How do I clean an old tribal rug?

Gentle surface brushing and careful professional washing help preserve fragile wool fibres. Avoid harsh chemical treatments that strip natural oils from the pile. Regular low-suction vacuuming without a rotating beater bar prevents dust accumulation between the knots without stressing worn foundations.

Where should I place a runner?

Long narrow formats suit hallways, corridors and bedside spaces where foot traffic requires a durable textile layer. Their elongated proportions visually guide movement through domestic interiors. Using a breathable underlay beneath the piece prevents slipping on smooth flooring and reduces friction against the original foundation threads.

Why do the colours look uneven?

Natural dyes react differently to sunlight, washing and natural wear over many decades of use. This gradual transformation creates mottled tones known as abrash. Such tonal variations indicate organic colour sources rather than synthetic uniformity, marking the distinction of genuine antique pieces.

How can I tell a prayer rug apart?

The defining feature is an architectural arch or mihrab shape woven into one end of the field. This motif directed the user during daily prayer. Such formats usually measure smaller because individuals carried them easily during travel or nomadic migration.