Manual
Care and cleaning
A guide to caring for your handmade rug.
- 01 · Delivery and installation
- 02 · Everyday care
- 03 · Stain removal
- 04 · Types of stain
- 05 · Long-term care
Manual
A guide to caring for your handmade rug.
01
When your new Aldeoki rug arrives, follow these steps to make sure it reaches you in perfect condition and is laid correctly.
Inspect the packaging
Check that it has not been damaged in transit. If the packaging is damaged and the rug is affected, note it on the delivery note before signing.
Unwrap properly
Remove the plastic wrapping and check that it is the model you ordered. Lay it out in the room and let it rest for at least 24 hours so the fibres air out and recover their texture, hand and ideal pile height.
Natural variations
Handmade rugs are unique artisan products. They may show small variations in size and colour: this is part of their value and authenticity.
Sun protection
Continued exposure to sunlight can cause slight fading. We recommend turning the rug 180° every 12 months to even out wear and light exposure.
High-traffic areas
In busier areas, rotate the rug periodically to avoid uneven wear. Place rubber castor cups under the legs of heavy furniture to protect the fibres.
Always use a natural rubber pad under the rug: it protects the knots on the back, prevents slipping and extends its life.
02
Rugs handmade with wool and natural silk usually shed fluff during the first months, caused by friction. This is completely normal and decreases with regular use.
Do
Avoid
Some fibres may work loose with use. Do not pull them: cut them with scissors level with the rest of the pile. Pulling can damage the knot.
03
The key is to act immediately. The sooner a stain is treated, the easier it is to remove completely.
Act immediately
Pick up as much of the spill as you can. Blot the surface with a clean white cloth or paper towel, without rubbing. For large spills, use a wet-and-dry vacuum.
Apply warm water
Soak the stain with warm — never hot — water. Dry with a clean cloth, pressing firmly. Repeat until the cloth comes away clean.
Mild detergent if it persists
Make a solution of warm water and a mild laundry detergent (no bleach, no washing-up liquid). Apply to the stain and leave for 5 minutes.
Rinse thoroughly
Rinse with warm water and blot dry. Repeat until all the soap is gone.
Absorb the remaining moisture
Cover the damp area with layers of absorbent paper and place a heavy, non-staining object on top. Leave overnight.
Brush when dry
Once the surface is completely dry, brush it gently in the direction of the pile. If the stain reappears as it dries, repeat from step 3.
If you are unsure about the type of stain or the material of your rug, always consult a professional before applying any product. Certain chemicals can damage natural fibres irreversibly.
04 · Types of stain
Oil, butter, tar, cosmetics, creams, petroleum jelly, make-up, grease, hairspray, shoe polish, wax, mascara, rubber glue…
Scrape carefully
Remove the excess with the back of a blunt knife. Always work from the outside of the stain inwards, to stop it spreading.
Blot as much as possible
Press absorbent paper or cloth onto the stain until you have lifted everything you can.
Apply dry-cleaning solvent
Use a dry-cleaning solvent following the instructions on the container. Apply and dry with a clean absorbent cloth.
Never use water
Water on a greasy stain swells the pile and can set the stain. Save water for the final rinse, and only if the solvent says so.
04 · Types of stain
Tea, coffee, cocoa, soft drinks, juices, wine, fresh blood, mud…
Blot immediately
Use a clean white cloth or absorbent paper. Press without rubbing, always working from the outside of the stain inwards.
Cold or warm water
Counter it with clean cold or warm water. Never use hot water: it can set the stain into wool or silk fibres.
Neutral detergent solution
If it persists, apply warm water with a few drops of pH-neutral detergent. Use it only to moisten, and leave for a few minutes.
Rinse and dry
Blot with absorbent paper or cloth, pressing onto the stain. Repeat several times until no residue is left.
04 · Types of stain
Some stains need a specific treatment. Always follow the general 6-step protocol first, then apply the treatment below.
| Stain | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Chewing gum / wax | Freeze the area with ice cubes. Chip off and remove with a blunt instrument. Vacuum the pieces and continue with the general protocol. |
| Rust | Apply diluted white vinegar (2 tablespoons in 400 ml of water). Blot dry. Repeat the neutral detergent step and rinse well. |
| Nail polish | Test nail polish remover on a hidden area. If it does not alter the colour, apply and blot dry. Repeat if necessary. |
| Protein-based (blood, vomit, milk) | Use cold water, never hot, which coagulates the proteins. Apply a diluted ammonia solution (2 tablespoons in 400 ml of water) and rinse well. |
| Ink / dye | Apply dry-cleaning solvent as directed. If it persists, alternate diluted white vinegar and diluted ammonia. Consult a professional. |
05
| Material | Vacuuming | Stains | Professional cleaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Weekly, medium-low power | Cold water + pH-neutral soap | Oriental rug specialist |
| Natural silk | Weekly, no rotating brush | Water or soda water. No steam or harsh chemicals | Specialist. No steam cleaners |
| Wool + silk | Weekly, low power | Warm water + pH-neutral soap | Fine rug specialist |
| Flat weave | Sweep or vacuum on low power | Warm water + pH-neutral soap | Professional steam if it persists |
| Linen / jute | Weekly, medium power | Blot dry, minimum moisture | Natural fibre specialist |
Storage: roll it with the pile facing inwards around a fabric tube; never fold it, as creases leave permanent marks in silk and wool. Store flat, never upright, wrapped in breathable cotton cloth (never plastic) and protected from damp, insects and direct sunlight.