Pitagora

For regular maintenance of premium wool and silk knotted rugs, use a gentle, suction-only cleaning technique that lifts dust without causing fiber friction.

All silks add a delicate sheen that friction can destroy, while wool fibers feature microscopic scales that trap grit deep within the pile.

Avoid use of the spinning brush roller on the vacuum. Use gentle suction to avoid fraying or snapping the delicate silk or wool fibres threads.

Run your hand across the rug to find the smooth direction. Always slide your vacuum nozzle in that same direction to prevent lifting or distorting the weave.

Do not strike a wool and silk rug with a traditional heavy rug beater. Take it outside and shake it gently by hand (ideally in an elevated zone with a railing, to assist lifting the weight and supporting movement ) to release embedded dust.

All LO rugs are knotted and we recommend for longevity in peak condition that they be professionally hand-washed and flat dried every 3 – 5 years by a certified oriental rug specialist.

To keep a knotted wool and silk rug pile healthy, minimise fiber friction, control environmental exposure, and prevent deep grit accumulation. Wools needs to retain their natural oils to stay resilient, while silks require protection from physical abrasion and moisture to maintain their unique structural sheens. An optimal maintenance schedule would follow : 

Weekly: Vacuum with suction only in the direction of the pile, avoiding spinning brushes or beaters, which may fray delicate silk threads and knotted wool loops. 

Monthly: Check under the rug for signs of dust build-up, dampness, or insect activity. Carefully shake out the rug fringe by hand, rather than vacuum.  

Every 6 Months: Rotate the rug 180 degrees. This prevents uneven ware; fiber flattening from foot traffic and ensures sunlight is evenly distributed across the design and natural dyes.

Every 3 to 5 Years: Professional hand-wash by a certified oriental rug specialist is recommended. Do not use standard steam cleaning or commercial carpet washers; excessive heat and harsh chemicals degrade protein fibers.

Use a high-quality rug pad: Place a dense, felt-and-rubber pad underneath the rug. This reduces the sustained impact of footsteps on hand-knotted pile and prevents the backing from slipping. 

Block direct UV rays: Silk fibers in particular, degrade and become brittle under prolonged sunlight, while natural wool dyes will fade. Use sheer curtains, UV-blocking window films, or blinds to shade the rug during peak daylight hours. 

Control humidity: Keep the rug in an environment with stable humidity (ideally between 40% and 60%). Excessive moisture weakens silk foundations and invites mold, while extreme dryness may render wool fibers brittle and prone to breaking.

Generally, when removing a tough stain from a wool and silk knotted rugs, blot the area with a highly diluted, pH-neutral solution using cool water while strictly avoiding rubbing.

Wools and silks are protein fibers and harsh chemicals, heat, or heavy scrubbing will instantly dissolve natural dyes, snap the silk threads, or felt the wool permanently. 

LO does not use dye, with the exception of occasional black yarn highlights that use vegetable dye - where particular care is required.

The Six-Step Stain Extraction Method

1. Perform a colorfastness test: Mix a drop of your cleaning solution and apply it to an inconspicuous corner or a single knot on the back of the rug. Press a clean white paper towel against it for 10 seconds. If any natural dye bleeds onto the towel, stop immediately and call a professional.
   
   
2. Scrape or press: If the stain has solids, gently lift them off with a dull spoon. If it is liquid, press a clean white cotton cloth firmly into the spill to draw out as much moisture as possible. Never rub or scrub, as this pushes the stain deeper into the hand-knotted pile. 
   
   
3. Apply a mild solution: Mix a few drops of clear, pH-neutral dish soap into a cup of cool water. Alternatively, for organic stains like juice or coffee, a mild 50/50 mix of white distilled vinegar and cool water works well. Dampen a white cloth with the mix— avoid oversaturating the rug.
   
   
4. Blot from the outside in: Dab the damp cloth gently onto the stain, moving from the outer edges toward the center. This contains the spill and prevents the stain from spreading. 
   
   
5. Flush: Dab the spot with a separate cloth dipped in pure, cold water to rinse out the soap residue. Press dry towels over the area to absorb all remaining moisture. 
   
   
6. Air dry completely flat: Do not hang the rug as it may lose its stretched form. Dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat source. Be sure to rotate, move and aerate it during the drying period, so that it dries thoroughly and does not invite mould.

Safe to Use:

• Cool or lukewarm water
• Clear, pH-neutral liquid dish soap
• Diluted white vinegar (for organic stains)
• Water-based surfactant cleaners

Destructive (Never Use):

• Hot water (shrinks wool)
• Bleach or ammonia (dissolves silk
• Standard grocery store carpet sprays (too alkaline)
• Enzyme-based pet cleaners (eats protein fibers)