By using natural materials and traditional methods, cc-tapis’ production is environmentally friendly. Each rug is created individually by hand, assuring that no two rugs are the same. Works of art which are not subject to industrial regulations and certifications. An artisanal process where individual variations become the soul of the rug.
Artisanal processes and characteristics:
– Due to the nature of artisanal production, the dimensions of the rug may vary from 2 - 5% from the original sizes.
– A slight variation in color may occur from dye lot to dye lot.
– Himalayan wool is characterized for its irregular absorption of colored-dye, creating a beautiful and natural effect.
– Undyed materials will always vary in color.
– No chemicals or acids are used in the washing and finishing stages of production.
– All finishes are done by hand.
– Any irregularities are natural characteristics and should not be considered imperfections.

All cc-tapis rugs undergo a thorough quality check before shipment. When you receive the rug, please open it immediately and check that it was not damaged during transportation. Do not store it without opening it and letting it to breathe. Should you need to store the rug for some time please refer to point 4.8 Troubleshooting, Storage. Once unrolled, let it “breathe” for some time in order for the pile to open fully, which might have been flattened during transportation. During the first few months, the rug may “give back” some fibers or lint, this is totally natural, and the more the rug is used, the sooner this will come to an end (see 5.5 Troubleshooting, Fluffing or Shedding for more information). If the rug shows creases or lines, place a moist towel on it and iron at low temperature, following the direction of the pile. An underlay is recommended for all rugs, especially hand-woven rugs, so that they will not slip.
To avoid any indentations and pile depressions, caused by the weight or sharp edges of furniture use pads between the furniture and the rug.
Once the rug is placed, should there be the need to move it,
or the furniture on top of it, it is important to take measures to avoid damage to the rug’s weave, which can cause permanent marking.
To move the rug, please remove all furniture first. Once the furniture has been removed, roll the rug up and pull from the rolled part. Do not pull directly from the edges. When moving furniture on the rug, please use cardboard or a similar material between the rug and the furniture.
Make sure the rug is put in a dry area, do not put it in damp spaces such as in bathrooms, cellars, basements or the outdoors.
 

Not only is a proper maintenance program important for the long-term preservation of a rug, utilizing approved cleaning methods will greatly improve the life of a rug and the quality of air in the interior.
Common sense, experience and good judgment help dictate the best rug maintenance program which should be assessed based on use, climate and desired appearance level.
3.1    Preventative maintenance
Effective preventative maintenance begins from the outside
of the interior, areas around entryways must be kept clean and free of any contaminants that may be transferred into the interior. The best way to prevent or decrease rug soiling is to not allow soil to enter the interior by using doormats at all entryways.
3.1.1.    Hard surface transitions
Rugs close to hard surface areas are susceptible to damage from the harsh cleaning agents typically used to clean the hard surface. The hard surface cleaners and cleaning equipment must not be allowed to come into contact with the rug as the pads or brushes will damage the pile. Buckets, mops, etc. used for the maintenance of hard floors should not be set on the rug as residues may cause soiling or staining.
3.1.2 Vacuuming
Regular vacuuming is essential to the care and maintenance of your rug. The top side of the rug should be vacuumed once
particles that may cause permanent damage to fibers if allowed to remain in the pile.
3.1.3. Spot removal
For best results, spots, stains and spills should be addressed immediately in order to prevent permanent staining. Most stains can be dealt with effectively if they are treated early, rather than once they have dried. Each natural fiber has its own unique characteristics, please refer to 3 - Composition for details.
Be careful not to wet the rug, since certain colors may run.
3.2    Washing
The frequency of washing depends on traffic, rug location, use and exposure to soiling. Please refer to a professional for all washing, do not attempt at home. cc-tapis may help you find a professional that can assist you in cleaning your rug.
 

4.1    Wool

Wool is a natural fiber characterized by a unique cellular structure where the individual cells overlap each other. This overlapping structure creates a rough or jagged surface. Unlike synthetic fibers which are inherently smooth, the jagged surface of a wool fiber will catch soil, holding it high in the rug’s pile, enabling easy removal by vacuuming. Furthermore, wool has a natural waxy coating called Lanolin which makes each fiber naturally water-repellent, this unique property helps prevent penetration of water-based liquids. Wool has natural elasticity, so it stands up to everyday wear-and-tear and resists unsightly marks from furniture.
4.1.1.    Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
For small stains, vacuum first, removing any excess liquid/dirt. Then, using a moist (not wet) and cold white towel, gently blot the stain, do not rub. If necessary, a diluted detergent for woolen products can be used. Afterwards, dry with a clean cloth and brush the fibers in the same direction as the rest of the rug. Use as little water as possible as it could decrease the shine. If the stain remains, do not persist, please refer to a professional rug cleaner. For large spills we recommend a professional rug cleaner. Never dry-clean.
4.2    Pure silk
Silk is a natural material which comes from the silk-worm and is characterized by an intense shine. It is a delicate fiber and tends to shed more abundantly than other materials.
4.2.1 Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry. in the same direction as the rest of the rug. Use as little water as possible as it will decrease the shine. If the stain remains, do not persist, please refer to a professional rug cleaner. For large spills, we recommend a professional rug cleaner. Never dry-clean.

4.3    Bamboo silk
Bamboo silk is a vegetal material which has a beautiful shine similar to pure silk. It is a delicate fiber, it tends to shed more abundantly than other fibers, and is very sensitive to water.
4.3.1.    Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
Excessive moisture or a prolonged drying time can create physical and/or aesthetic problems that may not be correctable. For small stains, vacuum first, removing any excess liquid/dirt.
Then, using a moist (not wet) and cold white towel, gently blot the stain, do not rub. If necessary, a diluted detergent for woolen products can be used. Afterwards, dry with a clean cloth and brush the fibers in the same direction as the rest of the rug. Use as little water as possible as it will decrease the shine. If the stain remains, do not persist, please refer to a professional rug cleaner. For large spills, we recommend a professional rug cleaner.
Never dry-clean.
4.4    Linen
Linen is a natural material made from fibers of the flax plant. It is a rich and thick material which has a beautiful and subtle shine.
4.4.1 Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
Excessive moisture or a prolonged drying time can create physical and/or aesthetic problems that may not be correctable. For small stains, vacuum first, removing any excess liquid/dirt. Then, using a moist (not wet) and cold white towel, gently blot the stain, do not rub. If necessary, a diluted detergent for woolen artifacts can be used. Afterwards, dry with a clean cloth and brush the fibers in the same direction as the rest of the rug. Use as little water as possible as it will decrease the shine. If the stain remains, do not persist, please refer to a professional rug cleaner. For large spills, we recommend a professional rug cleaner. Never dry-clean.
4.5    Aloe
Aloe is the Nepali word for nettle which grows abundantly in Nepal. cc-tapis uses only hand-carded aloe. It is a hard fiber with incredible strength, texture and subtle shine. Both when used undyed or colored, it is characterized by a natural mélange effect which makes it particularly forgiving of minor spots and stains. Hand-carded aloe is the one of the few fibers which does not shed.
4.5.1.    Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
Excessive moisture or a prolonged drying time can create physical and/or aesthetic problems that may not be correctable. For small stains, vacuum first, removing any excess liquid/dirt.
Then, using a moist (not wet) and cold white towel, gently blot the stain, do not rub. If necessary, a diluted detergent for woolen products can be used. Afterwards, dry with a clean cloth and brush the fibers in the same direction as the rest of the rug. Use as little water as possible as it will decrease the shine. If the stain remains, do not persist, please refer to a professional rug cleaner. For large spills, we recommend a professional rug cleaner.
Never dry-clean.

4.6    Tencel
Tencel is a material which can be used as an alternative to silk. It is a synthetic fiber made from wood pulp which is sourced from sustainably managed forests. It is produced through eco- friendly processes which are not harmful to the environment using a closed loop spinning process in which almost all the water and chemicals used during production are recycled. It is
a biodegradable material which is extremely smooth to the touch, giving the perception of silk. To produce it requires less water and energy than cotton and it retains heat similar to wool.
cc-tapis uses 100% certified Tencel Lyocell.
4.6.1 Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
Vacuum first removing any excess liquid/dirt. Alternatively, carefully remove all liquid/dirt with a spoon and then gently dab the stain with a clean, dry and absorbent cloth/towel. Never add water
to the stain and do not rub or scrub. Dry cleaning powders may be used on small stains. In all cases, after stain treatment,
it is recommended to brush the fibers in the same direction as the pile. For large spills it is always best to consult a professional cleaner. Never dry clean.
4.7    Jute
Known for its low environmental impact, jute is a versatile natural fiber derived from Corchorus plants with natural tonal variations. As a result, each rug is unique and no two rugs will be exactly alike. Native to the Indian subcontinent, jute has been cultivated for centuries due to its strength, durability and resilience properties. A long, soft, and shiny fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. Resistant to abrasion and stains; thick and pliable, jute is generally easy to work with, making it ideal for creating hand-woven rugs.
4.7.1 Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
Jute is a durable, low-maintenance material that is easy to clean and maintain. For best results, vacuum regularly on a low setting without the rotating beater brush. The bristled brush digs into the fibers and will ruin the rug. Spot clean with mild detergent
if needed, occasional professional cleaning may be required.
If the rug gets wet, place it on a flat surface to air dry. Avoid direct exposure to sunlight. Do not pull-on loose ends. Either tuck back or snip with scissors and knot ends. To prolong the life
of the rug, we recommend using an underlay.
4.8    Felt
Felt is a dense and durable material produced by matting, condensing, and pressing fibers together. It can be made with natural fibers such as wool or synthetic fibers like acrylic or polyester. Known for its excellent insulating properties, sound absorption and versatility, it is used in various applications including rug making.
4.8.1    Cleaning: Treat stains before they dry.
Cleaning felt requires a gentle approach to maintain its structure and appearance. Vacuum both sides of the rug regularly to remove dust and to prevent dirt from embedding into the fibers. If a spill occurs, blot it immediately with a clean, dry cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can push the stain deeper into the fibers. Prepare a solution of mild detergent (wool-friendly) and cold water. Dampen a clean cloth with the solution and gently blot the stained area. Using another clean cloth dipped in cold water, blot the area to remove any soap residue. Pat the area with a towel and allow the rug to
air dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources, as they can damage the fibers. If the rug is heavily soiled or stained, consider taking it to a professional cleaner specialized in delicate fabrics.
 

5.1    Burns
Depending on the size of the burn, the appearance of a charred rug can be improved by carefully clipping off blackened ends
of tufts using small, sharp scissors. Remember, clipping blackened ends of tufts is permanent. Burn marks in wool-based products can generally be rubbed away to reveal the original color.
The help of a professional is always recommended.
5.2    Crushing
Crushing is the loss of pile thickness due to foot traffic. It is not a manufacturing defect. Regular vacuuming can help reduce crushing. It is highly suggested to rotate the rug around every once and a while.
5.3    Depressions
The weight of heavy pieces of furniture can put indentions in rugs. Use furniture glides under heavy pieces of furniture or occasionally move your furniture a few centimeters/inches backwards or sideways so that the weight is not concentrated in one place. If depressions do occur gently vacuum the pile upright and in the opposite direction.
5.4    Fading or color loss
Protect rugs from direct sunlight or moonshine to minimize fading or color loss. Should the rug be exposed to sun light, make sure, if possible, to turn the rug around every once
in a while, to reduce the effects in one specific exposed area.
5.5    Fluffing or shedding
The balls of fluff found on rugs or in the vacuum cleaner bag are merely loose bits of fiber left in the rugs from the production process. The removal of loose fibers does not affect the rug’s life or quality. With proper vacuuming, using a quality vacuum cleaner, most shedding gradually disappears within the first month. 

5.6    Shading, pile reversal, “watermarking” or “pooling”
Shading is not a change in color, but a change in pile direction that sometimes randomly appears in a rug. It may look darker or lighter from different directions. Shading may be more prevalent in solid color cut pile than in patterned and textured styles. This is not considered a manufacturing defect. This effect may be reduced by placing a white moist towel on the pile and ironing it at low temperature, following the direction of the pile.
5.7    Sprouting
Occasionally yarn tufts will rise above the pile surface of a rug. Do not pull them out. Just snip these tufts off level with the rug by using small sharp scissors. If a long run has occurred, consult a professional as it is possible for the yarn to be re- woven or re-knotted back in place.
5.8    Storage
Should you need to store the rug for some time, roll the rug-up and keep it in a dry place horizontally, never place anything on top of it. Never store a rug vertically. If stored for long periods of time, it is essential to open it regularly and check that there has not been any damage caused by moths or insects. The use of insect repellant is recommended.
A special breathable recycled bag to store the rugs may be provided upon request. Please contact our sales department for information and costs ([email protected]).