Flokati Rug Care and Washing

FLOKATI RUG CARE & WASHING

If you already own a rug that sheds and you don’t want to part from it, you can try a few things to stop the rug from shedding:

1. If your rug is new, it needs time to slough off the extra fibers that are in the pile of the rug. If you give it time, the shedding will dissipate after a few months.
2. Resist the temptation to overly- vacuum! Once a week is plenty, on the lowest setting possible. It seems counter-intuitive, but a strong suction or a beater bar on a vacuum can actually irritate the fibers and make the shedding worse.
3. If possible, rotate your rug to even-out the wear. You may have noticed increased shedding in areas with heavier traffic. Walking on the rug helps to move the shedding along and will speed up the process.

 

WHY DO RUGS SHED?

Wool rugs shed because wool is a natural fiber that can fray and split with irritation. Just like the hair on your head, if your hair grows longer and is not conditioned, you will form split-ends which eventually break. If a rug is made from wool that is drier, the fiber is more brittle and your rug will shed more. If your rug is made from wool with a higher lanolin content it will shed less because it is oilier and conditioned. If you are ever shopping for a wool rug and you find two that are of the same construction, if one is less expensive, it is probably because the wool that was used to make it is drier. The highest quality wool with the highest lanolin content is New Zealand wool, and generally, less expensive and drier wool is from India.  Greek Market uses New Zealand wool in our flokati rugs so you are assured to have the finest wool available.

CLEANING & MAINTENANCE

Like all fine home products, a Flokati area rug requires care and attention. Because of its construction and fine quality, a Flokati rug deserves more attention than your basic hand tufted and even hand knotted area rug. Since the size and weight (grams) of your flokati may vary, you may need the assistance of another person to complete the cleaning details, such as shaking your flokati rug. Please use caution for yourself and others when moving a flokati rug which can be quite heavy.

The basics of caring for your flokati should include: metal (dog) brush, cold water, fresh air or outdoors. We recommend you DO NOT VACUUM your flokati rug! We recommend following these 3 easy steps in order to maintain a lively and full Flokati Rug for years to come!

For Smaller Size Flokati Rugs (Up To Approximately 24 Sq. Ft.):

Step 1: Shake Your Flokati - Take your Flokati rug outdoors, and shake it to eliminate much of the dirt that collects inside the wool hairs of the Flokati rug.

Step 2: Air Your Flokati - Make sure to let your Flokati rug breathe. Leave it outside for a few hours to eliminate any of the indoor odors. This will help the wool regain its original oxygen and enhance the wool fibers of the Flokati rug. Try to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Step 3: Wash Your Flokati - To help revitalize and rejuvenate your Flokati rug's thickness, place your Flokati in a washing machine. Set your machine to a delicate cycle. Feel free to add a touch of mild soap generally used for woolens. You can also add a bit of liquid softener as desired. Once the cycle is complete, hang dry your rug until completely dry.  DO NOT place your Flokati rug in a dryer. And remember to try and avoid direct sunlight when possible. Once dry, brush the Flokati rug with a metal (dog) brush, beginning at the center of the rug and working your way outward. This will help to "fluff" the Flokati rug and keep it looking and feeling full and plush!

*Please note that you may notice wool hairs from your Flokati rug get caught in the brushing process. This is completely normal and not is not detrimental to your Flokati rug whatsoever.

For Larger Size Flokati Rugs (Generally Larger Than 24 Sq. Ft.):

Step 1: Shake Your Flokati - Take your Flokati rug outdoors, and shake it to eliminate much of the dirt that collects inside the wool hairs of the Flokati rug. Larger sized Flokati rugs may require the assistance of another person. Please use caution when shaking your Flokati rug and do so in a safe environment. If your Flokati rug is too large to shake with the help of another person, you can hang your Flokati from a line, and shake your Flokati rug from the corners or sides to help eliminate any dirt or debris that may have collected.

Step 2: Air Your Flokati - Make sure to let your Flokati rug breathe. Leave it outside for a few hours to eliminate any of the indoor odors. This will help the
wool regain its original oxygen and enhance the wool fibers of the Flokati rug. Try to avoid exposure to direct sunlight.

Step 3: Wash Your Flokati - To help revitalize and rejuvenate your Flokati rug's thickness, sprinkle the Flokati rug with cold water. This can best be achieved with a spray bottle. Then, brush the Flokati rug with a metal (dog) brush, beginning at the center of the rug, and working your way outward. After brushing, shake the Flokati rug at the corners. This will allow the water to resurface and form a bit of a mist. Allow the rug to dry before taking it back inside and walking on it.

*Please note that you may notice wool hairs from your Flokati rug get caught in the brushing process. This is completely normal and not is not detrimental to your Flokati rug whatsoever.

Following these instructions will ensure that you will enjoy a thick, full, plush Flokati area rug for years to come!