Kashmiri Carpet & Pashmina Care Guide

Use suction only — never a beater brush or rotating head. Vacuum along the pile direction, not against it. Sand and grit work deep into the knots and cause irreversible fibre damage over time.

Blot immediately with a clean white cloth — never rub. Work from the outside of the spill inward. Use cool water only. Never use chemical cleaners, detergents, or soap — they permanently alter natural dyes.

Rotate your carpet 180° every three months. This distributes foot traffic and sunlight exposure evenly, preventing uneven fading and wear patterns. Direct UV light can fade a fine carpet within a season.

Only wet-clean by a professional experienced with hand-knotted wool and silk rugs. Never dry-clean using powder methods — residue hardens in the foundation. Never steam-clean — this causes dye bleed and shrinks fibres.

Flush the area immediately with cold water. Elevate the soiled section over a pan and rinse until clean. A mild shampoo may be used but rinse thoroughly. Ensure the carpet is completely dry before relaying — moisture causes dry rot.

Always lay your carpet on a quality rug pad on hard floors. Pads prevent slipping, reduce abrasion on the knot base, and add cushioning that dramatically extends the life of the pile.

Always handle with clean, dry hands. Keep away from rough surfaces and sharp jewellery — even a single snag can pull the ultra-fine 16-micron fibres. Pashmina is stronger than steel by weight, but not by carelessness.

Use cold water only — never warm or hot, which causes shrinking and felting. Add a teaspoon of mild baby shampoo or pH-neutral wool detergent. Soak for 5 minutes, swish gently. Never rub, scrub, or wring — this breaks the fine fibres permanently.

Heavily embroidered shawls — Sozni, Kani work — must go to a professional dry cleaner experienced with fine Kashmir textiles. Home washing can distort the embroidery tension and cause colour bleed in complex needle work.

After washing, press water out by rolling in a clean towel — never wring. Dry flat in the shade on a clean dry towel. Never use a tumble dryer or hang in direct sun — both distort the shape and degrade fibres irreversibly.

Fold loosely — never crease hard. Wrap in clean unbleached muslin (malmal) or a breathable cotton bag. Never use plastic bags, which trap moisture and invite mildew. Always wash before storing for the season — moths hunt residual skin cells and scent, not the wool itself.

Use natural repellents only — lavender sachets or cedar blocks. Store in a clean, dry, well-ventilated space. Check stored shawls every few months. Sunning the shawl occasionally (briefly, not in harsh direct light) also deters moths naturally.