cc-tapis rugs are made following age-old traditions and techniques, the same way that rugs were made generations ago. In Nepal the rugs are hand-knotted using a Tibetan knot and in India the rugs are handwoven using a variety of techniques such as handloom, chainstitch, hand-tufting and embroidery; techniques born, developed and perfected on the sub-continent.

cc-tapis encourages the use of undyed materials which are present in many rugs in all collections. As in nature, these materials vary visibly from one another and the exact same color cannot be guaranteed.

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-dyed, creating a beautiful and natural effect.
– Undyed materials will always vary in color.
– Undyed samples are purely an indication of the final color and will never be the same.
– 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 4.5 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. 

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.

NOTE FOR HANDTUFTED CARPETS: The following list is an outline of suggested preventive measures that can be taken on handtufted rugs, where applicable, to minimize any major soiling accelerants: 

• Use of outside mats with a coarse texture will brush soil from shoes.
• Create removable entrance mats at thoroughfares. They should be rotated and cleaned regularly.
• Install matting on the floor within revolving doors. People passing through shuffle their feet, thus creating passive wiping.
• Put removable mats in all elevators.
• Install protective mats below/around drink vending machines.
• Always use removable entrance mats in canteen and restaurant areas, especially the areas around kitchens. • Create protective mats in front of reception areas and desks, as visitors often stand for several minutes while dealing with the receptionist. This is particularly important in wet weather conditions, where standing time equals absorption time. • Designate areas of no drink, food and liquid use.
• Create signage to inform people to wipe their feet, as well as information materials on general use conditions of main meeting/activity areas.
• Make sure all personnel has access to the contact details for cleaning and care-taking staff, so that they can be called and intervene quickly in the event of an accident. 

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. 

Regular vacuuming is essential to the care and maintenance of your rug. The top side of the rug should be vacuumed once a week or more, whilst the back side should be vacuumed once every few months. Frequent vacuuming removes dust and dirt particles that may cause permanent damage to fibers if allowed to remain in the pile.

NOTE FOR HANDTUFTED CARPETS: 
Effective, routine vacuuming is a must for good commercial carpet performance,
so a proper vacuuming program is essential in a well-designed maintenance program. The most important features of the vacuuming maintenance program will be identifying high, medium, and low traffic areas by continually monitoring carpet performance
and making any necessary adjustments to the schedule. 
The Carpet and Rug Institute identifies vacuum cleaners that meet strict standards for soil removal, dust containment within the vacuum filter, and carpet appearance retention with an Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) ‘Green Label’. Choose vacuums that bear this label for assurance of effective cleaning and good air quality. 

The agitation provided by a brush facilitates pile opening, causes the carpet to vibrate, and makes the grit particles accessible to airflow.
Pay particular attention to heavy tracked areas which will absorb a bigger quantity of grit particles. If ignored, they will be compacted into the pile fiber below the surface and will eventually contribute to reducing the performance and wear of the carpet. Remember that, when the carpet is new, there will be some loose fiber shed from the pile surface, which necessitates daily or regular vacuuming. This shedding is a perfectly normal phenomenon exhibited by high quality wool cut pile carpets. 

This procedure should be followed by vacuuming across the extent of the carpet and periodic application of fine water mist. 

When the carpet yarn becomes too dry, there is a tendency that it will become brittle and shed more readily. Wool and wool blends in particular benefit from having a low amount of moisture in the surrounding atmosphere. The moisture allows yarn pile to retain good condition and perform better in the long time. 

• In summer or dry times, the use of air-conditioning allows some humidity into the atmosphere. This small amount of water vapor helps carpet conditioning. 

• It is also beneficial to mask areas of direct sunlight on the carpet, to reduce color fading and localized focused heat. 
 

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.

NOTE FOR HANDTUFTED CARPETS: Cleaning agents designed to tackle specific soiling are available from wholesale cleaning product suppliers.Before applying any cleaning agent to the carpet, surface tests should be conducted on spare pieces of carpet provided at the moment of the installation if wall to wall, or in hidden parts of the carpet should it be an area one. 
 

Knowledge of stain remover in advance of the stain occurring can save valuable time when attending emergencies. Finally, an in house “action list” should be circulated to the appropriate staff. In the case of a heavy spill, we recommend contacting a rug cleaning specialist. 

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.

NOTE FOR HANDTUFTED CARPETS: 
We recommend the following cleaning methods:

-    Extraction cleaning: this method is often used for wall-to-wall carpets. A machine can be rented in most carpet stores and laundries. 
-    Foam/shampoo cleaning: available at most grocery stores. Follow the instructions on the package. 
-    Powder cleaning: a dry-cleaning method. Available in most grocery stores. Follow the instructions on the package. 
-    Flat cleaning: the carpet is washed on a stone floor with detergent and water. Dried in drying room. Offered by most laundries. 
-    Steam cleaning: similar to extraction cleaning. Steam with detergent is pressed through the pile under pressure. Performed on site.

DO NOT DRY CLEAN! 

It is important to know how your rug has been produced and which materials have been used to better understand how to clean and maintain it. You can find this Information on the label on the back of the rug. 

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.

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. 

Silk is a natural material which comes from the silkworm and is characterized by an intense shine. It is a delicate fiber and tends to shed more abundantly than other materials. cc-tapis imports its pure silk directly from China. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Shiny nylon is characterized by toughness, good abrasion resistance and durability. It is a material with a high resilience when compared to other man-made fibers and has a very good texture retention to maintain its original appearance. Suitable for heavy traffic conditions. 

For small stains, vacuum first, removing any excess liquid/dirt. Then, using a moist (not wet) and cold white terry towel, gently blot the stain, do not rub.
Carpet cleaners should be tested first before being applied to large areas.
If the stain remains, do not persist, please refer to a professional carpet cleaner, as for large spills. Never dry-clean. 
 

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

Filtration soiling may appear as dark or grayish lines on carpet along walls, stairways, around vents, and under doors. It is caused by airflow over and through the carpet that allows fine, airborne soils to settle on the carpet surface. This type of soiling, while sometimes permanent, requires special treatments for effective removal. Contact a carpet cleaning professional for assistance. 

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.

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. 

The secret to maintaining the beauty of your carpet is to vacuum often and clean it regularly before it becomes excessively soiled. Dulling is caused by the deposits of all types of soil that abrade the carpet’s fibers. Still, the original color is not lost, but is present under the soil film. If the soil is allowed to remain, the carpet is much more difficult to clean. Frequent cleanings are important to avoid excessive soiling. 

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.

The static electricity generated by some carpets is aggravated by low humidity. That is why it is most bothersome in colder weather when the relative humidity is low. The use of a humidifier can help by reducing the build-up of static and reducing annoying shocks. 

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]).