CARPET CARE

Moroccan Berber tribal carpets are functional pieces designed to warm the home, and to show off the weaver’s skills. They were first crafted by people who valued design, and believed in the power of signs and symbols. Hand spun wool provided both warmth and endurance against being trod on and rolled up and carried by nomadic tribes. Moroccan carpets are usually loosely woven, with a much lower knot count than say, Persian rugs. Caring for them should ideally reflect that loose, artisanal and flexible nature

Any authentic vintage carpet will have wear, markings or unravelling, and this is quite natural and indicates true age. Any significant damage in your carpet will have been made good by us, before it is sent to you. Further than that, the signs of wear or colour variations are an indication of your carpet’s past life! 

All but vintage rugs are likely to shed wool. This usually settles down after about two to three weeks, and is very common in Moroccan rugs

Moths are the enemies of Moroccan carpets! Regularly treat your carpet or flat weave with a moth and carpet beetle repellent, using a natural one if you want, such as lavendar oil, and keep a careful watch to check that moths and bugs have not been brought in with, for instance, old clothes or blankets. Take your carpet outside if you can, or try to move it and keep it aired, and vacuum the carpet back and front

Most Moroccan carpets benefit from being laid on a rug pad. This protects the carpet, makes it more comfortable to walk on, and maximises grip where it may be prone to slipping.  The sort of rug pad you buy depends on whether you are laying the carpet on hard (stone /wood) or soft floors (fitted carpet). You can usually cut them to the size of your rug, too. A high performance non-slip rug pad for hardwood floors should offer cushioning underfoot while allowing the rug to lay flat. A thickness of about 3mm to 5mm should be about right for a low pile vintage rug, although using a pad that is too thick can cause wrinkling in the carpet. We suggest avoiding wool felt pads, as moths like them, so pick a foam pad with a moisture barrier if possible. We can direct you to places that sell suitable pads.

For spot cleaning to remove a spill, you can use a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle detergent. There will come a time when your carpet will need a full clean, and should this be the case, hire the services of a professional cleaner, avoiding the chemicals used in most dry cleaning, which can harm the wool and affect its longevity. If you have outdoor space, you can take your carpet outside, hose it off with water, and let it dry in the warm sun. Or wash it in the bath if you have the space and strength. Do a spot test first, to check that no colours will run. Other than any times when your carpet might be airing or drying outside, keep it out of direct sunlight. Original carpets will shed a little wool over time, and drop a little carpet dust, but don't be worried about this.

We hand wash our carpets before they are made available, and will have had a light spritz of domestic moth treatment. 

With thanks to Maroc Tribe for the carpet care information.