If you have a Flokati rug or are considering buying one, here are some tips on how to keep your Flokati rug white, fluffy and clean.
1. Take your Flokati rug outside and shake it
Giving your rug a good shake can help lift any woollen fibres which have become flattened when furniture has been placed on it or because of a lot of foot traffic. Shaking your rug will also remove a lot of dirt and dust which has become caught in the woollen fibers.
If you can get someone to help you shake the rug, that is best. Each person holds one side and shakes it vigorously. You will notice dust and dirt coming out of the rug. Keep on shaking it until all the dust and dirt appears to have gone.
If you have no-one to help you, place it on the clothes line. Peg one side of the rug to the clothes line, while you hold and shake the other side.
Try and make the effort to give it a good shake at least every month.
2. Leave your rug outside for a while, but not in the sun
After you've given your rug a good shake, leave it outside to air it, preferably for a few hours. This can help get out any odours and help freshen it.
Don't leave it in the sun. Your Flokati rug is made of wool and too much sunlight can make the wool on your rug look yellow. Sun can discolour woollen items.
3. Brush your rug
Get a soft bristle brush and brush the rug. This can untangle any matted woollen fibers. Brush it from the center towards the outsides of the rug. Some of the fibers may get caught in the brush, and that is normal.
You may want to avoid vacuuming the Flokati rug, especially if you have a vacuum cleaner with a rotary brush in the head of the vacuum cleaner. The long woollen fibers can get stuck in the head of the vacuum cleaner, which isn't good for the rug or the vacuum cleaner.
4. Lift the woollen fibers
After you've given your rug a good shake, and a good brush, you can lift the woollen fibres with an ordinary plastic garden rake. Make sure the rake is clean. Place the rake at the base of the woollen fibres and gently lift the wool from the bottom up.
This should be fairly easy to do after you have brushed the rug. Some of the fibers may get caught in the rake and this is fine. This won't cause damage to your Flokati rug as it is very sturdy.
5. Washing your Flokati rug
A Flokati rug needs a good wash about once a year, depending on how dirty it gets.
If it is small, you can wash it in your machine on a gentle cycle. Use a mild detergent, the same you use for woollen clothes. Do not use bleach. Place it out in the shade to dry, and then give it a good brush once it has dried.
If your rug is large, place it outside and spray it with water. Get your brush, dip it in a mix of cold water and mild detergent and brush it. Then dry it in the shade. Brush it when it is dry, followed by raking it.
Shaking, airing, raking and washing your Flokati rug should keep it white, fluffy and clean.
