Upkeep and Maintenance : How to Keep Your Morrocan Rug Fresh

Moroccan rugs are in demand all over the world due to their unique designs, unparalleled textures, and rich histories. They’re undeniably beautiful, a piece that can make any home look and feel warm and stylish. Due to their intricate patterns, however, it can be rather daunting to think about maintenance. They’re one-of-a-kind handmade pieces, after all, but cleaning them is easier than you might think. 

 

Learning how to maintain these pieces can save you time and money, but ample preparation is necessary. You’ll want to first know which type of rug you have, and then carefully assess which cleaning method will work best. Washing and vacuuming may be the key to your success, but others merely just allow their rugs to bake in the sun, in the traditional Moroccan way. This allows dust and dirt to completely be removed.

When it comes to stubborn stains, however, a more thorough cleaning method is necessary. The fear of potentially harming the integrity of your rug is natural, but with this guide below, you’ll breeze through the process. Just keep the following things in mind:

The Material Consideration: What are Moroccan rugs made from? 

It’s easy to go ahead and just begin the process, but understanding what your rug is made from is paramount to keeping it safe and sound. The typical Moroccan rug is made from wool, with some cotton woven in between.

Wool can easily be compromised, and since these materials are the foundation of your rug, it’s best to take extra care as you clean. However, never let this information scare you away from performing the cleaning process. 

The Washing Method: Is it safe to wash Moroccan rugs?

Yes, you can definitely wash your rugs, but proceed with caution. This method should only be reserved for deep dirt and stains, and proper techniques must be followed at all times. This prevents damages from occurring, which can sometimes lead to irreversible damage. 

Never use the standard carpet cleaning solutions sold in grocery stores. Chemicals in these mixes are too harsh, which will damage the structure of the wool fibers. If you need to wash, it’s best to use a mild detergent first, done through spot cleaning. Spot cleaning small stains will also serve as a testing area, ensuring that no color will be running. 

That said, always remember to hand-clean your Moroccan rugs. Putting it in the washer and dryer will cause it to shrink, and the harsh process will also damage it beyond repair.

The Vacuuming Case: Is it safe to vacuum Moroccan rugs?

If you live in an area with little to no sun, vacuuming may be the best alternative to sun baking your Moroccan rug. It will keep dust and dirt away from your rug, but you must also vacuum with extreme caution. Make sure to remember the following items: 

• Vacuum regularly to remove excess fuzz and dirt.
• Never use a rotating bristle brush—this will cause your rug extensive damage.
• Always use a stationary soft brush edge, which will gently clean your rug.

Keeping Your Morrocan Rugs Clean and Safe 

The idea of handling such an intricate piece can be terrifying, especially when it comes to Moroccan rugs. As they’re essentially regarded as art pieces, you’ll want to be as gentle as possible. 

Each pattern must be beautifully preserved, but stains and dirt will eventually find their way in. Fortunately, maintenance is easy—just keep the tips aforementioned and you’ll enjoy your Moroccan rug for years to come.

If you’re on the hunt for authentic Moroccan rugs, Atlas Weavers has you covered. We are a fair trade artisan project, and we supply homeowners and rug enthusiasts from various parts of the world.. Our mission is to uphold history and culture, so we guarantee to only provide you with quality and authentic Moroccan rugs. Browse through our collection—order yours today. 

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/upkeep-and-maintenance-how-to-keep-your-morrocan-rug-fresh

3 Ways Morrocan Rugs Can Spruce Up Your Living Spaces

Buying a house is one thing, but it’s quite another to transform empty spaces into one you can call your home. Most people spend so much time trying to find the right pieces to adorn their rooms, anywhere from large pieces of furniture, down to smaller decorative pieces. One of the best pieces to invest in is the Moroccan rug, as it offers both style and function fit for any space. 

Their one-of-a-kind designs add the right touch of color to your space, and they add maximum warmth and comfort during colder months. Moroccan rugs are also handmade, woven by tribes according to techniques and culture passed from generation to generation.

Still not convinced about investing in statement rugs? We’ve gathered all the reasons you should—be ready to order yours right after! Here’s why your home needs these magic products of tradition and art: 

Moroccan rugs provide color to your spaces 

Most people find it difficult to decorate a home, and most end up with plain spaces. Painting the walls white can help your spaces feel more open, but it can also make it look boring. Regardless of your renovation regrets, there is a way to create more lively spaces—Moroccan rugs! 

These handwoven rugs are made with intricate patterns and designs, and materials come in a variety of colors that can add warmth to any home. Adding a burst of color into a living room can instantly liven the space, with your Morrocan rug now commanding attention. It can also be a good piece to add to your bedroom, an item that can tie the whole look together. There are so many rugs to choose from, and there are color combinations for everyone! 

Moroccan rugs keep you warm during the winter months

Dealing with cold floors can be cumbersome, especially during the harsh winter season. Getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night can feel like plunging your feet in icy waters, but with a Moroccan rug, your feet will stay warm all winter long. 

These rugs can also serve you well as you cuddle up in the living room watching your favorite series, or perhaps your home office as you type emails all day. Due to their versatility, Moroccan rugs can be placed anywhere. By doing so, you’ll always have warm floors and happy feet!

Moroccan rugs add interest to any space

If you’re dealing with empty home spaces, such as an odd corner or an utterly blank wall, a Moroccan rug can fill the space up with ease. There will be no need to get another house plant, much less a coffee table or console just to fill up space. You don’t have to settle for blank spaces, either, as Moroccan rugs can be placed both on the walls and the floor. 

They can serve as decorative wall hangings, or perhaps create a little rug area for lounging. You never have to worry about cluttering up your space, as Moroccan rugs look busy enough in terms of design, but with the right balance—you never have to add things that don’t need to be there.

Decorate Your Spaces With Moroccan Woven Rugs

People all over the world continue to seek Moroccan rugs simply because they’re beautiful pieces. Owning a piece can transform any home, especially with correct styling. You can place them in your living room, dining room, bedroom, and essentially every single space you want to add warmth, style, and culture in. It’s never a bad idea to invest in one—are you ready?

For authentic Moroccan rugs, Atlas Weavers offers the best on the market. We are a fair trade artisan project, as well as a premier supplier of quality Moroccan rugs. We guarantee quality, authenticity, and of course, style. Order your rugs today—browse through our extensive collection. 

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/3-ways-morrocan-rugs-can-spruce-up-your-living-spaces

What You Should Know About the History of Berber Rugs

Berber carpets are unique art pieces that have become staples in contemporary interior design. These soft furnishings are timeless and durable, and they provide comfort and warmth to any room. 

These rugs are a significant part of Berber culture, and the art of making hand-knotted rugs has been passed down from one generation to the next. Berber rug making goes back thousands of years, and some motifs show up in items dating back to the Neolithic Age. Here are a few more things to know about the origins of these types of rugs.

Berber rugs in history

The motifs of these rugs have similarities with motifs on items from the Neolithic Age in the Mediterranean and the Upper Paleolithic in other parts of Europe. From this, you can infer that Berber rugs are remnants of these ancient periods. 

Since Berber tribes were isolated in the Atlas Mountains and had no access to the silk road, other ancient civilizations did not influence them. As such, they were able to keep the originality of their works. These carpets mostly use geometric shapes, which the designers fashion into mosaics. These choices are not arbitrary; the shapes are symbolic in the Atlas mountain people’s language. 

Each carpet is a story, one which is unique to the weaver. The rugs’ weavers tell their stories through their work, touching on life stages, significant events during their time, and even generational or historical narratives that matter to their family. Their creations feature symbolisms of nature, and the body—diamonds, crosses, and broken lines are the most frequent representations of these stories.

Who can make rugs in Berber culture?

Making rugs is a traditionally female practice—the mothers in the tribes transmit the craft to their daughters, according to Berber customs. Rug making involves several tasks, from shearing the material to weaving and dyeing. The women take the wool they use from the family sheep, and they spin this by hand into fibers with various thickness and tightness.

Then, they dye the fiber using recipes handed down from their ancestors. Herbs, leaves, fruits, minerals, and spices figure in these traditional recipes, and each family has their preferred colors and dyes. Similarly, tribal groups have their patterns, weaves, and loops.

Some areas of Morocco consider wool as a heavenly gift, and it is said to protect the wearer against evil. As such, producing these wool rugs involve highly technical, precise rituals, and the people handling wool treat it with the utmost respect.

Conclusion: Berber rugs today

Even today, wool rugs are central to the economic life and daily activities of the Berber people. It is an everyday object with various uses—it can be a mattress, a blanket, or an accent piece. Some families are more practical and carry grains or fruits in their woven wool pieces.

The attention to detail and care that Berber weavers put into these rugs make them an ideal present for people who love luxurious, one-of-a-kind items. Today, you do not have to be an ambassador or a prince to enjoy Berber rugs; these pieces of history could be part of your home as well if you know where to find them.

 

 

Find exquisite, woven Berber rugs through Atlas Weavers, a fair-trade project showcasing textiles and soft furnishings by indigenous groups from Morocco. Apart from bringing Moroccan rugs to the world, we are also committed to eliminating poverty in the Atlas Mountain region; we reinvest our earnings into the artisan weaving communities where we source our supplies. Browse our store or get in touch with us today for more information.

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/what-you-should-know-about-the-history-of-berber-rugs

Keeping the Culture Alive - Understanding Tuareg Mats

The Moroccan desert is a sight to behold, which is why millions of tourists have marked it as a top destination. The heart of its deserts come with unique hot air, and the feeling of sand between your fingers can bring both a sense of freedom and tranquility, with just a hint of healthy fear. Nomads of various tribes walk along with the expansive mass with camels, painting the desert like an expensive masterpiece.  

One of the best ways to solidify this experience is through purchasing authentic Moroccan rugs. The Tuareg mats, in particular, exist as symbols of life. They support the specific lifestyle and culture of the Tuareg people, who use these woven pieces as furnishings in their homes. More than just beautiful pieces, they represent tradition and Moroccan culture, something which you can allow your home to showcase.

Investing in such a rich and timeless piece of culture requires proper understanding and knowledge. To learn more about Tuareg mats, here is a quick dive into its origins and materials. 

The Origins 

Tuareg mats come from the Sahara Desert and Mauritania, where life is dictated by a hot and dry desert climate. Living conditions can be rather difficult in such harsh conditions, but it remains to be a place of exchange, anywhere from gold, spices, ideas, and even culture. 

In these seemingly barren lands live the Tuareg tribes, who are characterized by their nomadic lifestyle. Their traditions are reflected in the wisdom of their mats, woven with keen insight and unmatched durability. Due to the harsh living conditions, these mats are made with longevity in mind, used to cover wood, stone, and tile floors. 

The Anatomy of a Tuareg Mat

Tuareg mats are known for their incredibly intricate patterns and symbols, all of which narrate the story of the weaver. These mats depict the story of their lives, where each detail of their daily reality can be seen. As such, these artistic pieces are the perfect method of cultivating history and culture, as these Moroccan rugs have the ability to connect the past with the present. 

As a native treasure, Tuareg mats are every textile lovers’ dream come true. They are both elegant and stylish, made with natural elements of palm tree fiber and leather. They also come in vibrant colors and unique designs, all of which not only represent the tribe but Morocco as a whole. Each color and geographical pattern depict stories untold, made to last for generations to witness. 

No two rugs are alike, so expect to own a piece uniquely your own. You can gather new or vintage Tuareg rugs, and their artisan nature remains—so long as they are handmade from natural elements, your Tuareg rug will continue to be a cultural statement. 

Owning a Piece of Treasure 

With powerful motifs and weaving techniques, the Tuareg rug is a piece worth investing in. It goes beyond just its carpet function, as each fiber makes up an incredible piece of history and art. You’ll be owning a piece of culture, and by doing so, you allow the Tuareg to thrive. Use it to adorn your home as the tribe would, and make sure that their stories live on.

For authentic Moroccan rugs like the Tuareg mats, Atlas Weavers is the place to go. We are a fair trade artisan project, and we’re now a premier supplier of authentic Moroccan rugs. Offering you handmade pieces of love, passion, and culture, we intend to keep the Moroccan culture alive and thriving. Own a piece of art and history—order from us today. 

source https://atlasweavers.com/blogs/news/keeping-the-culture-alive-understanding-tuareg-mats