Aftercare

All carpets using a spun yarn will shed excess fibres when installed. The duration of the shedding of these fibres will vary dependent upon the frequency of vacuuming and the type of machine used. This is to be expected and does not mean there is a defect. The short fibres given off represent a very small fraction of the pile.

As a natural fibre, pure new wool is washed and scoured before being spun into carpet yarn. Throughout the manufacturing process it is also inspected, with natural minor imperfections removed. Even so, fitted wool carpets may, on rare occasions, contain slight traces of the sheep’s outdoor environment. As such the manufacturers reserve the right to carry out small on site rectifications. Your statutory rights are not affected.

All cut pile fabrics of any fibre type will flatten to some extent in traffic lanes and areas of concentrated wear. This can make he carpet appear a different shade but it is in fact caused by the pile reflecting light differently. Regular vacuuming will help prevent flattening (See vacuuming advice section). This flattening and shading is a normal reaction to localised traffic and is not detrimental to the performance of the carpet.

Like shading, this can occur when the pile or map of the carpet changes direction and thus reflects light at different angles, showing the effects of shading, which can be become permanent. It is also described as ‘watermarking’.

This can happen to all cut pile carpets, be they Axminster, Wilton, Tufted or even Oriental and hand-made rugs. Like shading it can be more apparent on plain carpets because heavy patterns can disguise the effects. It can occur quite quickly after installation. 

There is no commonly known manufacturing process which can cause or cure this phenomenon and therefore it is not a manufacturing fault.

Carpets with high wool content can and do fade over time. This type of fading is caused by exposure to ultra violet light which lightens or bleaches the wool - the same way that human hair is lightened by exposure to the sun. The degree and speed of fade can vary depending on the colour chosen and the local conditions the carpet is subjected to.

In rooms with strong exposure to the sun (e.g. south facing rooms with patio windows) you may want to consider using blinds or curtains to reduce fading of the carpet.

Carpets are simple to maintain. If you look after them and they are treated well, you can expect many years of wear from a good quality carpet.

• Deal with spillages quickly. Spills will disappear more easily if they are dealt with immediately:
  • A clean, white cloth or kitchen towels should be used
  • Stains should be blotted rather than rubbed
  • The stain should be worked from the outside in to avoid it spreading
  • The pile should be brushed up to help the carpet retain its appearance as it dries
  • Any proprietary cleaning agents should be applied to a cloth and not directly to a carpet. If a cleaning agent is used then the area should be rinsed with clean water, but you should not add an excessive amount of water to the carpet.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Blinds and curtains will protect your carpet from the colour fade caused by sustained direct sunlight.
• Heavy items of furniture can result in indentations in your carpet and underlay. The use of furniture cups can help to avoid this. Where possible, it is always a good idea to rotate furniture periodically.

Vacuum regularly

Use furniture cups

Rotate furniture regularly

Keep pets’ nails trimmed

Put doormats and rugs by doors

Rub the stain

Pull at loose tufts of carpet

Allow it to be subject to direct sunlight

Over wet the carpet if attempting to remove stains

Use bleach on carpets unless they’re 100% polypropylene