How to wash a pirot carpet - 5 steps to a perfectly clean and fragrant carpet

What is a rug and what is it made of?

A rug is a type of hand-woven carpet made using the flat weaving technique without knots, recognizable by its decorative patterns and exceptional durability. In Serbia, the best known and most appreciated is precisely the Pirot carpet - an authentic product with a protected geographical origin. What makes it special is the refined production on the horizontal loom and the use of exclusively natural materials.

Hand-spun and naturally dyed wool obtained from sheep raised on Stara Planina and the surrounding areas is used to weave the Pirot carpet. This wool is known for its density, elasticity and resilience, which contributes to the durability of the rug and its ability to retain its color and shape for decades. In addition, natural wool has the ability to self-clean, which further facilitates the maintenance of carpets and makes it a perfect combination of tradition, art and functionality.

How is a rug woven?

Carpet weaving is a complex and completely manual process that requires patience, precision and great skill, which is why it is considered a very valuable traditional gift. Everything starts with the preparation of the raw material - the wool is spun by hand and dyed with natural colors obtained from plants, minerals and earth pigments. After dyeing and drying, the wool is sorted and prepared for weaving.

Weaving is done on a horizontal loom, a traditional wooden frame that enables precise tensioning of the warp (longitudinal threads). The warp threads, which represent the basic structure of the carpet, are first placed on the loom. Weft threads – colored woolen yarn that forms patterns – are passed over them by hand.

Characteristic of the Pirot carpet is weaving without knots, the so-called "flat weaving" technique (kilim weave). Instead of tying knots, the threads are compressed using a special tool called a loom (or bat) to achieve compactness and a flat surface. The weaver works according to a pre-drawn ornament, often from memory or with the help of schematic drawings, and carefully follows every detail. In addition, each element of the carpet fits precisely - without interruption in the ornamentation and with perfect reversibility (the carpet looks identical on both sides).

Weaving a single rug can take weeks or months, depending on the size, complexity of the motif and the skill of the weaver. This painstaking process results in not only a visually rich, but also extremely stable and long-lasting textile product, which has been passed down from generation to generation.

How to wash a woolen rug?

Woolen rugs, especially pirot rugs, require careful and proper maintenance in order to maintain their shape, color and structure over the years. They should not be washed often - usually once a year or as needed, because natural wool has the ability to repel dirt and absorb moisture.

Steps to properly wash a wool rug:

Vacuuming - Before you start washing, the rug should be thoroughly vacuumed on both sides to remove dust and small particles that can damage the fibers during washing.

Hand wash with cold water and mild soap - Use cold or slightly lukewarm water (not hot!) and mild wool soap or natural shampoo. Mix water and soap in a bucket, then use a sponge or a soft brush to gently go over the surface of the rug in the direction of the weave. Do not rub too hard, as you may damage the fibers.

Rinse with clean water - Use clean water and a sponge to wash off excess soapy water. Wool easily retains liquid, so it's important to thoroughly rinse off all remaining cleaning agents.

Tips for regular maintenance:

• Vacuum the carpet regularly (1-2 times a month), always in the direction of the fibers.
• Avoid placing heavy pieces of furniture directly on the rug.
• In case of stains, act immediately - use a dry absorbent cloth, then a mild soapy water if safe.
• Do not use harsh chemicals, carpet foam or bleach.
• Once every few years, it is best to have the rug professionally cleaned, especially if it is a valuable or antique rug.

How to dry a carpet?

Proper drying of the rug is essential to preserve its shape, color and structure. Wool, as a natural material, easily absorbs moisture, but dries slowly - that's why it's important to create ideal conditions to avoid shrinkage, deformation or the appearance of mold.

The best way to dry rugs:

• Dry the rug exclusively on a flat, horizontal surface - never hang it up, because it can stretch and lose its shape when wet.
• Do not expose the rug to direct sunlight! UV rays can fade colors and damage fibers. Dry it in the shade or in a ventilated place with diffused light.
• It is ideal to place the rug on a clean, dry surface (concrete, patio, mesh, plastic base) or even on grass if possible, and to turn the rug occasionally so that it dries evenly on both sides.
• Draft is the best ally! A room with good air flow, but without direct sunlight, will speed up drying and prevent the development of unpleasant odors.
• Do not use a hair dryer, heater, radiator, or dryer! Excessive heat can permanently damage wool fibers and cause rugs to shrink.

The average drying time depends on the thickness and size of the rug, but it usually takes 24-48 hours. If the weather is wet or cold, it may take longer – so it's important to plan your wash when the weather conditions are favorable.

Maintaining a Pirot carpet is not only a matter of cleanliness - it is also a way to preserve a piece of family and cultural tradition. By proper washing, drying and care, we preserve its beauty, color stability and quality that lasts for decades. Whether you inherited a rug from your grandmother or carefully selected it as part of your interior, regular and gentle maintenance ensures that it will remain a home decoration for many years to come.
 

Frequently asked questions about rugs (FAQ)

What is a rug?
A rug is a hand-woven rug made of wool, usually with rich ornaments and vivid colors. The word comes from the Turkish "kilim", which means a mat or covering.

What makes the Pirot rug special?
The Pirot carpet is known for its rich geometric patterns, dual use and exceptional durability thanks to high-quality wool and a special weaving technique.

What is a rug made of?
It is traditionally made from 100% natural wool, which is hand-spun and dyed with vegetable dyes. Wool makes the rug resistant, long-lasting and pleasant to the touch.

How is a rug woven?
Chilim weaves on a vertical loom using the flat weaving technique, using warp and weft. The process itself includes yarn preparation, dyeing, warp stretching and ornament weaving.

Is every rug unique?
Yes, each rug is handmade, so slight deviations in size and color are possible. It is this uniqueness that makes each copy special.

How to properly wash a carpet?
The rug is hand washed with cold water and mild soap. No powder or aggressive agents are used. Be sure to test the color fastness before washing.

How is the carpet dried?
The carpet is dried on a flat surface, in the shade, in a draft - never in direct sunlight or in a dryer. It should not be hung, because it can lose its shape.

How long does a rug last?
With proper maintenance, a handmade rug can last for decades and is often passed down as a family heirloom.

What do the ornaments on the carpet symbolize?
Each motif carries symbolism - from fertility, life, home protection to humorous messages, such as the "mother-in-law's tongue" motif.

Where can I buy a handmade rug?
On the Serbianshop.com website, you will find carefully selected, authentic carpets of different sizes and colors.