Maintenance / Washing

MAINTENANCE

Proper maintenance is essential for the life of your carpet, preserving its tactile and aesthetic qualities.

Use. During the first period of use, many rugs made in natural fibers can release fluff residue. Vacuum regularly until the end of the phenomenon.
Avoid excessive dirt getting into your rug (and floors) by protecting entrances to your home with dedicated barrier or door mats.

Regular cleaning. Vacuum the carpet carefully and frequently, preferably in the direction of the pile and avoiding insisting on edges and fringes. We recommend using a MEDIUM POWER VACUUM CLEANER, don’t use brushes or carpet sweepers because they can damage the pile. Don’t forget to vacuum the back of your rug at least once a month. If there are stains, please refer to the Washing section for directions on how to take action.

Pilling. Loss of small amounts of fleece in the first phase of use is expected. Normally it is reduced after the first months or 20/25 vacuum treatments. If threads appear above the surface cut them very close to the carpet with a pair of scissors, taking care to avoid the surrounding fibers. Never pull the wires.

Wear and tear. Never place rugs on damp or wet floors. Change the position of the carpet once or twice a year to slow down and spread the wear across the entire surface of the product reducing the perception of ‘lived areas’. Put pieces of felt under furniture legs to lessen the weight on the pile and move them frequently, even a few centimeters. Indeed, when placing a weight on the carpet, it puts constant pressure on the pile which can remain crushed.

Fading. As time goes by all colors and natural fibers tend to fade unevenly, furthermore wool and cotton dry out and become more breakable. We suggest avoiding direct and continued sunlight exposure and we recommend turning the carpet in order to make the possible discoloration more homogeneous.

Wrinkles. When first put down there may be folds due to the position of the product during shipment. Generally it takes two weeks of use for them to disappear, but to speed up the operation we recommend rolling the carpet in the reverse direction.

Storage. Always roll up the carpet, never bend it for a long period. If you store it in a damp place like a cellar, put newspaper sheets under the carpet to absorb moisture. When you want to reuse the carpet, note that it needs a little time to eliminate excess moisture and stretch the fibers.

Pets. Be careful that they don’t damage the carpet with their claws. Urine may smear and burn the pile, but there are specific treatments at professional washing centers.

Prevention of larvae. Periodic cleaning and rotation of the carpets are a good way to avoid nesting larvae that can damage them. It is good practice to inspect them with care, especially the part in contact with the floor.

Restoration. If something happens to your carpet do not wait too long: the situation can get worse and increase the cost of repair.

Anti-slip underlay. It is recommended not only because it prevents domestic accidents, but also because it decreases the friction with the floor, extending the life of the carpet. Strongly recommended with wooden or marble floors as well as with under floor heating.  Product Sheet

WASHING

Removal of stain. Try to remove as much as possible with a spoon or a blunt knife. If the stain is food or liquid, dry it up as soon as possible. Wet a white cotton towel with warm water, squeeze and place it on top of the stain. Always use neutral detergents, not bleach or liquids with high PH and first test the reaction on a carpet corner. Don’t scrub and always work from outside of the stain toward the centre and then dry with a fan or a cold air dryer. To lift up the pile use a soft, dry brush.
Be careful: if you don’t dry your carpet well some mold can appear, which will damage the carpet.

For the most resistant stains there is James Starterset. Product Sheet 

If the stain persists turn to a professional center.

D.I.Y. cleaning. Every three or four months you can clean the carpet with a solution of water and white vinegar, using a laundry brush and following the direction of the pile. Vinegar sanitizes and brighten up the colors.

Professional cleaning. Domestic cleaning is never as effective as professional cleaning. We recommend washing on a flat surface with cold or warm water and use neutral detergents, always with flat drying.