FAQs

How To Maintain Your Rugs:

Frequent vacuuming is essential to maintain a wool carpets appearance.

An upright or canister suction-only vacuum is best for wool carpet. Shiraz Rug Gallery does not recommend vacuums with beater bars as they can cause pile distortion and affect the long-term appearance of the carpet surface. The vacuum cleaner dust bag or canister should be emptied when full.

Keep a Spot/stain Removal Kit on hand for quick response to spills and accidents.

 

How To Keep Your Wool Carpet Looking Great

1. Vacuum regularly

2. Remove spills immediately

3. Professionally clean as required, usually no more than once every one or two years.

Shiraz Rug Gallery is a certified “Woolcare Specialist”

Call 760.863.5020 to have your rug professionally cleaned.

 

Vacuuming

The most important maintenance step is proper vacuuming. Regular and thorough vacuuming at least once every two weeks, and more often in heavy traffic areas will remove soil and dirt particles before they become embedded into the pile of the carpet. Remember, you cannot over-vacuum a rug.

 

Spot and Spill Removal

One of the most crucial areas of carpet maintenance is removal of spots and spills. Acting quickly when anything is dropped or spilled and always having the necessary cleaning material on hand are of the utmost importance. The recommended method is to blot up liquids with a white paper towel or absorbent cloth. Scoop up solids with the end of a butter knife or spoon and then treat the spot according to the cleaning instructions guide. Apply spot removal agent to a clean towel or cloth - not directly to the spot. Use small quantities at a time. Always work inwards from the edge to prevent spreading. Do not rub, as this may cause the spot to spread or distort the pile. Do not over-wet the rug pile. Afterwards, blot as dry as possible with a clean towel and then cover with paper towels and let dry.

 

Cleaning

This product should not be cleaned by carpet cleaners due to the nature of the fibers, dyes and the weaving techniques.

The longevity and durability of your rug is contingent upon the way it is cared for and maintained. Handmade Rugs should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years or more often depending on environment.

Shedding, Sprouting and Creasing

Common characteristics of natural rug fibers include:

Shedding: Typically occurs with time, after several vacuum cleanings or the first handwash of the rug.

Sprouting: Occurs when fibers are handspun, which produces an inconsistent number of twists in the yarn as compared to more uniform machine spun yarn. The inconsistent nature of hand spun yarn causes some fibers to elongate and sprout. This is a normal occurrence with Rugs created with hand spun yarn

Creasing: Occurs when the rug has been folded or rolled during shipping. Creasing will disappear after unrolling the rug for a week or two. Rolling the rug in the reverse direction can speed up the process of eliminating creases and steaming can also expedite the process. 

 

Directions for stain remover use: Before using, test on a small inconspicuous area of the rug to be cleaned. After spraying stain remover on and allowing it to dry, look for color loss or change. If you observe changes, discontinue use immediately and contact Shiraz Rug specialists.

 

Spot Cleaning Rugs For the Most Common Spills

Pet Urine:

Step One: Use a large thick towel or multiple layers of paper towel to soak up as much of the urine as you can.

Step Two: Create a distilled vinegar solution. The ratio of the solution is a simple 1:1 ratio. Place your solution into a spray bottle and apply directly to the affected area. When using any cleaning solution on your area rug, always test a small inconspicuous portion of the pile to ensure colorfastness. 

Step Three: Once you have applied the Vinegar solution you will need to allow it to sit for 1-2 minutes. Allowing the solution to sit will not only help release the stain but break down odor causing enzymes. Blot the stain (Do not rub) dry using an absorbent cloth or paper towels. Repeat this step as necessary.

Step four: If there is still odor, the active ingredients in baking soda work wonders to eliminate them. Simply sprinkle the baking soda on your rug, allow to sit for 15 minutes and then vacuum.

 

Coffee

Step one:  Combine one table spoon of mild dish washing liquid with one table spoon white vinegar.

Add this mixture with two cups of warm water and gently apply the solution with a clean cloth. 

Step two: Once you have covered the affected area use a clean dry cloth or paper towel to gently blot the stain until the stain has been removed. Repeat Steps as needed.

 

Red Wine

The most important step in cleaning a red wine spill is to act as quickly as possible.

Step one: Blot as much of the spill as you can with a dry cloth of paper towels. Do not rub the red wine stain as this can cause the stain to penetrate further into the rug fibers.

Step Two: after absorbing as much of the spill as possible, apply cold water to the area and once again blot with a clean dry cloth or paper towels.

Step three: Mix one tablespoon of mild dish liquid and one table spoon of white vinegar. Add this mixture to two cups of water.

Step four: Now apply small amounts of the solution to the stain and gently blot again with a clean dry cloth or paper towel until the stain has been removed. You may need to repeat these steps depending on the size of the spill.