Maintenance tips

Woman caring for an Anatolian kilim rug in a bright interior

An antique kilim isn't cared for like a mass produced rug. Its wool was hand spun by nomads, dyed with plants, woven on narrow looms carried from camp to camp. This is what gives it its depth and its longevity, provided it's looked after the right way.

Here is our expert advice, refined over more than 30 years spent sourcing and restoring kilims in Anatolia.

Day to day

Regular care

Vacuuming

1 to 2 times a week depending on foot traffic

Use a vacuum without a rotating brush, always vacuum in the direction of the weave, never against it. Set the suction to medium power.

Turn your kilim over twice a year and vacuum the underside as well to remove accumulated dust.

Rotation

Rotate your kilim 180° every 6 months for even wear, especially in high traffic areas.

A kilim placed in a hallway or entrance wears differently from a piece laid in a living room. See our runner kilims

The detail that changes everything

Why your kilim has a seam down the middle

Nomads weave on narrow looms, easy to take apart and carry. A large kilim is therefore often made in two halves, woven separately and then joined at the centre, sometimes months apart, using wool from whichever flock was sheared at the time and a different dye bath.

That seam, along with the subtle shade variations that come with it, is not a flaw. It's the signature of authentic weaving, something no factory can reproduce, and it shows up most often on large format kilims. See our large kilims

Protection

Protecting your kilim

Moisture

Wool is a natural fibre that is sensitive to excess moisture. Avoid unventilated damp rooms. If accidental moisture occurs, dry immediately with a fan.

Non-slip underlay

We recommend using a non-slip underlay beneath your kilim.

Keeps it in place Protects the weave Improves comfort Extends lifespan

Emergencies

Stain removal

Act immediately

The faster you act, the better your chances of removing the stain.

1. Blot with a white cloth 2. Scrape solid matter gently 3. Dab with cold water 4. Blot dry

Organic stains (wine, coffee, food)

Mix equal parts water and white vinegar. Dab gently, rinse with clean water, blot dry.

Greasy stains

Sprinkle with talcum powder or baking soda. Leave for 2 to 3 hours, then vacuum. If needed, dab with mild soapy water.

Never do this

Bleach Vigorous rubbing Hot water Machine washing Steam cleaner

Our service

Professional cleaning

An antique kilim should be cleaned every 3 to 5 years, depending on use, by a specialist who understands natural dyes and Anatolian weaving techniques. Poorly suited cleaning can dull the colours or weaken the wool. Cleaning done properly brings back all its depth.

We offer this service in our Paris workshop, with the same care we give every piece before it's offered for sale.

Request a quote

Storage

Storage and moth prevention

Storing your kilim

1. Clean before storing 2. Roll, never fold 3. Wrap in cotton 4. Dry, cool, ventilated space 5. Lavender or cedar sachets 6. Check every 6 months

Moth prevention

Vacuum regularly, air in the sun twice a year (UV rays kill larvae), use natural repellents such as lavender or cedar.

Signs of infestation: small holes, bare patches, presence of cocoons or moths. Contact us immediately if you notice any of these signs.

A small format kilim is easy to store and move around as your decorating ideas change. See our small format kilims

Repairs

Repairs and restoration

Artisan restoration of an antique kilim at Anatolie Kilim Paris

Damaged fringes

Tie a simple knot to stop fraying, or trim threads that are too long to even them out. For careful repairs, we can help.

Loose threads

Never pull a loose thread. Cut it carefully flush with the weave using fine scissors.

Professional restoration

For significant damage such as holes, advanced wear or tears, professional restoration is required. We work with specialist restorers who master traditional weaving techniques and can bring your kilim back to life while respecting its authenticity.

Request a restoration quote

Since 1992, Enbiya has sourced every kilim directly in Anatolia, piece by piece.

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Keep this guide close at hand

Get our complete care guide as a PDF, to consult offline whenever you need it.

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a kilim in a dining room?

Yes, but choose a tightly woven kilim. Use a rug protector and clean food stains immediately.

My kilim is shedding, is that normal?

Light shedding is normal in the first few months, especially for new kilims. Vacuum regularly. If shedding continues after 6 months, contact us.

Can I hang my kilim on the wall?

Absolutely. Use a rod, velcro or textile clips, never nails driven directly into the kilim.

My kilim has an odour, what should I do?

Air it outside in the shade for a few hours. Sprinkle with baking soda, leave for 24 hours, then vacuum. If the odour persists, professional cleaning is recommended.

How can I recognise an authentic antique kilim?

Hand spun wool has slight irregularities in thickness, plant based dyes fade into subtle shades over time, and a central seam often points to nomadic weaving on a narrow loom. Learn more about the origins of the kilim

What makes a kilim valuable?

Its age, the rarity of its patterns, the quality of its wool and dyes, and its state of preservation. Every piece we offer is sourced and inspected before sale. See our vintage kilims

Discover all our kilims

Vintage from Anatolia or contemporary from Afghanistan, every piece is selected by Enbiya since 1992.

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