How do I clean an old rug?

Surface dust should be gently removed using low-suction vacuuming without a beating brush bar. Professional textile conservators should handle deeper washing to protect natural wool pile and ancient dye compounds. Harsh chemical detergents or automated immersion washing must be avoided entirely to prevent dye bleeding and fibre degradation. Spot cleaning requires lukewarm water and mild, pH-neutral soap applied sparingly by hand.

Can I place these on heated floors?

Natural materials like wool and cotton tolerate moderate ambient warmth quite well when laid over standard underfloor heating systems. Breathable natural felt or rubber rug underlays help protect both the flooring and the textile base. Excessive heat can dry out natural lanolin present in hand-spun wool fibres over extended periods. Regular rotation prevents uneven thermal exposure and balances wear across heavy foot traffic zones.

Are these rugs suitable for hallways?

Long runner formats and durable village weaves function exceptionally well in high-traffic corridors and entryways. The resilient structure of hand-spun wool handles daily movement while maintaining structural integrity. Placing a secure, non-slip underlay beneath the textile prevents bunching and reduces friction against hard flooring surfaces. Regular rotation distributes wear evenly along the primary pathways of the room.

How do I identify regional styles?

Attribution relies on observing specific structural characteristics, border designs, and primary colour palettes tied to known weaving districts. Village workshops often feature balanced floral layouts, whereas tribal pieces lean towards bold geometric medallions. Fringe construction, selvage finishes and foundation materials offer additional clues regarding geographic origin. Comparing knot types and wool texture against documented examples clarifies whether a piece stems from Kurdish, Qashqa'i or Mahal traditions.