of the yarn.

General Recommendations

  • Rug Pads: Use rug pads to prevent slipping and reduce wear.

  • Sun Protection: Minimize direct sunlight exposure by using curtains or UV-blocking window films.

  • Storage: If storing rugs, roll them with acid-free paper and keep them in a cool, dry place.

Enhancing Durability with Blends

Specific blends, such as combining pashmina with wool or other robust fibers, can enhance a rug’s durability while maintaining its luxurious appeal. These blends not only improve resilience but also add unique textures and visual depth to the design. At Ashtari, we carefully select and test blends to find the perfect balance of durability and aesthetics.

Customization and Recommendations

At Ashtari Carpets, we can customize designs to suit your specific room or space if possible, ensuring that the rug complements your interior while meeting functional needs. If your rug will be placed in a high-traffic area, we can recommend design and material adjustments to enhance durability without compromising the overall look. For personalized advice and tailored solutions, our expert team is always available to assist.