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Caring For Your Flokati Rug

A Flokati rug is a special investment and a unique accessory to your home. The plush, warm rugs are a centuries-old tradition in Greece. In ancient times, shepherds used them as extra layers to keep warm through cold nights. Flokati rugs were used as beds for tents and also as an extra layer of warm clothing. History relays the story that these luxurious creations had their start in the highest village of the Pindos Mountains, Samarina. The inventors were called Vlachs and lived during the 5th Century.

Once you have acquired this amazing accessory, it is important to know how to properly care for it and clean it so that it will retain its lavish texture for a lifetime. If you have received your Flokati Rug through a shipping service and it has been packaged for any amount of time at all, you will want to remove it from its entrapment and shake it vigorously. The more you shake your Flokati, the fluffier it will be in appearance.

Flokati rugs are hand-woven from the finest New Zealand wool. You will find if you “gently” rake the surface of the rug, it will help immensely to fluff the wool fibres and greatly enhance its form. A very simple garden rake constructed of wood or plastic should work nicely. The raking process should be gentle, working from the bottom of the rug up to the top. Do not panic if you notice some wool fibres in your rake as that is perfectly normal and it will not harm your rug. Just remember, gentle strokes as you rake through it.

Surprisingly, you will find the cleaning process of washing your Flokati rug to be quite simple. It is always worrisome to take a luxurious piece such as this and attempt to clean it, fearing it will never look or feel the same again. Remove your Flokati rug to an outside area and shake it with force every so often to rid it of dust particles that will naturally settle into it. When it is time to wash it, however, very mild wool soap will get the job done safely. Never wash your Flokati rug in extreme water temperatures. Also, never use chlorine bleach on your rug for any reason and never attempt to have it dry-cleaned.

Flokati rugs that are smaller in size may be cleaned in your washing machine if you set the washing cycle to “Gentle.” ONLY air dry the rugs; never use a dryer. Let your rug air dry, but keep it out of direct sunlight as the sun’s rays could alter the colour of your rug. Choose a shady place with a nice breeze when air-drying your Flokati rug. As an alternative, rug cleaning companies are available to pick up your rug, clean it, and return it to you.

Do not vacuum your Flokati rug as you might any other rug. A vacuum could damage your rug by catching at the strands. You can, however, use the suction head of the vacuum cleaner only, without any sort of rotating motions.

When you choose a Flokati rug for your home, you are making an investment in style, tradition, and luxury. Taking proper care of your Flokati rug will ensure it will grace your home for a lifetime.

About the Author

Colin Chadwick is the marketing manager of Rug House a leading supplier of superior quality Flokati Rugs. Flokati (Greek Wool) Rugs are a natural 100% wool product. Light and fluffy and versatile. Flokati Rugs are superb as a floor covering, bedspread or throw, you could even hang them on your walls.

Author Profile: Colin_Chadwick

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