How do I clean a wool carpet?

Gentle vacuuming without a rotating power brush removes surface dirt safely without pulling the wool pile. Professional rug cleaning is recommended periodically to preserve the natural dyes. Avoid harsh chemical spot treatments or excessive moisture, which can weaken the cotton foundation and alter the antique indigo shades.

Are these carpets suitable for heavy traffic?

Traditional hand-knotted wool construction provides exceptional durability, allowing these textiles to endure everyday movement in busy living areas and hallways. Utilising a quality underlay prevents slipping and cushions the foundation fibres against premature wear on hard flooring surfaces.

How can I tell different regional styles apart?

Heriz carpets generally display bold geometric centre medallions and sturdy corner designs woven in robust wool. Oushak and Tabriz pieces tend to feature softer, more curvilinear floral arrangements with looser knot counts. Examining the weave density and back knot configuration often reveals whether a piece originated from a Persian workshop or an Anatolian loom.

How do natural dyes age over time?

Natural indigo and plant-based colours develop a subtle variation known as abrash, where tones shift gently across the wool surface. This patination enhances the visual depth and character of the textile without compromising the structural integrity of the pile. Sunlight exposure can gradually soften the initial saturation, transforming deep sapphire fields into muted slate and sky blue hues.