Clean and Care

Essential information for handling, storing and maintaining Ferreira de Sá rugs in use.

Everyday Use & Storage

Three simple themes that help rugs perform as expected in daily life. The details of cleaning methods, products and schedules should always be defined with professionals.

Vacuuming & surface care

Regular vacuuming keeps surface dust under control and supports appearance retention. We recommend suction-only heads, avoiding rotating brushes and beater bars, and adjusting frequency to traffic intensity and project requirements.

Rotation & traffic patterns

Rotating the rug periodically helps balance light exposure and wear. This is also the ideal moment to observe how the rug is used in real life and, if necessary, adjust the layout, add underlays or introduce barrier mats at entrances.

Storage & handling

When rugs are not in use, store them rolled – never folded – with the pile facing inwards and protected by a breathable cover. Choose a clean, dry and well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight, moisture and heavy pressure.

Professional Care & Protective Measures

Deep cleaning, stain-removal procedures and hygiene protocols should always be carried out and specified by qualified professional cleaning companies. Ferreira de Sá provides product information so that those companies can select the most appropriate methods.

Maintenance plans

For both residential and contract projects, we recommend defining a maintenance plan with a specialised rug-care or facility-management company. The plan should reflect traffic, local regulations and the client’s expectations for appearance over time.

Protective treatments

Optional anti-stain treatments can be applied at the factory to create an invisible layer of protection at fiber level. These treatments do not replace professional care, but they support day-to-day maintenance, especially in demanding areas.

Supporting documentation

For larger or technically complex projects, our team can provide detailed information on fiber composition, construction and backing so that external professional cleaning services can select appropriate products, equipment and processes.

Material-Specific Characteristics

High-quality fibers and artisanal constructions display natural behaviours over time. Many of these are expected and do not indicate a defect, provided that the rug is used and maintained according to the project brief.

Pilling (shedding)

The release of loose fibers is common in wool and vegetal yarns, especially in the first months of use. It gradually stabilises as surface fibers settle and does not affect the rug’s structure when managed with routine vacuuming.

Sprouting

Individual yarn ends may occasionally appear slightly above the surface, particularly in loop-pile or hand-knotted constructions. They should never be pulled. If necessary, they can be trimmed level with the pile.

Colour variation & shading

Subtle tonal differences and light–dark areas can arise from pile direction, hand-dyeing processes and light exposure. Regular rotation and thoughtful placement help distribute these effects in a visually balanced way.

Furniture marks & creases

Indentations from heavy furniture and creases after rolling are usually temporary. Using appropriate underlays and furniture glides helps distribute pressure; allowing the rug to rest flat lets fibers recover naturally.

Odour

A light scent from wool, backing materials or packaging can be present on delivery. In a dry, well-ventilated room, this typically dissipates as the rug acclimatises to its new environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

These notes address common questions about day-to-day handling of Ferreira de Sá rugs. They are not a substitute for a project-specific maintenance plan defined with a professional cleaning service.

How often should I vacuum my rug?

Vacuum regularly to remove surface dust and support appearance retention. Frequency depends on traffic level and context: busy circulation areas may require daily or frequent vacuuming, while quieter rooms are often well served by a weekly routine.

Can I use a vacuum with a rotating brush?

We recommend avoiding rotating brushes and beater bars, particularly on cut-pile rugs. Suction-only heads, ideally with a flat nozzle, are gentler on the pile and help protect the structure of the fibers over time.

Should I vacuum both sides?

The face of the rug should receive most of the attention. Occasionally, and where the construction allows, the backing may be vacuumed to remove embedded dust. After any such procedure, always return the rug pile-up.

How should I handle sprouting yarns?

Do not pull sprouting yarns. If an end appears slightly above the surface, it should be trimmed carefully with small scissors, level with the pile.

Can I shake out my rug?

Light flatweave rugs may occasionally be shaken out with care. Tufted, hand-knotted or heavier constructions should not be shaken or beaten, as this can stress the backing and distort the structure. For these rugs, rely on vacuuming and professional maintenance.