How do I clean a wool floor rug?

Regular gentle vacuuming without a beater bar removes surface dust and loose grit from the wool pile. Professional specialist cleaning is recommended for deeper maintenance to protect the natural dyes. Water and harsh detergents damage the foundation fibres and alter the colour balance of the rug. Addressing spills immediately with dry blotting prevents moisture from settling into the cotton and wool structure.

Are these rugs suitable for high traffic?

Traditional wool floor coverings possess natural resilience that withstands regular foot movement in domestic settings. The dense knotting and lanolin-rich wool fibres resist dirt and wear over decades of use. Placing a suitable underlay beneath the rug prevents sliding and cushions the foundation against hard flooring. This simple addition extends the working life of large carpets and runners in busy hallways or living rooms.

How do I identify a Heriz rug?

Heriz carpets are characterised by large, bold geometric medallions set against prominent rust or red backgrounds. The corner spandrels typically display distinct angular leaf and vine motifs. The heavy wool pile and robust cotton foundation give these northwest Persian carpets a substantial, stiff handle. Their sturdy construction distinguishes them from finer urban Persian weaves.

What is the difference between a rug and a carpet?

The distinction traditionally rests on scale, where carpets cover entire rooms and rugs occupy specific smaller floor areas. Historical terminology often uses both words interchangeably for large woven floor textiles. Runners represent a distinct subcategory defined by their long, narrow proportions suited for corridors. All these forms utilise identical hand-knotted or flat-woven wool techniques.