Round Berber Rug - Aicha Dark Green

Sheep's wool is the basis of this rug, and owes its dirt and moisture repellent properties to lanolin, the wool's own natural grease, which also insulates against the cold and muffles sound better than a hard floor. In the first few weeks the fibre may shed slightly, a normal trait that settles down with regular vacuuming. Because wool rugs are often hand knotted or hand woven, small irregularities and slight size variations are normal.

Vacuum twice a week with the brush retracted, this also reduces shedding on a new wool rug. Blot a spill immediately with a clean, slightly damp cloth without rubbing, so dirt does not work further into the fibre. Wool dries more slowly than other materials, so avoid getting it too wet. Shake the rug out outside occasionally for a deeper clean between vacuuming.

Cotton is a natural plant fibre with a matte, understated look that may shed slightly in the first few weeks; this is normal and settles down with regular vacuuming. Cotton naturally absorbs a little more dirt and moisture than a synthetic rug, part of its natural character, which is also why the strong fibre is often used as a backing on other rugs.

Regular vacuuming reduces shedding on a new cotton rug. Blot a spill immediately with a damp cloth: cotton absorbs moisture quickly, so a spill would otherwise work further in. Keep the rug out of direct sunlight to slow down fading. A nonslip rug underlay keeps the rug in place and extends its lifespan.