How to care for wool and oriental rugs in Hong Kong

A good wool rug can last generations if it is looked after. Most of that care is simple, and much of it is about what not to do.

Everyday care

Vacuum regularly, but gently. Use suction only, or switch off the rotating brush, since a beater bar can pull at knots and fringe. Go with the pile, and avoid catching the fringe. Vacuum the back occasionally too, as grit works its way down.

Rotate it. Turning the rug 180 degrees once or twice a year evens out wear and sun exposure.

Use a good underlay. It reduces wear and stops the rug from sliding. It also lets air move beneath, which helps on stone floors.

Watch the sun. Direct sun fades dyes over the years. Curtains or UV film help in bright rooms.

Move furniture sometimes. Heavy feet crush the pile and leave areas where moths like to hide.

Spills: what to do

1. Blot straight away with a clean white cloth. Do not rub.
2. If needed, dab with a little cold water and blot again.
3. Stop there, and do not use household carpet stain products. Many are too alkaline for wool, and can make dyes run.
4. If it is pet urine, a lot of red wine or anything oily, call a professional quickly.

If you lift the corner and the underlay or floor is wet, raise the rug so that air can move under it. Do not use a heater on it.

Things to avoid

• Pressure washers. They can force dirt in, and tear foundations.
• Soaking or washing in the bath. A wet wool rug is very heavy, dries slowly, and may bleed or shrink.
• Steam mops or hot water. Heat and wool do not get on.
• Carpet shampoo. Residue attracts soil.
• Cutting off loose threads. Have them fixed. Cutting a pulled thread can cause more unravelling.

Moths in Hong Kong

Moths like wool that is dark, undisturbed and dirty, especially under sofas and beds. Check there a couple of times a year. Look for bare patches, webbing or small cream larvae. If you find them, vacuum thoroughly, and have the rug cleaned before moths spread.

Storing a rug in a humid climate

Hong Kong's damp makes storage risky. If you must store a rug:

1. Clean it first, since moths prefer soiled wool.
2. Roll it, don't fold it, with the pile facing in.
3. Wrap it in breathable material, such as cotton sheeting. Avoid sealed plastic, which traps moisture.
4. Keep it in a dry room, off the floor, ideally with a dehumidifier running.
5. Check it every few months.

Identifying what you have

• Hand-knotted rugs show the pattern clearly on the back, with small variations.
• Machine-made rugs have very regular patterns, sometimes with a canvas or glued backing.
• Viscose or "art silk" has a high shine. It looks luxurious, but it is delicate and easily damaged by water.
• Chinese rugs often have thick, sculpted pile, so they need care not to flatten carved areas.

When to have it professionally cleaned

Wool rugs in normal homes commonly need it every few years, or sooner in heavy use. The signs are grit falling out when you fold back a corner, dull colours, or odours. See rug cleaning, and consider how often to clean for your household.