Carpet's worst enemies include dust, moths and soot. Dust wears through the material over time and can make large holes. Carpets are cleaned using either a vacuum cleaner or brush in the direction of - never against - the pile. If the rugs are older use a vacuum cleaner not more than twice a month at low speed. A warning to vacuum cleaner users: only vacuum the pile of the rug, not the delicate fringes. The fringes will not last long if a vacuum cleaner is used on them regularly. Use a vacuum cleaner with a built-in 'beater' on the back of the rug every six months for removing ground-in loose fibers, sand, and grit.

If you decide to wash your carpet, test the colors on a small portion - a corner - for fastness, first with a dry, and then with a wet cloth. If the color does not bleed, use only the finest, gentle soap flake. Detergents or chemicals of any kind should not be used. They reduce the fat content and therefore the luster and the durability of the wool.

To freshen color, add a very small quantity if wine vinegar to the last rinse.