Preserving the Beauty of Your Kilim

Caring for your kilim means honouring that story, allowing it to age gracefully while preserving its structure, texture, and soul.

Because kilims are handmade using natural materials, small irregularities may appear in the weave, colour, or pattern. These are part of their beauty and character. At BAKEL, we embrace these natural variations, while carefully checking each rug for any structural defects before it is prepared for shipping. Each kilim is reviewed, cleaned, and packed with care, and a certificate of quality check is provided with every order.

Everyday Maintenance

Gentle Cleaning

Vacuum your kilim weekly, preferably without using a rotating brush. Always follow the direction of the weave, rather than going against it. You can also vacuum both sides occasionally to prevent dust from settling deep within the fibres.

Rotate Regularly

Rotate your rug every few months to help ensure even wear. This is especially useful in high-traffic areas or in rooms where one side of the rug receives more sunlight than the other.

Mind the Light

Natural dyes mellow over time, and this is part of a kilim’s charm. However, prolonged direct sunlight can cause colours to fade more quickly. To preserve the depth of the colours, place your rug away from harsh direct light where possible, or use sheer curtains to soften the sunlight.

Use a Rug Pad

A good-quality rug pad helps keep your kilim in place, especially on wooden or tiled floors. It also reduces wear, helps the rug sit flat, and improves air circulation underneath. It is a simple detail, but it can make a real difference to the life of your rug.

Dog and Cat Friendly

Kilims are made to be lived with. In our home, Marcel, our dog, and Shadow, our cat, absolutely love taking naps and rolling on the rugs. Like any other rug, a kilim will need to be vacuumed regularly to remove pet hair, especially if your pets enjoy spending time on it.

Cats may also occasionally use their nails on the rug. If this happens from time to time, it is usually not a problem. The tight flat weave of a kilim makes it more resistant than many other textiles, provided scratching remains occasional and does not become a daily habit.

Spot Cleaning and Spills

Immediate Action

For spills, blot immediately with a clean white cloth or kitchen roll. Wool is naturally water-resistant, which means liquid often stays on the surface for a short time before being absorbed. Acting quickly can make a significant difference.

Never rub or scrub the stain, as this can push the liquid deeper into the fibres or damage the weave.

Water-Based Liquids

For tea, juice, wine, coffee, or similar spills, gently blot the liquid first with a clean cloth or tissue. In many cases, this is enough to prevent the liquid from penetrating the rug.

If needed, dab gently with a cloth lightly dampened with lukewarm water and a small amount of wool-safe soap. Work from the outer edge of the stain inward, then repeat with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Avoid soaking the rug. Minimal moisture is key.

Grease or Oil

For grease or oil stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder over the area and leave it for several hours to absorb the oil. Then vacuum or brush it away gently.

Mud or Soil

Allow mud or soil to dry completely before cleaning. Once dry, gently vacuum or brush it away. Avoid wiping mud while it is still wet, as this can spread the stain and push it further into the weave.

Storing Your Kilim

When storing your kilim, make sure it is clean and completely dry first.

Vacuum it thoroughly, then fold it carefully and lay it flat in your storage area. Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight.

To help deter moths naturally, you can use cedar wood, lavender, or cloves. It is also a good idea to unfold and air your rug every few months to keep the wool fresh and supple.

Let Your Kilim Live

A kilim’s beauty deepens over time. Subtle fading, softened wool, and small irregularities are all part of the journey of a handmade textile.

With mindful care, your kilim can become more than a decorative piece. It can become part of your home’s story, connecting modern life to centuries of artistry, tradition, and craftsmanship.