How do I clean an old wool carpet?

Professional specialist cleaning is essential for antique woven carpets to protect delicate wool and silk fibres from damage. Routine maintenance requires gentle suction vacuuming without a rotating brush. Water saturation and household detergents can cause historic dyes to run or weaken the cotton foundation threads. Consult a conservator experienced in antique textiles before attempting any stain removal.

Can these carpets handle heavy foot traffic?

Sturdy wool village rugs and large carpets withstand everyday use in hallways and sitting rooms when paired with a quality underlay. The natural lanolin in traditional wool provides inherent resilience against wear. Fine silk highlights and lighter hearth-sized pieces benefit from placement in low-traffic areas like bedrooms or studies to preserve their delicate structures.

How do I identify a Heriz carpet?

Heriz carpets typically feature bold geometric interpretations of floral motifs anchored by a distinct, large central medallion. The corners often display contrasting spandrels that frame the field. These Persian carpets are known for their robust wool and sturdy construction, designed to endure generations of use in domestic settings.

What is the difference between a rug and a carpet?

Terminology often distinguishes pieces by scale and placement rather than construction method. Rugs generally describe smaller formats like hearth-sized or area pieces. Carpets designate larger floor coverings that anchor entire rooms, though historic listings often use both terms interchangeably for hand-woven textiles.