Madvar

CLEANING

Although humidity and moisture will damage a carpet or kilim, water can and should be used to keep it clean. Washing a carpet will not harm it, provided it is thoroughly dried before being placed on the floor.

Nomads clean their carpets by laying them face-down on the snow, and covering them with a shallow layer of snow. As it melts, the snow filters the dirt and dust through and out of the fibers. While this method is practical for nomads living in rural areas, it is probably not convenient for you.

A carpet or klim can be washed with Savon de Marseille and water. Savon de Marseille can be purchased in liquid or bar soap form. If the soap is solid, grate it finely with a cheese grater to better dissolve it in water.

First, lay your carpet or klim flat, wet it and spread the soap lightly over the top. You can also sprinkle a bit of white vinegar over the surface to add shine and strength to the fibers.

Brush the carpet or kilim vertically and horizontally, both with and against the grain. Use the back  of the brush like a squeegee to force soap and excess water from the carpet or kilim. Rinse the carpet while is lying flat. If you can still smell the vinegar, it is not thoroughly rinsed.

Wait until most of the water has evaporated before you hang the piece. Never hang a carpet or kilim if water is dripping from it. This will cause your piece to become deformed, not unlike a dripping wet sweater that is hung out to dry. Finally, wait until your carpet is thoroughly dry before replacing it in your home.

REMOVING STAINS

Stains should be cleaned immediately to prevent them from becoming permanent.

For red wine stains, blot with white wine and then remove it with water.

For other alcoholic beverages stains, lightly dampen the stain with warm water and then remove it with 90% alcohol.

For chocolate stains, dampen a sponge with ammonia and wipe the stain carefully so as not to spread it.

For sugar sweats, lightly wipe with a sponge and warm water.

For mud stains, dry well and vacuum thoroughly.

For fruit stains, mix 3 parts white vinegar or lemon juice and 1 part ammonia. Dampen a sponge with the mixture, and wipe the stain gently.

For egg stains, wipe with a mixture of ammonia and cold water. If that fails, use 90% alcohol mixed with water. NEVER USE HOT WATER ON EGG STAIN.

For ink stains, dampen a sponge with a mixture of water, Savon de Marseille and alcohol. Carefully wipe the stain making sure not to allow the mixture to reach the reverse side of the carpet.

For blood stains, clean the stain well with a damp sponge and then wipe with cold, salty water. If this fails, wipe again with white wine. If the stain has dried, dry brush it and then clean with a small amount of water mixed with ammonia. NEVER USE HOT WATER TO CLEAN.

For make-up and perfume stains, wipe carefully with alcohol.

For pet urine, first wipe with a damp sponge while the stain as wet. After it has dried, wipe again with a mixture of 3 parts alcohol to 1 part ammonia.

WORD OF CAUTION

Never apply bleach to your carpet. It will not only change the carpet colors; they will also damage its fibers.