The great thing about
handmade area carpets is that
they do not really need much
maintenance. Most area
carpets will last several decades,
and in the case of finer carpets
of higher quality, a carpet can
last for centuries.
Walking on carpets will not hurt
them, in fact, many corporations
use handmade carpets in foyers
or in front of elevators where
traffic is highest.
Although these carpets can easily
withstand such abuse, they
will definitely last longer
with a little intelligent
TLC.
 Unwrapping
The Carpet
- Carefully cut
the wrapping tape only, with
scissors. Unwrap plastic layers,
and unroll.If
there is a chemical odor,
allow to stay for a day or
so in a well-vented location,
until odor disappears.
Abrash
- Many Persian area
carpets have slight differences
of color and tone in large
color fields. These striations,
sometimes even of a totally
different color, are the definite
proof of one thing: this carpet
was made by hand. This 'abrash'
can be caused by nomadic changes-of-residence,
and the weaver's decision
to complete the carpet at
his new location. Waiting
for another 'crop' of wool
from his sheep can take the
longest. Then finding local
flora to make more dye is
the always-uncertain element.
Inevitably there is a minor
or major difference, but this
is the inherent charm that
these carpets display, by
bringing us closer to the
daily struggles of these primitive
nomads. Of course, some slightly
more sophisticated weavers
sometimes add a touch of abrash
to increase the apparent age
of a tribal or city carpet. This
adds to the charm and authenticity
of your hand-made work of
art.
Fold
Creases
- These will flatten
and disappear with regular
walking, and a corner of the
carpet that does not lay flat
should be kept under a pile
of books, or similar, for
a few days.
Coasters
- Try to use coasters
under all furniture legs,
to spread the weight of specially
thin legs or casters over
a larger
area. Old glass coasters are
best, still available from
some fine antique dealers,
or estate and rummage sales.
Positioning
The Carpet
- Please be aware
that your entire carpet may seem
many shades darker or lighter,
depending on the direction
of its pile to the main source
of light! This is mainly because
of the high lanolin content
in fine wool. Try it in each
direction to determine which
suits your room better, or
the particular season of the
year. Rotating it by season,
or when you set the clocks
back or forward, will allow
traffic patterns to fall on
new areas, thus extending
the life of your area carpet.
The subtle changes of color
from dark to light, or vice
versa, can later be a welcome
design boost in any interior.
Pets
- Small domestic
friends that have not yet
been house-broken should be
kept far, far away from your
new heirloom…
Under-padding
- Under-padding is
used to provide airflow between
your floor and the carpet, in
addition to stabilizing the
carpet. Airflow allows the carpet
to breath, which in turn will
extend the life of the carpet.
Under-padding also prevents
the crushing and wearing of
the pile from heavy use, another
way of greatly extending the
life of your carpet. We offer
several different sizes of
under-padding at excellent
prices, you may view them
in carpet care items |
