A luxury carpet is generally a permanent fixture in a Mumbai home. But maintaining its pristine condition is a constant battle against three specific enemies: humidity, salt air, and fine city soot.
To keep your new carpet in good condition, you must act promptly on spills, prevent shoes from tracking dirt inside, and maintain good indoor air quality.
At Bianca Cloth Spa, we handle the finest silks and wools from residences in Mumbai. And we know that standard cleaning often does more harm than good.
Here are my top five rules for professional carpet maintenance in a Mumbai home or business:
1. Blot the Spill, Save the Fibre
The moment you spill tea or wine, your instinct is to scrub. Please, do not do this. Scrubbing tears the delicate fibres and pushes the liquid deep into the backing.
Instead, take a clean, white microfibre cloth. Press it firmly into the spill to blot the liquid. Start working from the outside of the spot toward the centre. If you are unsure how your specific fabric handles moisture, check our Guide to Wash Care Symbols before applying any water.
2. The "No-Shoes" Sanctuary
Mumbai street dust is incredibly abrasive. It contains a mix of construction debris and sea salt. When you walk on your carpet with outdoor shoes, you are rubbing sandpaper into the pile. This “sandpaper effect” destroys the sheen of silk and the bounce of wool.
I recommend a strict shoes-off policy. Place a stylish basket of plush indoor slippers at your entrance. This simple habit reduces the grit in your carpet by half. It keeps your home truly private and clean.
3. The Humidity Trap
In our coastal city, moisture is a silent yet deadly threat. Many homeowners think they are helping by “wet-cleaning” a spot themselves. But that is a catastrophic mistake.
If the backing of a luxury carpet remains damp for more than a few hours, it can lead to internal mould or “browning.” This damage is often permanent. Keep your dehumidifier active and never soak a luxury rug with water.
4. Precision Vacuuming
Many high-end vacuums use “beater bars” or rotating brushes. These can ruin a hand-knotted silk or wool carpet by pulling out the loops.
Switch your vacuum to the “suction-only” setting. Use a HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) filter to trap the microscopic dust that settles deep in the pile. Vacuuming twice a week to keep the base of the fibres clear of debris.
5. Schedule a Bi-Annual Spa Treatment
Home vacuuming only removes surface dirt. Over time, oily soot and allergens bond to the fibres. For luxury carpets, I recommend a professional deep clean every six months.
At Bianca, we offer specialised services that go beyond basic washing. We use pH-neutral, eco-friendly solutions tailored to your carpet’s specific material. Such techniques restore the natural oils in wool and the lustre in silk without leaving a sticky residue.