FAQ's

Keep your rugs looking their best with our essential care tips and maintenance guidelines. From cleaning methods to stain removal techniques, ensure your rug remains a beautiful centerpiece in your home for years to come!

CARE & MAINTENANCE

All SHIIR Rugs

Place padding beneath the rug to prevent undue wear. Turn the rug once or twice a year to spread traffic patterns and prevent fading from the sun.

Hand-Knotted Rugs

Stain resistance can be added for a small charge. Vacuum once a week or as needed. Turn the beater bar off( this typically means using the “bare floor” setting instead of the “carpet” setting). Spot clean with mild soap and water or call a trusted professional. Professionally clean once every three to five years, only as needed. To store, wrap in plastic, add moth balls and tape securely closed.

PET Rugs

Vacuum once a week or as needed. Turn the beater bar off (this typically means using the “bare floor” setting instead of the “carpet” setting). Spot clean with mild soap and water. Hang wet rugs to dry thoroughly. Do not leave sitting in water. For old or stubborn stains a professional rug cleaner may need to be contacted. To store, roll and wrap in plastic.

Leather & Hair-on-Hide Rugs

Contact a trusted professional for major spills or stains. In case of spills, blot immediately with a soft, dry, clean cloth. In case of stains, blot with a cloth very lightly dampened with warm water. For stubborn stains, apply a small amount of a mixed solution of water and mild soap such as Palmolive or Dawn. Blot to release the stain and then blot again with a dry cloth. Always blot from the outside of a spill or stain inward toward the center. Never rub, scrub or use a circular motion. Do not use heat. After cleaning, gently pat dry. To store, roll or lay flat in a breathable cloth bag.

Leather Rugs Only

Dust periodically with a soft, dry, clean cloth. Do not vacuum. Some leathers are inherently sensitive; always test on an inconspicuous spot before cleaning. Do not use saddle soaps, oils, abrasives, furniture polish, varnish or other harsh cleaners or solvents. These will negatively impact the appearance of the rug’s surface.

Hair-on-Hide Rugs Only

Sweep or brush periodically. If you must use a vacuum, take care to use the “bare floor” setting. Never use the beater bar. Note that it is natural for leather and hair on hide rugs to develop creasing during shipping. Your new rug will soon lay flat.

CONSTRUCTION TYPES

Embroidery

The final step for each of our flat woven Embroidery Collection rugs is the hand-application of intricate embroidery stitches inspired by the time-honored art of “chikankari” – the practice of embellishing saris with exquisite embroidery.

Exposed Foundation

Exposed foundations – meaning, foundations not covered by pile – reveal both the warp and weft of a rug’s background. An exposed foundation provides an additional visual and textural element.

Flatweave

Never knotted, flatweaves are woven similarly to hand-woven fabrics, and are created by sliding a shuttle across a loom.

Hand-Tufted

Hand-tufted rugs are created when a weaver utilizes a tufting gun or tool to pull strands of fiber through canvas that’s been stretched across a frame. SHIIR’s hand-tufted rugs feature uncommonly nuanced designs.

Hand-Loomed

Hand-loomed rugs are woven manually on a loom by skilled artisans and are of higher quality than machine-loomed rugs.

Oxidized

Oxidizing is the process of adding iron to wool fibers as they’re being dyed to achieve a desirably “eaten away”  effect that approximates the prized patina of antique rugs.

Pieced Work

Pieced rugs are new rugs created by sewing together pieces of other rugs.

Soumak

Soumak rugs feature tapestry-like weaves with a textured, rustic, look and feel.

CUSTOMIZATION

Color

SHIIR rugs are customizable to virtually unlimited hues. We can match fabrics, paint swatches, even nearby sands and seas – to name a few.

Fiber

A rug’s durability, look, and cleaning specifications are all determined in part by its fiber. Many of our current design offerings are available in multiple fiber options.

Construction

We are able to adapt the construction of each rug to meet your particular needs. For example, hand-knotted rug designs can be translated into a hand-tufted version, and we can adjust the knot count on many of our hand-knotted designs.

Size

SHIIR rugs can be woven in a variety of custom sizes and shapes. Stair runners and round rugs are just some of the options for custom sizing.

Pattern

Pattern placement may be altered in order to highlight particular furnishings, or embroidery can be moved to low traffic areas.

Scale

Rug patterns can be scaled up or down in order to create a one-of-a-kind piece of textile art.

Please contact your SHIIR representative to learn more about the many ways we can tailor a SHIIR rug to fit any space.

All customized rugs require a strike-off before production begins. Strike-offs are utilized to ensure satisfaction with all elements of the final design.