How many of us take the time to look at some of the wonderful hand-made rugs and carpets that we walk on? Have you ever turned over a rug or opened up the pile to examine the fine knotting used to make these pieces of textile art? The skill and time it takes to make these heirlooms should prompt us to follow a few guidelines that could extend their lives.

General care

Like other textiles, exposing rugs to rapid changes in temperature and humidity is not good. Open fires and treasured floor coverings don't mix. Direct sunlight may result in fading, so if your rug or carpet is in a sunny area, close the curtains at times of bright sunlight. Narrow diameter shoe heels (smaller than a two pence coin), no matter how high or low, cause a great deal of damage both to floors and carpets.

Take care when moving rugs and carpets. There's less chance of damaging the pile if you roll them up with the pile facing outwards.

Adhesive shouldn't be used with textiles. Glued patches do not help the stability of a piece and while underlays may be very useful, they shouldn't have adhesive on them. Don't use nails or staples to secure rugs or carpets either.

Pets can inadvertantly do a great deal of damage. Claws cause damage to the pile and urine stains are difficult to remove (as well as attracting insects). Check during the spring and summer for signs of insect infestation. If a piece has signs of clothes' moths or carpet beetles, isolate it from other textiles and contact a textile conservator immediately.

Cleaning tips

When vacuuming your carpet or rug, don't scrub but use a gentle action with a regular rather than a rotary head and work only in the direction of the pile.

If there is a spill, put some layers of white paper towel or clean towels above and below the stain and try to absorb as much liquid as you can. Change the paper or cloths frequently until no more liquid is coming out. Leave some clean layers above and below in case more comes out as it is drying. Don't lay anything heavy on the wet pile as it could crush it. Some rugs have had unethical treatments such as covering areas of lost pile with paint or felt-tip pins and these may run when in contact with liquids. If you see dye coming out contact a textile conservator immediately.

Don't use foam cleaners or other chemical cleaners. These are only suitable for your modern wall-to-wall. Don't use remedies like salt, as this can cause more damage. Further cleaning or repairs should be left to a conservator.

Information courtesy of Sharon Manitta