How do I clean a large wool carpet?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar removes loose dirt from the wool pile without straining the cotton foundation. Professional cleaning remains necessary every few years to flush out deep-seated grit. Avoid chemical spot treatments that can strip the natural vegetable dyes from the wool. Blot spills immediately with plain water and a clean white cloth.

Are these carpets suitable for heavy traffic?

The dense wool pile and sturdy cotton warps of these village weaves withstand constant footfall in hallways and living rooms. Their robust construction was originally intended for demanding daily use. Using a quality underlay prevents sliding and cushions the base against hard floorboards. This extra layer significantly extends the working life of the textile.

How do I distinguish Heriz from Serapi?

Serapi carpets generally display a more open field layout with quieter, more subdued colour harmonies and finer knotting. They often date to the earlier nineteenth century. Standard Heriz carpets tend to feature denser geometric fills, heavier outlines, and dates stretching into the early twentieth century. The overall visual weight is frequently bolder and more rigid.

Where were these carpets originally woven?

Villages across the mountainous North-West region of Persia produced these carpets as part of a long domestic tradition. Local households worked independently or in small workshops. Trading towns then gathered these heavy floor coverings for export to Western markets. The local water and wool quality dictated the unique handle of the region.