Care and Cleaning Instructions for Braided Rugs--

You can expect years of beauty and enjoyment from braided rugs when they are maintained properly. Home care is very important for any floor covering, and braided rugs may require some unique maintenance over the years, easily accomplished at home.
Unrolling-
When first unrolled, a new braid may have a little wrinkle or bulge appear that prevents it from laying flat on the floor. This is common and is a result of being tightly rolled or folded during shipping.

The wrinkle is easily removed if the proper method is used. Lay the rug as flat as possible. Use a broom handle or similar pole and, starting in the center using a sweeping motion, push one half of the wrinkle to the left. Then push the remaining half of the wrinkle to the right side of the rug. Never push the entire wrinkle to one side or end of the rug; this only stretches the rug and may damage it.

Reverse and Rotate-

Reverse and rotate braided rugs as they soil. This process will prolong the life of the rug by evenly distributing the traffic to both sides.

Sprouting-

During initial use, excess sprouts of yarn may work their way to the surface of the rug. This is to be expected, and in no way lessens its wearability. These sprouts should be clipped off at the base with scissors. Do not pull the yarn out as this may result in damage to the rug.

Repair

Only the strongest threads are used to stitch the braids together. Should these stitches become broken and cause braids to separate, the rug should be repaired immediately to prevent further damage. The rug can be restored to its original strength by using simple whip stitch to repair it. Start just before the damaged area and stitch the braids together. Extend the stitches just beyond the damaged area and then secure them with a knot. Try to duplicate the thread color and use the same size stitch originally used in sewing the braid.

Cleaning

Vacuum regularly. Do not shake or beat the rug since this treatment could damage it. Clean spills immediately by blotting with a cloth or sponge. Remove any grease spots with ordinary dry cleaning solvents. Professional or "in home" periodic cleaning using the power spray-extraction carpet cleaning method are recommended. Allow to dry flat on the floor. Clean one side at a time and allow it to dry before reversing to clean the other side.

Choose Your Professional Cleaner Carefully

Be sure your cleaner knows how to clean your particular type of rug. Cleaning a kelim, hand-knot, or braid is a lot different from cleaning wall-to-wall carpet!

Inspect the rug with the cleaner. Note existing stains and damage before it is cleaned.
Get a signed receipt for the work to be done and a guarantee, if possible, that it will be done.

Always check for colorfastness before cleaning any rug

Using a damp handkerchief, blot an area of the rug. If any comes off on the handkerchief, the dyes may run during cleaning.